City of Fallen Angels

Review Time! So I’m a “little” late on the program but I’ve finally finished City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare, as many of you already know COFA is the fourth installment in the phenomenal YA Fantasy series – Mortal Instruments. The first book is getting turned into a movie so it must be pretty good! Thanks to Walker Books for the review copy!

(Goodreads) The Mortal War is over, and 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 important of all—Clary can finally call Jace her boyfriend. 

But nothing comes without a price. 

Someone is murdering the 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 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 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. 

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. 

The Short Story? – More or less what I expected which means it’s totally awesome! Clare has written another fantastic novel that has left me begging for more – Queen of Cliffhangers! As always, brilliantly witty, filled with humor, one heck of a twisted plot and characters that will stay with you forever along with Harry Potter and for the better or worse – Edward Cullen. Bravo Clare – you’ve done it again!

The Long Story? – I’m thrilled that Clare decided not to finish the series after book 3 and signed up for another 3 books because I LOVE this series! COFA is a little different to the first three books and it almost feels like reading an entirely different series in the fact that the same characters have started a new chapter of their lives – a new adventure. The characters are faced with a new threat and the ending suggests that an epic showdown will be necessary. There are more references to the Infernal Devices in COFA and some new characters have been introduced. Clare has the skill to switch from humor to serious in a blink of an eye and I found my elf at odds constantly laughing and then gripping the edge of my seat with a pounding hart! Beautifully written, COFA is a must-read for fans of YA fiction (in general!)

As far as characterization goes, aside from new minor characters and further development in earlier introduced characters. I found it really weird reading COFA at first because it wasn’t focused on Clary and Jace. The novel told from the perspectives of a variety of different characters and each of their individual stories build up to be become the bigger picture. I feel like after reading COFA, I understand more about Simon (who is kind of the “main” character) and while I’m still completely Jace and Clary 4EVA – Simon deserves his shot at happiness. He’s a pretty decent guy aside from the wee mistake he made! I starting to *really* like Kyle (aka Jordan) and a teaser for those like me – Jace and Clary 4EVA is really heating up! Fabulous!

In the end it all comes down to – to read or not to read. Two thumbs up for me, Clare is a highly talented writer and her novels can be enjoyed by readers of all ages and genres. I enjoyed COFA and many of you will too! Beautifully written, great characterization and a fantastic plot. Another fantastic novel in a unputdownable series!

What’s it Worth? – Hand Over the Paycheck

Badass Bookie xx