My rating: 1 of 5 stars
There are several books within the "Mortal Instruments" series. I have managed to read and review the first three. They were okay though there is a noticeable unsteadiness with the way Cassandra Clare writes and I had been hoping that the improvements I have noticed between books 1, 2, and 3 of the series will continue with the fourth book. Unfortunately, it does not.
Since City of Bones (Mortal Instruments #1), the main characters of Jace and Clary have not really solidified. I was drawn to reading the books because of the other characters -- I was more interested in them and what happened to them instead of the main two. It somewhat improved with City of Ashes and had improved further with City of Glass only to fall by the wayside with the City of Fallen Angels.
The thing that I find almost irritating is that, with book 3, the main villain was dead and the two main characters were finally reunited with their seemingly incestuous relationship all sorted out. It appears that all was becoming as they should be though there are some aspects of the story that needed further explanation or expansion. However, this book makes me feel that Cassandra Clare is merely trying to find ways to stretch and milk the series for all it's worth.
In this book, Jace and Clary are now together in New York. Clary is training to become a shadowhunter and her mother is finally about to marry Luke who has been in love with her for a long time. Simon, Clary's best and closest friend is coming to terms with his life as a vampire.
As with the earlier books, I find the characters of Simon, Alec, Isabel and Magnus more interesting than either Clary or Jace. Honestly, I am getting so sick of their on and off thing -- I am wondering just how far Cassandra Clare will keep them like that because I am ready to barf.
The story is not so great although Isabel's character shines bright. The ending was predictable (at least for someone who reads as many books as I do). I am keeping my fingers (and hands, arms, toes, legs, and even eyes) crossed that the next book will be less excruciating to read.
Frankly, I am regretting the decision to include the books on my reading list because that alone, and my interest is finding out what becomes of Isabel, Simon, Alec and Magnus, forces me to keep reading. Though a lot of people may like the book and disagree with me, this book is as good as dead in the water.
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