Pages: 424
Genre: Paranormal, Fantasy
Source: Mega Bookshop Haul
Rating: 4 Stars
Series: The Mortal Instruments (#4)
The Short Version: Not perfect, but unexpectedly enjoyable.
The Breakdown:
Initial Reaction:
I am not usually a fan of paranormalcy. Especially not paranormal romance. Luckily, I was pleasantly surprised. City of Fallen Angels showed that pretty decent action can go along with it. I actually didn't like the cover at all though. Get that character off my cover!
This is the fourth book in the series, and the first one I've read (comes after City of Bones, City of Ashes and City of Glass). I actually bought it because I'd seen so many quotes from it here! I was left guessing about many of the preceding events because I'm starting with the fourth in the series but I figured it out. Except for the Jace/Clary thing. I know they're not *exactly* related but...Reading their backstory would help. I really should read series' in order!
Setting:
Basically, world with vampires, warlocks, werewolves, Shadowhunters, Angel, STRONG references to an almighty deity....you catch my drift. The *under*current of God would have been a bit of a turnoff but it avoided it somehow, a spectacular feat when put beside my aversion to authors being too preachy in their professional works. The outside world is oblivious to what's going on, just the way I like it. Can you imagine how bad Harry Potter and Skulduggery Pleasant (and many more) would have been if the public knew about magic?!Characters:
Clary: I noticed that a lot of the novel is spent with different characters talking about Clary, not necessarily with her talking, which was interesting. Of course, she featured prominently, being on the cover and all....the relationship between her and Jace was interesting enough, but I'm very glad it wasn't made the focal point of the novel. I CAN'T TAKE ANY MORE PARANORMAL ROMANCE! UNLESS THE PROSE IS ACTUALLY UNBELIEVABLE!
and will keep you
Jace: To be honest, I just love Jace's fighting scenes to bits. I love where his speed and skill are described, because they're somehow the opposite of a certain 'skin as hard as granite'. As in, at the right moments and not overwhelming. I didn't really appreciate his dreaming episodes. Very angsty. But they furthered the plot, so I'll let it go.
Simon: I really liked Simon, actually. He was one of my favourite characters because I subconsciously identified him as the underdog and sided with him. I'm not going to avoid spoilers too much, the book's been out long enough. Don't crucify me, I usually do. His 'coming-out scene' with his mother (I just made you think he's gay, even though he isn't. Didn't I?) was excellently written and just the right side of angsty. You can always count on a paranormal for that! OH MY THE MARK OF CAIN.
There are so many other characters. Wait until you read the book!
Plot:
I've heard say that this was an unnecessary addition to the original trilogy. While I haven't actually READ said original trilogy *cough*, I really don't think it was. there were plenty of events in it and since I've decided not to spoil it after all, I can't tell you what they are. What I CAN say is that one scene at the end, which reminded me of a terrifying Snow White coffin scene, was brilliant.. Look out for it when you read it. Which you are going to do, aren't you? Of course. The plot isn't exactly fast-moving, but it's not noticeably slow and will keep you plenty entertained.
Jumped out at me: Issues, issues everywhere.
Cassandra Clare is really not afraid to jump in the deep end. With controversial issues, she's got all the bases covered. Let's see now. Ho- Actually, I wrote all this and then backspaced it. I think people will take offence. Sorry.
Overall
Initially slow, but it really grew on me towards the end. Hilarious quotes. A terrible cliffhanger. I'll definitely be reading City of Bones/Ashes/Glass!
I think you should go here next...
That last one is quite negative and the first one is positive. Nobody ever said I wasn't balanced! Oh wait, I did. Today I bought a dystopian with prize money from a book review contest and I have an excellent review of that on the way, so come back soon!
I can't believe you read this one first without reading the first three! I bet that must have been confusing, but you seem to have gotten the gist the the characters and story. I do absolutely recommend that you read the first three and also the steampunk spinoff series Clockwork Angel, which is also excellent. I'm glad you loved Simon because he's one of my favourites, too!
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DeleteI know, I know! This was the only one I could get my hands on at the time and I'm far too impatient for my own good! I think I will actually, when I finish rereading the Supernaturalists (Eoin Colfer) (love this author). Oh that sounds interesting, thanks!
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