BOOK REVIEW: City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

It has been a very long time since I read the first three books in this series and I did have to refresh my memory several times whilst reading City of Fallen Angels, which is why I'd say that this isn't really a stand-alone book. In order to fully enjoy and understand all the references and character relationships, I think it is essential for the reader to have read the previous three books. All the characters in City of Fallen Angels have developed and changed a lot since their debut in City of Bones and in order to understand the characters in City of Fallen Angels, you need know why they are who they are and what events shaped their personalities. The reason the first three books are so important to this series is because the complicated plot twists that were unravelled in them need to be understood by the reader. I think that the first three novels work very well together as a collection and City of Fallen Angels is sort of like a new part to the story that kicks off after the events in the first three books have been resolves. (This would be because the series was supposed to end with City of Glass). At least, this is what it appears to be for the majority of the novel. Towards the end, there is (of course) a dramatic plot twist, bringing back things from the past in ways you would never expect and you realise that the action from the first three novels isn't over. 

City of Fallen Angels is certainly a fast paced novel that keeps you hooked from beginning to end. Many characters are sort of transitioning from their old selves to their new selves and there are also a couple of new characters introduced. The plot line is constantly moving, and definitely keeps you on your toes. The action is just non stop - just when you think it's all over, something else happens to kickstart it all over again and this is why I love Cassandra Clare's books so much. There is never a dull moment in this series, there are no empty or undeveloped characters, they are all incredibly complex and their life stories weave in and out of each others in such a fascinating manner.

Clary and Jace have always had a complicated relationship and I'm sorry to say that things do not go smoothly for them in City of Fallen Angels. This pair are definitely the central characters to the novel; however, this novel is not solely orientated around their romance. There is also a lot of family drama, friend drama and demon drama which brings so much action to the novel. I would say that this book is a lot more tight knit than the previous three. I think the focus is narrowed down to a few, very important characters who are all deeply involved in the plot line, whereas in previous books there has often been different people doing different things but in City of Fallen Angels, all the characters have some business with all the other characters.

This is a must read for anyone who loves anything to do with the paranormal/fantasy genre will love this young adult book and I cannot recommend it enough. It is full of romance, suspense, drama and action and I guarantee that you will not be able to put this book down! In addition, the film of City of Bones is set to be released in 2013, so get ahead of the game and read the series now.