Justine's Thoughts: City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

City of Fallen Angels (The Mortal Instruments #4)
By Cassandra Clare

Source: Borrowed from Sarah 
Pages:  424
Book Description:

Love, blood, betrayal and revenge: the stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels.

A quote:

Hearts are breakable. And I think even when you heal, you’re never what you were before.

Thoughts (Vague Spoilers Ahead):

Expectations: The long, ever awaited book in the series! I had such high expectations, especially because it’s a Mortal Instruments book. After City of Glass though, which was my favourite out of the entire series and still is, City of Fallen Angels couldn’t compare. While I didn’t like it as much as the rest of the books, it is most definitely a 5-star book.

About Setting: The lovely, busy city: New York! And New York only. I must have been disappointed because I missed the other settings like Idris, where there were so many different kinds of adventures. In City of Fallen Angels, it felt sort of stationary but still very eventful.

About Characters: I missed everyone so much! Simon is much more included in this book and I love it. The change is very evident in his character as he becomes an important piece in the story. As for Jace and Clary, their relationship is being explored...and tested at the same time. I’m scared to see what lies ahead of them in the next book. Jace was so secretive in the beginning that it irked me a lot, though, especially when he was acting insecure. Later I found out that there was more to it than that. Clary is becoming fiercer than ever and I couldn’t help but cheer out loud! Ahh, training is always fun for her, I bet. And for the other characters -- Alec and Magnus, Isabelle, Maia, and a new guy named Kyle -- they’re a fun pack. I love each and every one of them!

About Plot: This felt different from the other books. One: because of the amount of action in the story. It was less than usual, maybe because it didn’t take place in Idris or such. But somehow it never felt dull. Just relaxed and settled back that it almost felt like a break from all the action in the series. And that was totally fine with me because two: there is more room for romantic relationships to grow. And you all know how I am with romance. The ending was a shocker. It totally left me drooling for the next book. As always.

Overall Rating: Y Y Y Y Y
Although City of Fallen Angels isn’t my most favourite in the series so far, it is still a freaking awesome novel. Who knows what would happen in the next one?

Justine's Thoughts: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1)
By Cassandra Clare

Source: Borrowed from Sarah
Pages:  478
Book Description:

Magic is dangerous--but love is more dangerous still. 
When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.


Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.


Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by--and torn between--two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length...everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world...and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

A quote:

When you find a man you wish to marry, Tessa, remember this: You will know what kind of man he is not by the things he says, but by the things he does.

Thoughts:

Expectations: Totally, majorly high! This is Cassandra Clare we’re talking about as well as a spinoff series from (the cool uber fantastic) The Mortal Instruments! There’s not a single doubt in my mind that I thought it was going to go bad. Sure it may be historical, which usually doesn’t suit my preferences, but somehow, I don’t know how, Cassandra Clare made it work. Again! Hurrah!

About Setting: Perfect setting ever for a series that takes place in the late 1800s. London, England equals the ever sexy English accent. Seriously, what more could you want? Everything too was vividly described in the usual Cassandra Clare fashion, which I missed incredibly. I am more than satisfied with the entire setting in London, with its ancient streets and bridges. It was so imaginatively fun.

About Characters: There were some similarities connections to The Mortal Instruments series, of course, but it’s important to keep in mind the differences as well. Tessa is not a mundane but a Downworlder who isn’t aware of her full potential yet. Will and Jem are best friends who live with other ‘orphans’ at the Enclave (the church-like home in London).  Three of them form a complicated love triangle, and although I really love Jem and am saddened about the certain situation he is in, I love Will because I have a thing for tortured souls with a good heart. I’m hoping to see more of these relationships in Clockwork Prince and I was ever so glad to see Magnus Bane again!

About Plot: Tessa is in search of her older brother Nathan who had gone to live in London, which is why she ends up travelling there. The plot as a whole is adventurous and unexpected. Anything can happen in this world of Cassandra Clare’s. Just like The Mortal Instruments, it feels like diving into a pool of heart-racing fun.

Overall Rating: Y Y Y Y Y
This is the perfect type of book with hyped action in an enthralling journey. If you pick this up, I assure you that you will not regret it.

Justine's Thoughts: City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

City of Glass
By Cassandra Clare

Pages:

541

Book Description:

Love is a mortal sin and the secrets of the past prove deadly as Clary and Jace face down Valentine in the final installment of the New York Times bestselling trilogy The Mortal Instruments.

A quote:

People aren’t born good or bad. Maybe they’re born with tendencies either way, but it’s the way you live your life that matters. And the people you know.

Any thoughts:

City of Glass seems like the perfect ending for The Mortal Instruments series. It’s got everything -- friendship, heartache, action, epiphanies, suspense, family and love. Who would ask for more? Every minute and every second spent reading this book was seriously a pleasure.

Initially when I saw the book, I noticed how thick it was and thought it would take me forever. Little did I know that I would want to stay up late to read it. Alas, it took me only two days to read such a thick book. (I’m so proud of myself!) Cassandra Clare really knows how to hook people at the end of chapters despite their length.

Every question that has been bugging my mind since City of Bones is finally answered. We also see a completely different side of Jace -- his inner self. Beneath his arrogance and wit lies the Jace who we’ve all been waiting to see. It’s the reason why I love him so much! As a fictional character, of course. Other characters are further developed and I enjoyed each personality’s uniqueness. They are all so loveable! To be honest, I even liked Valentine. He is one of the best villains of all time. Everything that everyone says about him is right; he draws people in with his leadership qualities. He is pretty determined; however, he’s a villain for many reasons.

One thing I wanted to mention was how Jace reminded me a lot like Shakespeare’s own Hamlet. It’s strange but true! I’ll leave it to you to make the similarities and differences.

Overall, City of Glass is by far my most favourite. It took me to a series of loops as if I was on a roller coaster ride. It left me pondering and guessing after having read it. Although I’m glad it seems like the perfect ending, I’m happier that there’s another book in the series and an additional prequel to The Mortal Instruments. Boy, am I ever excited!

If you have not started this series, I beg you to do so! I assure you that you will not regret it. In fact, you’ll enjoy the roller coaster ride.

Justine's (Mini) Thoughts: City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

City of Ashes
By Cassandra Clare

Pages:

453

Book Description:

In this breathtaking sequel to City of Bones, Cassandra Clare lures her readers back into the dark grip of New York City's Downworld, where love is never safe and power becomes the deadliest temptation.

A quote:

Desire is not always lessened by disgust. Nor can it be bestowed, like a favour, to those most deserving of it. And as my words bind my magic, so you can know the truth.

Any thoughts:

I read this in one weekend! I’m so proud, because lately I’ve been reading books for weeks. And that’s not good for a book blogger.

City of Ashes is definitely an amazing sequel. It’s as good as City of Bones...maybe even better. I just love reading into the world Cassandra Clare has created. I love reading the relationships between characters, especially Jace and Clary, and the new ones that are beginning to sprout. I love, love, love the scene with the Queen of Seelie Court - that was strange but beautiful. I love the action (!) in the end where epic battles occur. I love Valentine, who is probably one of my favourite villains of all time. And I love everything about this series.

Cassandra Clare, you continue to impress me! I’m looking forward for City of Glass, indeed.

Justine's Thoughts: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

City of Bones
By Cassandra Clare

Pages:

485

Book Description:

When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder--much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It’s hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing--not even a smear of blood--to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary’s first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the eath of demons. It’s also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace’s world with a vengeance when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundane like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know. . .

Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Claire’s ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride they will never want to end.

A quote:

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade, and then throw it in the face of the person who gave you the lemons until they give you the oranges you originally asked for.

Any thoughts:

City of Bones is fully packed with action involving creatures that would cause a spark in your curiosity and imagination. What I loved most was how it started in the very beginning and from then on I became fully engrossed, and I was always looking forward to continue reading.

The characters were fantastic. Each one of them draws you more into the story. Clary is a normal teenager, stubborn, strong, and the kind who doesn’t really know she’s beautiful. She irritated me at times, but I always found myself sticking by her decisions, because if not, then we won’t have an interesting story. Simon is Clary’s best friend, the really nice, nerdy type of guy, and I prefer him to be nothing more. Jace...*dreamy sigh*...now he is my type of guy--powerful, funny, confident, unbreakable on the outside, but beneath all that is a whole other side of him that I love.

And in the very end came an unexpected twist. I was blown into pieces when I read it. I kept thinking, “WHY?!” But all I can say is that the truth is unveiled. And you now what they say about the truth--it hurts. Well, it did hurt me, and now I’m torn, which is why I shall soon read the next instalment in the series: City of Ashes.