Book Review: City of Fallen Angels, by Cassandra Clare

Author: Cassandra Clare
Release Date: April 5th, 2011
Publisher: Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing Division
4.5 Stars - Loved this book, will read over again!

Synopsis: The Mortal War is over, and Clary Fray is back home in New York, excited about all the possibilities before her. She's training to become a Shadowhunter and to use her unique power. Her mother is getting married to the love of her life. Downworlders and Shadowhunters are at peace at last. And—most important of all—Clary can finally call Jace her boyfriend.
But nothing comes without a price.
Someone is murdering the Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine's Circle, provoking tensions between Downworlders and Shadowhunters that could lead to a second bloody war. Clary's best friend, Simon, can't help her. His mother just found out that he's a vampire and now he's homeless. Everywhere he turns, someone wants him on their side—along with the power of the curse that's wrecking his life. And they're willing to do anything to get what they want. At the same time he's dating two beautiful, dangerous girls—neither of whom knows about the other.
When Jace begins to pull away from Clary without explaining why, she is forced to delve into the heart of a mystery whose solution reveals her worst nightmare: She herself has set in motion a terrible chain of events that could lead to her losing everything she loves. Even Jace.
Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge. The stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels.

I have never been quite when it comes to my love of this author.  The first three books in this series are some of my favorite books ever read!  When I finished the first three, I ended up re-reading them over and over again till I knew them cover to cover.  As soon as I found out there would be a fourth book in this series I was ecstatic.  But I questioned how she could continue this story, when it all seemed to come together at the end of the third book.  I never should have questioned Cassandra Clare and her ability to take me into this world, keep me questioning and shock me half to death!  I have now labeled her "The Queen of Cliffhangers".  

I tried to slowly read this book, take in everything I could.  Well, that was thrown out the window as soon as Sebastian re-entered the picture.  I could not put it down, I spent nights snuggled up on the couch ignoring my motherly duties as the dishes and laundry piled up around me.  I loved the suspense, the drama and the complete involvement of all the characters and more from the first three books.  I got to know Simon more and feel his pain, resentment and shame as he struggles with his new vampire-hood.  I learned that Isabelle is not cold hearted, she is just protective of her heart to an immeasurable point.  I loved the tie in to Clockwork Angel with Magnus and Camille.  And I fell in love with Jace all over again. 

The foreshadowing involved in this book gives some clues to what may or may not be next.  My heart completely stopped when Lilith's mark started to once again burn on Jace's chest, and Sebastian called him to him.  Did Sebastian posses Jace? Is he going to body snatch him and try to trick Clary? Will Sabastian rise as a Vampire even if he didn't ingest any of Simon's blood?  So many questions!   

Clare weaves an intricately mesmerizing story that takes me to the very world I love of Shadowhunters.  I will read her books over and over again, and I am so excited that my kid will be old enough to read them soon and we will be able to share them together.  I know she will love them as much as I do!

picture and synopsis courtesy of Goodreads