City Of Fallen Angels Review: Not As Charismatic As Its Predecessor
Something is really weird about The Mortal Instruments series because I am actually putting in efforts to like it. Before, it was either I like a series or I don’t like a series but with The Mortal Instruments, I am constantly forcing myself to like it to be able to complete it. This could also be because of the library membership I took to read this series. Whatever may be the reason, I still find my feelings for this series strange. Actually, this has a lot to do with Cassandra Clare. Her book series may be surrounded by controversies and may even be accused of plagiarism but despite it all, I still like Clare’s writing. I too feel the series is highly ‘inspired’ by a lot of other books but I still like Clare’s writing. I could finish a dull book like City of Fallen Angels only because Clare’s writing still has a hold on me and I think that is enough for me to keep going.
City Of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
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, 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. When Jace begins to pull away from her without explaining why, Clary 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.
(Description as on Goodreads.com)
I LIKE City Of Fallen Angels Because,
…I got to read more about Simon. Initially, when Jace was believed to be Clary’s brother, I thought Simon was indeed Clary’s actual hero and I grew curious to read more about him. But as the story proceeded it became clear that hero or not, Simon is not really meant for Clary but that did not dissolve my curiosity over him. I still wanted to know more about him because he is my quintessential second-lead who is always more dear to me than the main hero. And I am glad Simon had a lot of role in this book. His character growth is tremendous and it was interesting to see the different shades of him.
…angsty romance is my favourite. Yes, I did find Clary and Jace’s lack of communication frustrating but it only adds to their slow-burn romance which I love so much. When two lovers are separated against their will their reunion makes their love story more interesting. And this is exactly what works for Jace and Clary. The more they stay away from each other the more is their reunion sweeter and hotter. I may not be a big fan of either Jace or Clary but I like their romance. And I can’t wait to see them together forever.
I Do NOT Like City Of Fallen Angels Because,
…I did not know what to expect from this one. With Valentine’s death in the previous book, and every matter so neatly solved I really did not have anything left to know. For a major portion of the book, I was baffled because I did not know where the story was heading and what exactly were the characters fighting. I read somewhere that this series was supposed to be a trilogy but was later extended. So, that explains why everything was tied up nicely in the third book and why this book feels so out of place.
…it disappointed me. I LOVED the predecessor City of Glass which was just fantabulous. And it is obvious to expect something really good in the following book but sadly City of Fallen Angels lacks a strong plot. I am not sure if it even had a plot. I grew so tired of it that it flew through the second half of the book.
Favourite Quotes in City Of Fallen Angels
“You know, some people think Shadowhunters are just myths. Like mummies and genies.” Kyle grinned at Jace. “Can you grant wishes?”
“That depends,” he said. “Do you wish to be punched in the face?”
“No. That’s Clary; shes’s my best friend.” Simon pocketed his phone. “And she has a boyfriend. Like, really, really, really has a boyfriend. The nuclear bomb of boyfriends. Trust me on this one.”
“You left me. You made a pet out of me, and then you left me. If love were food, I would have starved on the bones you gave me.”
Final View: After reading City of Glass, City of Fallen Angels feels like a poor strategy to extend the story. Go for this book only if you genuinely like The Mortal Instruments series.
You can check out Amazon.in for a discount on this book.
Also Read: