"City of Fallen Angels," by Cassandra Clare

This book was a major letdown. It's mostly a lot of lead-up to the ending with nothing happening through the rest of it. I'm glad Simon and Isabelle were featured more, but the Jace and Clary drama was just ridiculous. Granted, most teenagers are ridiculous in their angst and hormones and their feelings of "no one will ever understand me!" But characters should rise above that, not wallow in it.

Jace tortures himself over and over again about his upbringing, his father Valentine versus his real father Stephen Herondale, his feelings about his feelings (I know, right? Annoying much?), how he doesn't really deserve happiness with Clary.

Clary doesn't understand why Jace is pulling away from her, so she decides to stay away from him. More drama and doubt and zero communication.

And then there's the sickly sweet reunion between them before, shocker, Jace turns dark inside again.

Basically, the whole book is like a place-holder for Clare's next book. If the first three in the series weren't so darn good, I'd be severely annoyed at having wasted my time reading this one. The only saving grace was that we get more involved in the lives of Simon, Isabelle, Maia, Jordan, Alec and Magnus.

Sorry, Cassandra Clare. I love this series and your writing talent, but this falls far short of what you're capable of.

2 stars

"City of Glass," by Cassandra Clare

Second time around reading this book in preparation for "City of Fallen Angels."

There was plenty of action in this third installment of the Mortal Instruments series, as well as tension for Jace and Clary as they struggle with their feelings for each other. Valentine's diabolical plans are clear: to infiltrate the City of Glass and take down the Clave. How he hopes to accomplish this isn't so clear, at least until the end.

The introduction of possible new love interests for Jace and Clary serve as a way they can rid themselves of inappropriate feelings toward each other. Simon is also given a chance to become more of the story, proving to the Shadowhunters that he is strong and trustworthy.

I felt this was a strong book and would have made a great end to a great series. Unfortunately, Clare's "City of Fallen Angels" prolonged the storyline, and not in a good way. I can only hope the fifth book brings back the action and amazing level of writing talent I know that Clare possesses.

5 stars

"City of Ashes," by Cassandra Clare

**Spoiler alert** Don't read this review if you haven't read the first book yet.



Book 2 in the series finds Clary dealing with the emotional fallout of learning Jace is her brother. She turns to best friend Simon to lose herself in something resembling love, but pretending does neither of them well. Her mother is still in a comatose state and her father, Valentine, is still perpetrating horrific acts of violence and destruction in the attempt to collect all three Mortal Instruments.

Clary and Jace each begin to realize the special gifts Valentine has given them while negotiating the minefield of their feelings for each other. Adding to their difficulties is the conviction of the Clave's Inquisitor that Jace is secretly helping Valentine.

Lots of action in this book. Kept me up until 2 a.m. to finish, even though I've already read it once before. That's good writing, folks.

5 stars

"City of Bones," by Casssandra Clare

Re-reading series since the fourth book just came out. Still love this as much as the first time I read it.

After her mother suddenly disappears, Clary discovers the world is inhabited by demons, vampires, werewolves and other Downworlders and that she, herself, comes from a line of Shadowhunters. Created by an angel, Shadowhunters protect humans by dispatching demons back to their own worlds. But one dark Shadowhunter long thought dead has come back with a new plan to rule the world as...moreRe-reading series since the fourth book just came out. Still love this as much as the first time I read it.

After her mother suddenly disappears, Clary discovers the world is inhabited by demons, vampires, werewolves and other Downworlders and that she, herself, comes from a line of Shadowhunters. Created by an angel, Shadowhunters protect humans by dispatching demons back to their own worlds. But one dark Shadowhunter long thought dead has come back with a new plan to rule the world as he sees fit.

Clary must search for and find the Mortal Cup before it ends up in the wrong hands. She joins Shadowhunters Alec, Isabel and Jace, along with her best friend Simon, as they battle vamps, a Greater Demon, and each other in their quest.

Complicating things is the attraction Clary and Jace have for each other, while poor Simon has been in love with Clary for years. An additional complication involves Valentine, but I won't spoil it for new readers.

Very "Harry Potter" meets "Twilight." Except with all the great writing of HP and none of the constant damsel in distress of "Twilight."

5 stars

"Clockwork Angel," by Cassandra Clare

There wasn't really much about the clockwork angel--the necklace Tessa wears--in the book. Mostly that she wore it, then a brief scene toward the end when it animates and helps save her life. Didn't even seem to be that surprising to the main character.

Love the triangle with Tessa, Will and Jem. Even more so that it's so subtle between Jem and Tessa. Pretty sure only Will really notices. Should make for great scenes in next book.

Love the world of Shadowhunters. So much freedo...moreThere wasn't really much about the clockwork angel--the necklace Tessa wears--in the book. Mostly that she wore it, then a brief scene toward the end when it animates and helps save her life. Didn't even seem to be that surprising to the main character.

Love the triangle with Tessa, Will and Jem. Even more so that it's so subtle between Jem and Tessa. Pretty sure only Will really notices. Should make for great scenes in next book.

Love the world of Shadowhunters. So much freedom for story lines, yet Clare sets rules and keeps it believable.

The villain isn't as scary as Valentine was in the first series, but there's room to grow.

Can't wait for next book!

4.5 stars