Post Edit: City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

Cassandra Clare is very involved with her fans and on her website recently she let fans ask questions about City of Fallen Angels  and then she posted her answers. I really enjoyed reading it. It answered some of my own questions and left me wishing it was May 2012.

Link HERE.

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

424 pages

"The Mortal War is over, and Clary Fray is back home in New York, excited about all the possibilities before her. She's training to become a Shadowhunter and to use her unique power. Her mother is getting married to the love of her life. Downworlders and Shadowhunters are at peace at last. And--most importantly of all--Clary can finally call Jace her boyfriend.

But nothing comes without a price.

Someone is murdering the Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine's Circle, provoking tensions between Downworlders and Shadowhunters that could lead to a second bloody war. Clary's best friend, Simon, can't help her. His mother just found out that he's a vampire and now he's homeless. Everywhere he turns, someone wants him on their side--along with the power of the curse that's wrecking his life. And they're willing to do anything to get what they want. At the same time he's dating two beautiful, dangerous girls--neither of whom knows about the other.

When Jace begins to pull away from Clary without explaining why, she is forced to delve into the heart of a mystery whose solution reveals her worst nightmare: She herself has set in motion a terrible chain of events that could lead to her losing everything she loves. Even Jace."
-Dust Jacket

AHHHHHHHHHHHHH. That's about all I can say. Well, maybe not. Peace Like a River  had to wait because this one arrived in the mail. I knew from glancing at reviews online that this one was a mixed bag, with a major cliffhanger at the end. I'm okay with that. Except when you're going to be stuck on that cliff for over a year. And then another year after that. That's annoying.

*SPOILER ALERT*
I liked Simon in this book. He kind of took over the central character role and I enjoyed the drama with Isabelle and Maia, as well as Simon's band. (Their name changes are pretty funny.) I liked the introduction of new character Jordan Kyle and the references to characters from The Infernal Devices, although now I feel the need to read those books as well. What kind of bugged me in the beginning was Jace & Clary's relationship. I would have been content had the series ended with City of Glass. Jace and Clary struggle through all they do and then wind up happy. This book seemed to take them several steps backwards, with Jace agonizing all over again over his past and the push/pull to be with Clary and to stay away to protect her, all while keeping Clary in the dark. (At some point just talk to each other for crying out loud!) I was also sort of bugged by Jocelyn's feelings towards Jace. She and Luke are hardly in this book, but you'd think she'd be more sympathetic towards Jace, having been married to Valentine and knowing what he was capable of. Once you start to understand what's happening to Jace it makes more sense and I liked the idea that Jace, having been brought back from the dead, no longer has the protection that Shadowhunters are given when they are born. That makes him susceptible to all kinds of crazy. Again though, had he been open with Clary--which is what people who are that deeply in love should be--they probably could have solved a lot of their problems much sooner. But, then the story wouldn't have been as hard to put down.

I am glad that Cassandra Clare is continuing this story. Mostly. I felt, up until about halfway through, extending the series was just an excuse to make more money, but now I think that there may be more story to tell. I just hope it's not the same story. Clary and Jace seem to have that epic love that withstands anything and I feel confident that the author won't let the ending disappoint all of us readers who are hoping (again) for a happily ever after and believing in the idea that love conquers all. I think the next book will involve the search for Jace, but I'm not holding my breath that he'll be safe before the end of book 6. I bet Clary's gift will ultimately have something to do with freeing Jace from Sebastian's grip. I'm looking forward to having Sebastian back as the villain but that was predictable. At least during the long wait I'll be able to finish up the other two series I've been reading and finally get to read something new, hopefully not another ongoing series!

The Mortal Instruments Series by Cassandra Clare

453 pages

"Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who's becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn't ready to let her go - especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother, Jace. And Clary's only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil - and also her father.

To complicate matters, someone in New York City is murdering Downworlder children. Is Valentine behind the killings - and if he is, what is he trying to do? When the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, is stolen, the terrifying Inquisitor arrives to investigate and zooms right in on Jace. How can Clary stop Valentine if Jace is willing to betray everything he believes in to help their father?" -Jacket

541 pages

"To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters - never mind that entering the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight.

As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadowhunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadowhunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her newfound powers to help save the Glass City - whatever the cost?" -Jacket

*SPOILER ALERT*

I'm a huge, huge fan of this series. I might have even started it over immediately after finishing and read it all again. As I mentioned before, I cheated and went online to find out if Clary and Jace were really brother and sister. Knowing that they weren't made these two books so much more enjoyable. A lot of people complained in different reviews online about the implied incest and how disturbing it was. I have to say - and I'm not trying to justify - that I wasn't offended (probably a biased opinion knowing it wasn't really incest) because I think it would be hard for two people who fall in love to then try to suddenly turn off their feelings for each other. Plus, the author gives plenty of hints throughout that they aren't really related. I also think that the author needed to create that sort of despair to drive Jace to do some of the things he does.

I love Jace's character. His sarcasm makes me laugh out loud. And there's nothing like a tough guy who's vulnerable. I'm going to say it: This series is a better guilty-pleasure read than Twilight. In my opinion, it's definitely better written. Clary is a lot less whiney than Bella...and definitely tougher. I can't wait to see the movie. I might occasionally check the casting/movie updates online. You'd better believe I've got April 5th marked on my calendar for City of Fallen Angels, book 4. And now I'll put my seemingly teenage self to bed for the night.

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare, 485 pages

"When 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 odd markings. This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons - and keeping the odd werewolves and vampires in line. It's also her first meeting with gorgeous, golden-haired Jace. 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 an ordinary mundane like Clary? And how did she suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know..." -Back Cover

Okay, this is a total guilty-pleasure book/series, like right up there with Twilight guilty pleasure, especially with that Fabio-esque cover. My sister gave it to me for Christmas and...being a frequent guilty-pleasure reader I couldn't put it down. The characters were fun. I especially loved the smart-alec banter between several of them. I liked the concept of the book. There were some great action "scenes" in this, like when Clary and Jace battle the vampires to save rat-Simon and then escape on the flying motorcycle.

*SPOILER ALERT*
Being a sucker for a good romance I was totally bummed when Jace and Clary suddenly think their siblings. I loved his birthday surprise for her and the subsequent run-in with Simon in the hall. Not wanting to be totally disappointed through the next one (and not convinced they actually are siblings), I have to admit that I cheated and went online to find out. I'm not ashamed. Now I can patiently wait for the next two to come in the mail...and hopefully be able to put them down every now and then to get some work done around here.

The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy, 248 pages

"Who is this man, this Scarlet Pimpernel?"

"Every day this question grew more pressing to the rulers of the French Revolution. Only this man and his band of followers threatened their total power. Only this maddeningly elusive figure defied the vast network of fanatics, informers and secret agents that the Revolution spread out to catch its enemies.

Some said this man of many disguises, endless ruses and infinite daring was an exiled French nobleman, returned to wreak vengeance. Others said he was an English lord, seeking sheer adventure and supreme sport in playing the most dangerous game of all.

But of only one thing could those who sought him be sure. They knew all too well the symbol of his presence, the blood-red flower known as the Scarlet Pimpernel..." -Back Cover

I've read this book more times than I can count. It's on my short list of all-time favorites, and after watching the Anthony Andrews/Jane Seymour film adaptation of this book this week I had to read it again. (I've seen the movie more times than I can count, too.) I've had me a little crush on Sir Percy Blakeney since the first time I read this as a teenager. I love that he is handsome, brave, honorable, resourceful, intelligent and proud, yet not too proud to appear to be a complete idiot in public to protect his true identity. Who he plays in public is the polar opposite of who he really is. I love that he loves wholeheartedly and is loved wholeheartedly. So, basically he's the perfect man - Edward Cullen included - and that's coming from a huge Twilight fan.

Austenland by Shannon Hale, 196 pages

"Jane is a young New York woman who can never seem to find the right man - perhaps because of her secret obsession with Mr. Darcy, as played by Colin Firth in the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. But when a wealthy relative bequeaths to her a trip to an English resort catering to Austen-obsessed women, Jane's fantasies of meeting the perfect Regency-era gentleman suddenly become more real than she ever could have imagined. Is this total immersion in a fake Austenland enough to make Jane kick the Austen obsession for good, or could all her dreams actually culminate in a Mr. Darcy of her own?" -Back Cover

This book was August's pick for an online book club I'm part of and if you're an Austen fan (like me) - or a hopeless romantic (like me) - I highly suspect you'll love it. It is hilarious. Jane is so funny as she first feels embarrassed by, then embraces, the idea of Austenland. Along the way she discovers who she is and wants to be as she unravels what is real and what is theatrics. Each chapter begins with a summary of one of her old boyfriends starting with the one she had when she was 4. They are so funny!

The ending was awesome. I won't give it away because it would spoil all the fun, but let's just say that I'm going to start it over again right now and see what little details I didn't know to pay attention to the first time. It's a quick read and an absolutely delightful one!

A Fatal Waltz by Tasha Alexander, 294 pages

"At her friend Ivy's behest, Emily reluctantly agrees to attend a party at the sprawling English country estate of Lord Fortescue, a man she finds as odious as he is powerful. But if Emily is expecting Lord Fortescue to be the greatest of her problems, she is wrong. Her host has also invited Kristiana von Lange, an Austrian countess who was once linked romantically with Emily's fiance, the debonair Colin Hargreaves. What Emily believes will be a tedious evening turns deadly when Lord Fortescue is found murdered, and his protege, Robert Brandon - Ivy's husband - is arrested for the crime.

Determined to right this terrible wrong and clear Robert's name, Emily begins to dig for answers, a quest that will lead her from London's glittering ballrooms to Vienna's sordid backstreets. Not until she engages a notorious anarchist in a game of wits does the shocking truth begin to emerge: the price of exonerating Robert can be paid only by placing Colin in deadly peril. To save her fiance, Emily must do the unthinkable: bargain with her nemesis, the Countess von Lange." -Jacket

This is the third book in the series about Lady Emily Ashton. The first two are And Only to Deceive and A Poisoned Season. I love these books. I read the first two last year. Emily Ashton is almost as headstrong and witty as Elizabeth Bennet though these books aren't in the same league as Jane Austen. I always love the intrigue, the way Emily defies the social mores of her time and the verbal sparring she engages in. There was more romance in this book since Colin and Emily are engaged and I have to say, Colin is quite dashing. I wouldn't be surprised if this series continues on and it will probably be one I read again in the future.

Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer, Take 2

Yes, I've read it again already. No, I'm not ashamed of that fact because I liked it even more the second time. Two days after the book came out I went on Amazon to see what kind of reviews it had gotten. It was at 3 stars with over 1,500 comments. I read through a bunch of the 1-star reviews and have to say that I think those readers were probably a little too hasty in their review of the book and were reacting harshly to certain directions the book wound up taking. Perhaps they should read it again and see if they feel as strongly the second time. Here are my complaints with some of their complaints:

(**SPOILER ALERT**)

"Bella didn't have to sacrifice anything. She got everything."
Bella might not have had to sacrifice anything in the end but she was willing to and I think that's the most important part. She knew what she was going to have to give up and she was prepared to do that so who can fault her when things work out better than she'd expected?

"The pregnancy."
The pregnancy came out of nowhere which is why I think so many people were upset. I love that Bella got to be a mom and wound up not missing out on any human experience before becoming a vampire, not to mention how great for Edward!

"Too 'happily ever after'."
What's wrong with happily ever after? In the world we live in I think it's okay that every now and then a story ends happily ever after. I don't think it gives girls the wrong idea about the world or makes them less able to deal with the real world when a story ends that way. I would not have enjoyed Cinderella's story nearly as much if she had danced with the handsome prince and then gone right back to scrubbing floors for the rest of her life!

"Stephenie Meyer had the opportunity to send a powerful message with this book and she didn't."
I beg to differ. I think Stephenie Meyer did send a powerful message in this book, maybe even more than one but her message(s) perhaps went against the grain somewhat. Having said that, I feel bad for any young girl who relies on a book about vampires for her most meaningful life lessons. That's putting a little too much pressure on Stephenie Meyer I think. I don't know about you but I got my "powerful messages" from my parents and from my religion.

"Bella's so different in this book. It's like it was written by somebody else."
Bella is different in this book. She's more mature. She's more focused. Anyone who's been pregnant and had a baby can tell you how that changes you and how you would do anything for your son or daughter.

"How did the name 'Renesmee' ever get past the editors?"
Hmmm...seems to me that there are plenty of crazy names out there that aren't even combinations of family names!

"Jacob imprinting on Bella's baby is just wrong."
This was the one part of the book that I thought was a little too convenient but in the end I was glad that Jacob got his happily ever after too. I loved the twist this book took with Jacob and Edward's relationship.

I do have to give one criticism and this is it: I thought Bella getting fake I.D.s for Jacob and Renesmee so that they could make a run for it was a little out there. I know that Alice couldn't see clearly but I didn't really think that this part flowed with the rest of the story.

My parting thought: I am glad that so many people can feel so passionate about a book and that the Twilight saga has so many people reading. I felt the same way when Harry Potter came out. I think that some fans of these books are way too young. They are, after all, for young adults which to me implies 17 and up. I would never let my almost-9-year old daughter read these books even though she tells me over and over that she's a "very young adult" and I am shocked that girls her age are reading them. There are elements and themes in these books that require a certain maturity which young readers just don't have.

Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer, 754 pages

I have waited for this book for a year so of course I had to read it in one day and will not be very critical of it. After all, you can find fault with any book or series, especially one that's written mostly for young adults. The wait has been a lot of fun. Talking about what might happen with sisters and friends has been a lot of fun. The night of August 1st was like Christmas Eve when you don't know what Santa Claus is going to bring...okay, maybe not that exciting, but close. For me, the Twilight saga is like chocolate...a guilty pleasure. It's not that these are the best books or that there's anything profound in them but I have loved the story and the characters and am glad to see the story come to an end in a way that makes me feel like everything is the way it should be. I was a little weirded out in the middle of this book but by the end I thought it turned out well and now I can't wait to go back and read it again to see what details I missed in my day-long read-a-thon! I might dare say that this is one of my favorite love stories of all time. Make fun of me all you want.

A Poisoned Season by Tasha Alexander, 306 pages

"London's social season is in full swing, and the Victorian aristocracy can't stop whispering about a certain gentleman who claims to be the direct descendant of Louis XVI and Marie Antionette. But he's not the only topic of wagging tongues. Drawing rooms, boudoirs, and ballrooms are abuzz with the latest news of an audacious cat burglar who has been making off with precious items that once belonged to the ill-fated queen. Light gossip turns serious when the owner of one of the pilfered treasures is found murdered, and the mysterious thief develops a twisted obsession with Emily. But the strong-minded and fiercely independent Emily will not be shaken. It will take all of her considerable wit and perseverance to unmask her stalker and ferret out the murderer, even as a brewing scandal threatens both her reputation and her romance with her late husband's best friend, the dashing Colin Hargreaves." -Jacket Cover

This is the second book in the Lady Emily Ashton series. I enjoyed it as much as the first. It's a light read - I read it in a day being stuck home with sick kids. There are a few mysteries to solve in this book and it's always fun to see how Emily goes about it. Emily and Colin's romance is fun and witty but not over-bearing or corny...after all, I HATE cheesy romance novels (the ones that might have Fabio on the cover!). People have criticized the social aspects of these books because apparently they're a little far-fetched as far as Emily's independence and what she gets away with socially but having never researched the period extensively I find her independent spirit refreshing and am not bothered by it. I think were you to really analyze this book you would probably find some flaws in the story line but I'm not going to analyze. I'm just going to enjoy. After reading reviews of A Fatal Waltz (the third book) it doesn't seem to be as good as the first two but you know I'm going to have to read it anyway!

And Only to Deceive by Tasha Alexander, 310 pages

I stumbled across this book at Target and was hooked by the back cover. "Emily agreed to wed Philip, the Viscount Ashton, primarily to escape her overbearing mother. Philip's death while on safari soon after their wedding left Emily feeling little grief, for she barely knew the dashing stranger. But her discovery of his journals nearly two years later reveals a far different man than she imagined - a gentleman scholar and antiquities collector who apparently loved his new wife deeply. Emily's desire to learn more of her late husband leads her through the quiet corners of the British Museum and into a dangerous mystery involving rare stolen artifacts. To complicate matters, she's juggling two very prominent and wealthy suitors, one of whose intentions may go beyond matrimony into darker realms..."

This book was delightful! It was reminiscent of The Scarlet Pimpernel (one of my all-time favorites) with its romance, intrigue and suspense. It takes place in the late 1800's in London and Paris mostly. Emily is a wonderful character, full of spunk and independence. There's nothing objectionable in this book. It's just good clean fun. I couldn't put it down and read it in a day - and I'll probably read it again while I wait for my next book to come in the mail so I can absorb all the details. The best part is that when I looked it up on Amazon I found that there are two sequels! Can't wait to get my hands on them. LOVED it!! (More like 4 1/2 stars!)

The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer

This trilogy (soon to have a 4th in August) was pure entertainment. Written by an LDS author there is nothing objectionable just plenty of romance, suspense and action - oh, and vampires and werewolves. I read the series twice and I can't wait for Breaking Dawn.