Book Review #324 - City of Fallen Angels (The Mortal Instruments #4) by Cassandra Clare

The Mortal War is over, and sixteen-year-old Clary Fray is back home in New York, excited about all the possibilities before her. She's training to become a Shadowhunter and to use her unique power. Her mother is getting married to the love of her life. Downworlders and Shadowhunters are at peace at last. And - most importantly of all - she can finally call Jace her boyfriend.

But nothing comes without a price.

Someone is murdering Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine's Circle, provoking tensions between Downworlders and Shadowhunters that could lead to a second bloody war. Clary's best friend, Simon, can't help her. His mother just found out that he's a vampire and now he's homeless. Everywhere he turns, someone wants him on their side - along with the power of the curse that's wrecking his life. And they're willing to do anything to get what they want. At the same time he's dating two beautiful, dangerous girls - neither of whom knows about the other one.

When Jace begins to pull away from Clary without explaining why, she is forced to delve into the heart of a mystery whose solution reveals her worst nightmare: She herself has set in motion a terrible chain of events that could lead to her losing everything she loves. Even Jace.

 

 

My Rating: 3.5/5

 

 

Given that the first three books were meant to be a trilogy, I wasn't really sure what to expect from this book. I thought that it was a little weaker in terms of plot than the original three but was glad to be back in the world of Shadowhunters.

 

 

When I first started reading this book and found out that Simon was the dominant character I didn't think I was going to like it as much as what I did. Simon just isn't one of my favourite characters at all, but I did quite like him in this book.

 

 

It was good how the vampire dynamics were explored a little deeper. It is also good to see how Simon is adapting to his new life not only as a vampire, but also as a daylighter.

 

 

Alec was a character that really irritated me throughout the entire book. He was really insecure with his relationship with Magnus.

 

 

Jace was another character that I liked less in this book. He wasn't as mopey as he was in book three but still annoyed me. His relationship with Clary was all over the place.