Book #14 - City of Fallen Angels (Mortal Instruments #4)

City of Fallen Angels (Mortal Instruments #4), Cassandra Clare
424 pages
Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Started 2/4/12
Finished 2/6/12
3.5 STARS

You know, I'm of the opinion that there really is such a concept as "too much of a good thing." This book is proof. I think my last three reviews speak for themselves (or, rather, for me - hee hee). I LOVE the Mortal Instruments series. I think Cassandra Clare created a vivid, complex world with deep characters that know how to be romantic, funny, and total bad asses. As I previously mentioned, it was supposed to originally be a three-book series telling the story of star-crossed lovers Jace and Clary. And, at the end, it was wrapped up very neatly. Sure, there were a few loose ends left, but aren't there usually at the end of books? Doesn't that allow our imagination a little room to roam? I always find myself wondering what happened next in the characters' lives - did they live happily ever after? Buy a dog? Babies? And, sure - there's always a bit of a twinge of wishfulness that I could continue reading their story to find out for sure.

But, I finally get my wish with City of Fallen Angels, and I'm not sure that's a good thing. I guess Jace and Clary aren't meant to be happy, which totally sucks, because when I pictured their future after the conclusion of City of Glass, it wasn't this. It wasn't bad dreams, evil demons, or ghosts from the past hell bent on killing them, or at least, killing all joy and happiness. I mean, what a downer. I love this couple. I want them to find happiness and contentment. A this point, it's not looking good.

The good parts of this book is the depth finally given to some of the outlying characters. We learn a lot more about how Simon is dealing with his vampire tendencies and with the new Mark that adorns his forehead. We learn that there is more to Magnus Bane than meets the eye. We even meet a new character in Jordan Kyle, and through him, we delve into Maia's story more. The Jace/Clary story was so depressing this time around, it was nice to not dwell on it for every single page.

I know that there are two final (I hope) books left in the series. Book #5 is due to come out in May of this year, and you know I'll be one of the first in line to get it. I'm definitely a glutton for punishment. But, I've invested so much time in this story now, I have to see it though. I really, really, really hope that Clare can find it in her heart to somehow make a way for Jace and Clary to FINALLY (for the love of Pete) settle down and live their lives together. Or, I'll start a nasty letter writing campaign. And, something tells me I won't be the only one.