City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare: Some (non-spoilery) thoughts

In the essence of time, this won’t be the most polished review, but here are some mostly non-spoilery thoughts on the latest addition to Cassandra Clare’s The Mortal Instruments series, City of Fallen Angels.

Fans will not be disappointed with the fast-paced plot and intricate puzzle pieces that require readers to keep up or fall behind. Like Clary, who is in the middle of Shadowhunter training, you must hold your own or be tossed to the … demons.

There are two new significant characters that add much to the plot, and I hope they stick around in the next books. The third new character … you’ll have to read to find out. Which leads me to another brilliant plot point: Biblical mythology. Clare, again, manages to incorporate Judeo-Christian concepts without alienating readers who don’t necessary like “religious” books. Those who do practice Judaism or Christianity will find much food for thought.

Since I’m known at Novel Novice as “the picky one,” here’s my one complaint: The obstacle between Clary and Jace feels like deja vu. We’ve seen this before, with a few tweaked details. I wish Clare had picked a different obstacle, rather than [slight spoiler ahead] the “I love you, but I can’t be with you, and I can’t tell you why, so I’m going to be a martyr.” We saw it earlier in the series, and we’re seeing it with Will and Tessa in The Infernal Devices.

Speaking of The Infernal Devices, there are a number of references to it in City of Fallen Angels, and those who have read it will appreciate the character background, especially those that appear in both series.  Sorry I can’t be more specific, but I don’t want to give anything away.

Final verdict: City of Fallen Angels is a page-turner of the highest order with well-researched concepts and compelling characters. Clary and Jace fans will not be disappointed (hello, #DSAS!), even if their relationship seems doomed (again).