City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

 

I am a big fan of both the Mortal Instruments series and the Infernal Devices series, so I have been anxiously awaiting the release of City of Fallen Angels (Mortal Instruments, Book 4) for a while now.  I have to say that I was not disappointed.

After defeating Valentine and his followers in Idris, we find most everyone back in New York adjusting to the new order of things while the Clave prepares new accords uniting Shadowhunters and Downworlders.  Clary is caught up in her training as a Shadowhunter, her mother & Luke's impending wedding and Jace--always Jace.  Simon is trying to live a 'normal' life while hiding his true nature from his family and juggling Izzy and Maia, who do not not he is dating both of them.  It all starts off as somewhat typical young adult issues, until the dead bodies of Shadowhunters start showing up in different parts of town.  Then, the intrigue begins...

I don't want to give away too much of the story because I believe that the anticipation of what happens next is probably the best part of a really good story.  This is a really good story.  There are mysterious new characters introduced and some characters from Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices, Book 1) are brought into this series.  The main mystery, while disturbing, is well-developed and I have to admit that there were more than a few times when I thought "I didn't see that coming".  Those are moments that I truly enjoy.  The characters are very real and likable, the stories are wonderfully fantastic without going so far as to be science fiction.  While the main characters are young, the stories go beyond the label YA and can be enjoyed by everyone.

Cassandra Clare has created an incredible world in both series, all of her stories have been captivating and incredibly well-written.  I have thoroughly enjoyed reading all of the Mortal Instruments series and look forward to City of Lost Souls (scheduled for 5/2012 release).  If you have not read any of the Mortal Instruments series, start with City of Bones (Mortal Instruments).  Also, for any fans of the Infernal Devices series, Clockwork Prince (Infernal Devices) will be released on December 6th!