City of Fallen Angels (Mortal Instruments #4) by Cassandra Clare

Rating: 4.5/5

This is the Book 3 of the Mortal Instruments Series

Sequels: City of Lost Souls (To be released, May 2012), City of Heavenly Fire (To be released , September 2013)

Synopsis:

City of Fallen Angels takes place two months after the events of City of Glass. In it, a mysterious someone’s killing the Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine’s Circle and displaying their bodies around New York City in a manner designed to provoke hostility between Downworlders and Shadowhunters, leaving tensions running high in the city and disrupting Clary’s plan to lead as normal a life as she can — training to be a Shadowhunter, and pursuing her relationship with Jace. As Jace and Clary delve into the issue of the murdered Shadowhunters, they discover a mystery that has deeply personal consequences for them — consequences that may strengthen their relationship, or rip it apart forever.

Meanwhile, internecine warfare among vampires is tearing the Downworld community apart, and only Simon — the Daylighter who everyone wants on their side — can decide the outcome; too bad he wants nothing to do with Downworld politics. Love, blood, betrayal and revenge: the stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels.

Review:

I was pretty sure City of Glass would've been the last book in the series. Hearing the next book was coming out, I was thankful. Several feedback include the fact that the author would've ended the story right then and there in City of Glass. 

I'd like to disagree. 
I have a thing for sequels that gives them an excuse to cheap out a little bit if the first few books can actually kick butt. (and the author should guarantee a whirlwind of a last and final installment.) 
I don't feel like this book was any less captivating in comparison to the first three, though. I see the characters grow and emotions bleed into the pages. If it were the writing style, then I guess there's completely no problem at all-I always loved Clare when she writes. The plot was amazing and consistent. The heap of questions left after you closed the book might be the problem of people who didn't like it as much. 
I personally think it's just a cliffhanger of some sort to keep the writing space wide and exciting. As if the end gave more room for the next story to blow your mind


I like the vulnerability of the characters in this part of the series. That one who has appeared to be strong and well, has proven to be strong as well become so hurt, tortured and human. There are others too, who had been weak for the past few books, show the strength despite the image of an incapable warrior. The little details like shopping for a dress and conversations are impressively relevant to every huge thing that the climax have come to provide.


There are a few things like Jace's restraint and his sudden bipolar actions make me want to kick the wall. But all of those are relevant and sensible which keeps the story holding up in place without feeling like there's some stray detail or inside joke you should try to dig up again and understand.


Overall, this is lovely and exquisite. Less of Idris, but the glasses in the city can cut deep.