Okay so the real main character in her books is Jace. She is a master at character development. We fall hopelessly in love with him along with Clary. But now after four books it's the same old thing; Clarissa can't have a normal relationship with Jace. It's starting to get really old. I almost feel as if Cassandra Clare wanted to end this story differently, but perhaps was persuaded to change the ending by her editor. It feels like it to me. Like it was set up.
What I find even more fascinating are the other characters, like Simon Lewis and Isabelle Lightwood. And normally when writers introduce a new character, they are generally somehow suspicious. As a rule, readers don't trust them, coming in so late in the story, but in this case she adds a new mix to an old set of figures.
I think for me, this is the last one I'll read, as I don't want to be strung along anymore.
What I find even more fascinating are the other characters, like Simon Lewis and Isabelle Lightwood. And normally when writers introduce a new character, they are generally somehow suspicious. As a rule, readers don't trust them, coming in so late in the story, but in this case she adds a new mix to an old set of figures.
I think for me, this is the last one I'll read, as I don't want to be strung along anymore.
Becky (2manyb00ks) reviewed City of Fallen Angels (Mortal Instruments, Bk 4) on + 203 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
What a great book with such a TERRIBLE ending. This book was a pleasant, quick read, but I hated the ending. I am definitely a lover of happy endings and this book was just not that! For Moms of teens, this book gets a bit racier than other books in the series. Overall, I think with a few tweaks on the 3rd book (City of Glass) Miss Clare could've ended the series there. This book was a disappointment for me.
Not sure I am interested in reading 5 & 6 although this one sure leaves you hanging.
Not sure I am interested in reading 5 & 6 although this one sure leaves you hanging.
Melissa B. (dragoneyes) -
Helpful Score: 1
I really liked the first three books in the series and was looking forward to this one. Boy did I have a hard time getting through this one! There was so much teenager angst between all of them I thought I was going to scream! I know that it is a young adult book and that there would probably be some of this in there but this book was mostly filled with it. It really didn't get interesting until it was almost over. In the first three books I loved all the characters, the world in which it set up and all the fast paced action. This one didn't really have any of that. The characters were there but by the time I finished the book, I didn't like most of them very much anymore. Nothing new on the Shadowhunter world and it really wasn't fast paced until the end. Really thought about not reading book 5 but a friend who agrees with me on this one said 5 is better. So I might try it. I just hope it redeems book 4.
Helpful Score: 1
I read the first four Mortal Instruments books all in a row. I love the world Clare has created. Her characters are interesting and their struggles compelling. Love them. But, that said, this book was very hard on a loyal fan. I'm tired of Jace getting a raw deal again and again -- and now, given the cliffhanger ending, AGAIN. I'm tired of Clary always dropping her stele - or after she devises a weapon out of something ordinary, dropping that 2 seconds after she's used it once. She's impetuous and careless and we're supposed to root for her but after all she's gone through, wouldn't you think she'd be more careful? She may be new to this world of Shadowhunters and demons but when her power has to do with writing marks, you'd think she'd keep a writing instrument nearby at all times! I'm not sure I can read another book in this series. Clare is too hard on Jace and these books are supposed to be FUN to read.
Amanda W. (mcdizzle) reviewed City of Fallen Angels (Mortal Instruments, Bk 4) on + 15 more book reviews
Valentine has finally been defeated. Sebastian has disappeared into the darkness. And there is finally peace between Shadowhunters and Downworlders. What more could anyone want? If only they knew this was just the beginning. While Clary's mother is planning her wedding, someone else is planning demise. Things are finally starting to settle down in the world but they will never stay that way. There's never a dull moment in the world of Shadowhunters, or with their friends. One starts to wonder why anyone would want to be a part of this world. Well... I would.
Sure there are a lot of sucky things that come with this lifestyle. But I for one would welcome it with open arms. This group of people is so close and care about each other so much that there doesn't seem to be anything in the world that can tear them apart. Then again, there is always someone lurking in the shadows that wants to do just that. And without knowing exactly who it is, how will they be able to stop them? You'll just have to read and find out! This book sticks with the awesomeness that is the Mortal Instruments. Yet another title that is unable to be considered a let down. It just keeps getting better!
Sure there are a lot of sucky things that come with this lifestyle. But I for one would welcome it with open arms. This group of people is so close and care about each other so much that there doesn't seem to be anything in the world that can tear them apart. Then again, there is always someone lurking in the shadows that wants to do just that. And without knowing exactly who it is, how will they be able to stop them? You'll just have to read and find out! This book sticks with the awesomeness that is the Mortal Instruments. Yet another title that is unable to be considered a let down. It just keeps getting better!
Alaina H. (laina42107) reviewed City of Fallen Angels (Mortal Instruments, Bk 4) on + 115 more book reviews
Not sure how I felt about this book. I will say it took me forever to read! Not as compelling, no good direction, overkill....maybe? I really hate when there is a good series and it does well, so they feel they need to keep cranking out books that usually ruin the whole series. I felt the same way about the "Beautiful Creatures" books. The third book should have been the end. But NO they had to go on and write a fourth book. Which IMO was super weird and pointless. "The City of Glass" had a good ending and closure and I can't help but feel that this book was a mistake i.e. beating a dead horse. I will give the fifth book a try if I can get it for free. I wouldn't want to waste my money.
Heather D. (daylily77) reviewed City of Fallen Angels (Mortal Instruments, Bk 4) on + 236 more book reviews
I know what all the hype is about over these books. I've been listening to them on cd. In this book the female part is read by Molly Quinn (the talented red-headed daughter of Richard Castle).
I enjoyed learning the Shadowhunters names for Lilith and delving further into Clare's vampire lore. Also learning more about her ideas on lycanthropy. It amazes me the different things authors can bring to the table to keep things fresh for their series.
Looking forward to the rest of the series.
I enjoyed learning the Shadowhunters names for Lilith and delving further into Clare's vampire lore. Also learning more about her ideas on lycanthropy. It amazes me the different things authors can bring to the table to keep things fresh for their series.
Looking forward to the rest of the series.
Laura S. (nisforneville) -
I'm starting to dislike Jace as much as I dislike Clary. If half of this book wasn't in Simon's POV, I probably would have given up on it. This book is like 90% filler. Even the Alec and Magnus bits barely saved this
Ramona M. (Grazona) reviewed City of Fallen Angels (Mortal Instruments, Bk 4) on + 119 more book reviews
I'm really enjoying this series. I thought this book was a great addition to the series, the characters are staying true to themselves. This one was a bit racier than the previous ones but I was okay with that. I'm looking forward to the 5th book and to seeing how the saga finally ends.
Good read
Kerin T. (KLRinny) reviewed City of Fallen Angels (Mortal Instruments, Bk 4) on + 6 more book reviews
Part of a series. Read the series. One of the most enjoyable I've read in a long time. I became attached to the characters.
Ramona M. (Grazona) reviewed City of Fallen Angels (Mortal Instruments, Bk 4) on + 119 more book reviews
This was my least favorite of the series. Definitely not as satisfying as I was hoping. The story was weirder and tougher to follow than the previous ones and I didn't get closure at the end like I wanted. It seemed like the author wanted each character to have a sexual experience and that felt odd at times.
Heather D. (daylily77) reviewed City of Fallen Angels (Mortal Instruments, Bk 4) on + 236 more book reviews
I know what all the hype is about over these books. I've been listening to them on cd. In this book the female part is read by Molly Quinn (the talented red-headed daughter of Richard Castle).
I enjoyed learning the Shadowhunters names for Lilith and delving further into Clare's vampire lore. Also learning more about her ideas on lycanthropy. It amazes me the different things authors can bring to the table to keep things fresh for their series.
Looking forward to the rest of the series.
I enjoyed learning the Shadowhunters names for Lilith and delving further into Clare's vampire lore. Also learning more about her ideas on lycanthropy. It amazes me the different things authors can bring to the table to keep things fresh for their series.
Looking forward to the rest of the series.
Melanie (MELNELYNN) reviewed City of Fallen Angels (Mortal Instruments, Bk 4) on + 669 more book reviews
I have mixed feelings towards this book. I don't know where to start.
This was more fast-paced than the previous books. At least at this point, my impatience did not kick in. Hooray!
And Clare's words? *sigh* perfectly sweet, bittersweet, hilarious, tear-jerking and fascinating in whichever intended.
The emotions filling in were swimming graciously throughout and the whole story was solidly written, in a way that doesn't make me shake my head puzzled. Despite shifting from different angles, it held together strikingly. Speaking of shifting angles, I loved having to envision scenes of each character from different points of view, may it be Simon, Clary or Jace or whoever, it was interesting.
Now moving to characters, let me start by saying that there are rather a lot of very interesting twists in their lives. I love that they grew so much through each book, especially this one. Well, most of them at least. I like Clary's stubbornness this time; I guess it's growing on me now. Ha! Ha! Simon is deepening his mark on me as well. Isabelle, I've always loved Isabelle, is showing a rather vulnerable side of her that she hasn't shown before. Alec and Magnus? Even more interesting. LOL! Then there's the blast of new characters, Jordan, Lilith, Camille, that just makes this series ever more exciting. And we now move to Jace, my happiness and satisfaction just then goes POOF!
It leaves me uttering one word to Clare. WHY?! WHY, CLARE? WHY???!!!!
What did Jace ever do to you that gives you the urge to make him suffer? I mean, hasn't he been through enough? Heartbreak? Pain? Death? Please! Give the guy a break!
I thought that at this point, someone else from the set of characters was taking the lead on this book. Simon, specifically. But no! there's that stealthy, steady pull towards Jace's life and by the ending Clare just made it harder for me to bear.
I would've adored this book, but I don't like it when endings leave me hanging dreadfully in way that I seemed required to read the next book just to satisfy myself.
City of Fallen Angels was a fun experience, but obviously, if the Mortal Instruments was a TV show, it just opened up its second season with this book. It would've been fine to keep adding up a new tale to the lives of the characters, but if it keeps on focusing on particularly making one person suffer repeatedly, it won't be as interesting as the first.
Then again, I've always been an optimist so I will push my apprehension aside, despite how heartbroken I feel right now *sob! whispering Jace's name over and over again*, and say that I'm eager to read the next book and Clare will do me justice this time around. I hope...
This was more fast-paced than the previous books. At least at this point, my impatience did not kick in. Hooray!
And Clare's words? *sigh* perfectly sweet, bittersweet, hilarious, tear-jerking and fascinating in whichever intended.
The emotions filling in were swimming graciously throughout and the whole story was solidly written, in a way that doesn't make me shake my head puzzled. Despite shifting from different angles, it held together strikingly. Speaking of shifting angles, I loved having to envision scenes of each character from different points of view, may it be Simon, Clary or Jace or whoever, it was interesting.
Now moving to characters, let me start by saying that there are rather a lot of very interesting twists in their lives. I love that they grew so much through each book, especially this one. Well, most of them at least. I like Clary's stubbornness this time; I guess it's growing on me now. Ha! Ha! Simon is deepening his mark on me as well. Isabelle, I've always loved Isabelle, is showing a rather vulnerable side of her that she hasn't shown before. Alec and Magnus? Even more interesting. LOL! Then there's the blast of new characters, Jordan, Lilith, Camille, that just makes this series ever more exciting. And we now move to Jace, my happiness and satisfaction just then goes POOF!
It leaves me uttering one word to Clare. WHY?! WHY, CLARE? WHY???!!!!
What did Jace ever do to you that gives you the urge to make him suffer? I mean, hasn't he been through enough? Heartbreak? Pain? Death? Please! Give the guy a break!
I thought that at this point, someone else from the set of characters was taking the lead on this book. Simon, specifically. But no! there's that stealthy, steady pull towards Jace's life and by the ending Clare just made it harder for me to bear.
I would've adored this book, but I don't like it when endings leave me hanging dreadfully in way that I seemed required to read the next book just to satisfy myself.
City of Fallen Angels was a fun experience, but obviously, if the Mortal Instruments was a TV show, it just opened up its second season with this book. It would've been fine to keep adding up a new tale to the lives of the characters, but if it keeps on focusing on particularly making one person suffer repeatedly, it won't be as interesting as the first.
Then again, I've always been an optimist so I will push my apprehension aside, despite how heartbroken I feel right now *sob! whispering Jace's name over and over again*, and say that I'm eager to read the next book and Clare will do me justice this time around. I hope...
Carolina C. (carolinachapa) -
I hated this book, hated how the whole time I was reading this book I was on a coaster ride of emotions. One second I was happy with everyone, then I was frustrated at some of the characters (mostly Clary), then I was terrified at how the book would end (and I was right).
I did, however, love that most of the book was about Simon. He is one of my favorite characters, so much that I wish he were real and my friend.
I do love that I'm getting to read about these beloved characters more, but like another reviewer mentioned, this could have been all been wrapped up in City of Glass. Wasn't it supposed to be like that anyway?
I'm biding my time to read City of Lost Souls. I have a general idea where that story is going, but I know I'm still going to have A LOT of emotions about it.
I did, however, love that most of the book was about Simon. He is one of my favorite characters, so much that I wish he were real and my friend.
I do love that I'm getting to read about these beloved characters more, but like another reviewer mentioned, this could have been all been wrapped up in City of Glass. Wasn't it supposed to be like that anyway?
I'm biding my time to read City of Lost Souls. I have a general idea where that story is going, but I know I'm still going to have A LOT of emotions about it.
Sara N. (goldengirl911) reviewed City of Fallen Angels (Mortal Instruments, Bk 4) on + 3 more book reviews
I'm addicted to this series, I cant wait to see what happens to Jace & Clary in book 5!!
Just Barely 3 Stars. Spoilers Sweetie!
Possible spoilers and LOTS of rambling ahead:
So...to be honest I had no intention of finishing the series because I had read more bad than good reviews about books 4-6. But then I read The Bane Chronicles and some of the Shadowhunter Academy and I just needed closure on Simon's story arc, Alec and Magnus, as well as Luke.
I read this mostly to see what went down with Alec and Magnus. They were pretty much absent from 85% of the book which was irritating, but at least there was a lot of Simon.
I'm beyond pissed that Isabelle thought it was perfectly cool that she was casual with Simon and dating other people, but was so pissed that he was doing the same thing. And to be honest, it had nothing to do with the fact that it was someone she knew. She's so full of herself that she couldn't believe that anyone--especially nerdy Simon--could be interested in someone other than her. I love that Isabelle is hella confident with herself and her body, but she and Jace have that ridiculous arrogance in common. It seems as though this turn of events put her in her place, and maybe she's rethinking her behaviors. I certainly hope so, because I was routing for Simon and Izzy once I realized that Clary and Jace's relationship was inevitable *gag*.
As for Magnus and Alec, his upset over Magnus' past truly shows his lack of age and experience. I've never understood people's morbid curiosity about heir partner's past. The past is the past. It happened before you knew them so what has it got to do with your current relationship?! And Magnus is hundreds of years old, of course he's had many, many paramours, duh! And should he be lonely because his lover died or left him? He told Alec that before him, he had been alone for a very long time, shouldn't that have told him that Magnus didn't just jump from relationship to relationship? Just because your heart aches for one you lost, doesn't mean you can't open your self to someone else. And it certainly doesn't negate the feelings you had for the one you lost just because you move on. I have to say it bothered me, but to me it was very good writing. Alec is young and naive and completely inexperienced with life and love, so it does make sense for him to have this reaction. I think I would have been disappoint in the author if she made him completely cool with his former relationships.
I'm actually not looking forward to what is to come because I've been spoiled and know he basics of what's coming in the next book. But I want to see the whole progression and not just all the good stuff. Here's to hoping the author gifts me with proper angst and not just the wah-wah-Jace-Clary show. I am so over them. Jace is arrogant and a damned martyr; it's ridiculous! And Clary never stops to think about anything except how much she needs Jace. I get it, when you love someone so much nothing else matters, but don't get butt hurt when people call you on your selfishness, because it IS selfishness. Don't get me wrong, I'd burn down worlds for my beloved, I'd just be much more awesome about it. But then, I'm not a 16-year-old girl, so I suppose Clary can be forgiven. But it's still annoying as hell!
Possible spoilers and LOTS of rambling ahead:
So...to be honest I had no intention of finishing the series because I had read more bad than good reviews about books 4-6. But then I read The Bane Chronicles and some of the Shadowhunter Academy and I just needed closure on Simon's story arc, Alec and Magnus, as well as Luke.
I read this mostly to see what went down with Alec and Magnus. They were pretty much absent from 85% of the book which was irritating, but at least there was a lot of Simon.
I'm beyond pissed that Isabelle thought it was perfectly cool that she was casual with Simon and dating other people, but was so pissed that he was doing the same thing. And to be honest, it had nothing to do with the fact that it was someone she knew. She's so full of herself that she couldn't believe that anyone--especially nerdy Simon--could be interested in someone other than her. I love that Isabelle is hella confident with herself and her body, but she and Jace have that ridiculous arrogance in common. It seems as though this turn of events put her in her place, and maybe she's rethinking her behaviors. I certainly hope so, because I was routing for Simon and Izzy once I realized that Clary and Jace's relationship was inevitable *gag*.
As for Magnus and Alec, his upset over Magnus' past truly shows his lack of age and experience. I've never understood people's morbid curiosity about heir partner's past. The past is the past. It happened before you knew them so what has it got to do with your current relationship?! And Magnus is hundreds of years old, of course he's had many, many paramours, duh! And should he be lonely because his lover died or left him? He told Alec that before him, he had been alone for a very long time, shouldn't that have told him that Magnus didn't just jump from relationship to relationship? Just because your heart aches for one you lost, doesn't mean you can't open your self to someone else. And it certainly doesn't negate the feelings you had for the one you lost just because you move on. I have to say it bothered me, but to me it was very good writing. Alec is young and naive and completely inexperienced with life and love, so it does make sense for him to have this reaction. I think I would have been disappoint in the author if she made him completely cool with his former relationships.
I'm actually not looking forward to what is to come because I've been spoiled and know he basics of what's coming in the next book. But I want to see the whole progression and not just all the good stuff. Here's to hoping the author gifts me with proper angst and not just the wah-wah-Jace-Clary show. I am so over them. Jace is arrogant and a damned martyr; it's ridiculous! And Clary never stops to think about anything except how much she needs Jace. I get it, when you love someone so much nothing else matters, but don't get butt hurt when people call you on your selfishness, because it IS selfishness. Don't get me wrong, I'd burn down worlds for my beloved, I'd just be much more awesome about it. But then, I'm not a 16-year-old girl, so I suppose Clary can be forgiven. But it's still annoying as hell!
Barbara S. (barbsis) -
WOW! Cassandra Clare has just raised the bar! What an imagination she has. The twists and turns of this series are truly surprising and amazing. It's so convoluted that I never can figure out where the story is leading. Jace's situation continues to astound me. Simon and Clary's abilities continue to grow. I can't begin to review this book for fear of giving something important away. So suffice it to say that if you like The Mortal Instruments series so far, you are going to love this book! And the cliff-hanger ending will leave you begging for the next installment quickly.
