City of Fallen Angels (The Mortal Instruments #4) by Cassandra Clare - Restarting June 15th 2024

[Jaxie]

Akshita wrote: “Yeah, i agree. The timeline better be explained su..."

What’s confusing you about the timeline?

[Akshita]

I mean it's not confusing yet.
But it may get that way after a while considering Jem is still a silent brother, and Tessa's out there somewhere as well.
Though in epilogue of Clockwork Princess, Jem was Jem again.
And the last TMI book is set after that epilogue i suppose.
Also, in the same epilogue, Jem talked about some war...and it being a dark year for Shadowhunters. I think he was referring to the Mortal War...the one in City of Glass?

[Akshita]

Nvm. that did not make any sense. i'll just end up confusing everyone.

[Aaron]

Akshita wrote: "Nvm. that did not make any sense. i'll just end up confusing everyone."

It makes sense. I was thinking about the same thing. I’m guessing Jem must become Jem again very soon. If the rest of the books jump around in the timeline after this series, it’s gonna be really hard to keep up. There’s a lot of characters around at the same time.

[Aaron]

Jaxie wrote: "Chapter 9 (I think this was my favourite chapter so far):

I love how we’re still focused heavily on Simon! I wish Jace would just tell Clary what’s going on with him rather than being all distant..."

(view spoiler)[ I remember Maia mentioning a Jordan that she used to date in city of ashes. Pretty sure he was controlling and abusive. That doesn’t seem like what we’ve seen of Kyle so far though. I wonder if it’s the same guy.

I didn’t think about it not being a coincidence but you’re probably right. I wonder who posted that flyer. (hide spoiler)]

[Jaxie]

Aaron wrote: "I remember Maia mentioning..."

(view spoiler)[ I forgot about that. It has to be the same guy surely, especially as they’re both werewolves?

Do you think Jordan/Kyle posted the flyer? I remember when Simon was talking to Kyle about not being able to choose between Isabelle and Maia, Kyle got angry out of nowhere for a second. If they did date, maybe he wanted Maia to find out the truth about Simon? Could be wrong tho as he did seem surprised to see Maia. (hide spoiler)]

[Aaron]

Jaxie wrote: "Aaron wrote: "I remember Maia mentioning..."

I forgot about that. It has to be the same guy surely, especially as they’re both werewolves?

Do you think Jordan/Kyle posted the flyer? I remember w..."

(view spoiler)[ He did have opportunity to post it following that conversation since he’s been out for work and he’s a bike messenger. It’s reasonable for him to want Simon found out so he can get back with Maia. I hope there’s a bit of a twist here though. (hide spoiler)]

[Akshita]

Aaron wrote: "I remember Maia mentioning..."

(view spoiler)[I had no memory of Jordan's name being mentioned before.
I like how the author plays with the little details and turns them into something crucial to the plot later. (hide spoiler)]

[Akshita]

Chapter 10
(view spoiler)[I am genuinely curious to know whom Clary sent that text for help to before heading to the church on her own.
It can't be Izzy, Simon, Jace or Maia.
Alec and Magnus aren't there.
My best guess would be that warlock nurse from hospital. There's no one else I can think of.

And Jaxie, your guess regarding Kyle was suspiciously very accurate 😂 (hide spoiler)]

[Jaxie]

Akshita wrote: "Chapter 10.."

(view spoiler)[ Haha Cassie isn’t the most subtle with clues 😂

So we know Simon is busy with Jordan, Jace is being weird (and we know he turned up at Simon’s), Alec and Magnus are away, she doesn’t want to upset Jocelyn and Luke is with Jocelyn.

Don’t you think it could be Isabelle? Simon said she sounded distracted or something on the phone so could be travelling to the church place? We know Simon called her but that’s it.
Could have been Maia as well as we don’t know what she’s doing but I don’t think she’d text Maia, even if she had her number... Same with Catarina (nurse)? Would she call her? Maybe as she’s desperate for help tho. (hide spoiler)]

[Jaxie]

Chapter 12
(view spoiler)[ Isabelle’s talk with Simon makes me really sad. Her mum basically swore her off trusting guys at 13 by telling her about her dad cheating and making her keep it a secret. Who does that?

I’m starting to find there’s nothing at all I like about Maryse. Other than the Izzy stuff, the way that she treats Downworlders is awful (I’m especially thinking about Luke a few chapters ago!), she’s hardly much of a parent to Jace, Alec or Isabelle and she was the one who wanted to be in the circle, not Robert.

I love that Camille will only speak to Magnus, everyone loves Magnus 😂 (hide spoiler)]

[Akshita]

Jaxie wrote: "Akshita wrote: "Chapter 10.."

Haha Cassie isn’t..."

(view spoiler)[ oh yeah, Izzy was my initial guess too. But when Simon called her I thought maybe not.
Turns out it was her after all.
Idk why I thought it could be Catarina though. Clary isn't even close to being friends with her 😅

I know it was such a small thing and that we would probably get to know about it in the next chapter, but for some reason, I got really curious and wanted to make a guess 😅 (hide spoiler)]

[Jaxie]

Chapter 16

(view spoiler)[ Wow, crazy stuff.

Lilith is gonna bring back Sebastian using Simon. I assume Clary is there to make sure he does it. Not gonna lie, I’m excited to see Sebastian again, I always liked his scenes. (hide spoiler)]

[Jaxie]

Akshita wrote: "Jaxie wrote: "Akshita wrote: "Chapter 10.."

Haha Cassie isn’t..."

oh yeah, Izzy was..."

Guesses are always fun! ☺️

[Akshita]

Chapter 11
(view spoiler)[ I really, really liked this whole chapter. I am interested in the plot right now more than ever.
Can't wait for Magnus to be back! Though I wonder why Camille wants to talk to him now... Have they ever talked to each other since their breakup in TID? Their meeting should be fun to read about!

Also, I kinda found it hilarious when Camille started to run and cry on seeing Shadowhunters...I expected a bit better from "the ancient one".👀 (hide spoiler)]

[Jaxie]

Akshita wrote: "Chapter 11..."

Yeah, she didn’t even try to fight 😂

[Akshita]

Jaxie wrote: "Chapter 12..."

(view spoiler)[ I loved that moment between Simon and Isabelle, with her letting her guard down for once.
I agree, it was sad. Especially when she talked about how she felt special at first to know that secret, only to realise now how much it changed her.... that part hit hard.

And yes, Maryse isn't much of a likable character. Even in the previous books, she came off as a rude person in general.
Idk but maybe it has to do with not trusting anyone now as well. She did get cheated on...but yeah, I agree. That's no excuse to treat others rudely. (hide spoiler)]

[Akshita]

Chapter 13
(view spoiler)[Oh my, I can't even begin to imagine what Magnus must have gone through all these years. Like on surface, he's all chill and fun stuff, but he's been losing people he'd grown to care about over and over again. It was sad when he mentioned that to Simon.

I am glad Clary and Jace finally talked!
I also realised that I'm starting to appreciate Clary a bit more now.
Her character still needs a lot of development to be anywhere near likable, but still, it's a start (I hope)

I often wonder what it must be like for Jem to see them, knowing they are his friends' descendants.

And I'd totally forgotten about that threat until Simon read the news. Honestly though, from where did they even get the idea Maureen was Simon's gf?? She was fourteen, probably just boasting about it in front of her friends. His relationship with Izzy or Maia or Clary was much easier to assume. Like the person sending threat really didn't put any effort into that.
Poor girl died for nothing! (hide spoiler)]

[Akshita]

Chapter 15
(view spoiler)[
There's so much happening right now, with Camille's escape, Jace acting weird and now possibly kidnapping Clary, and Maureen leading Simon to potentially dangerous people.
Then there's the Seelie Queen, what does she want from Clary??
And remember that woman who gave Simon her card to contact regarding their band? I wonder if she'll add to the plot later. (hide spoiler)]

[Jaxie]

Akshita wrote: "Chapter 13..."

I forgot about the threat too!

[Jaxie]

Akshita wrote: "Chapter 15..."

Haha it’s about to get exciting.

[Akshita]

Jaxie wrote: "Chapter 16

..."

(view spoiler)[Woah, it really did get exciting.
Everything they told about Lilith and demons' history was very interesting!
I am looking forward to Sebastian's return too. At least he wasn't a boring villain like Valentine.
I didn't exactly get what Lilith meant by saying "a life for a life."
Does this mean she's gonna have to kill someone to bring Sebastian back? Is that why she brought Clary as well?
(hide spoiler)]

Which chapter are you both on?

[Jaxie]

Akshita wrote: "Jaxie wrote: "Chapter 16.."

(view spoiler)[
She said that light and dark have to be balanced.
When the angel brought Jace (from the light side) back from death, it was a life that shouldn’t have happened and so light has someone alive who shouldn’t be but dark don’t, so it’s unbalanced.
Because of that, it’s now possible to bring someone back from the dark side (Sebastian) to make it fair.

She does have to kill Simon to do it tho, Clary is just there as collateral damage. (hide spoiler)]

I think I’m nearly finished chapter 17?

[Akshita]

Oh, so light & dark as in good and evil.
i thought they signified life and death😅

[Akshita]

i am starting chapter 17 now, so i think i'll be done by this time tomorrow.

[Akshita]

Finished!
I think i liked it better than the previous ones.
That ending was crap though.

[Aaron]

Hi guys. Sorry I haven’t read much over the past few days. Been ill. I’m hoping to get through a couple more chapters tonight. Not excited about the ending now.

[Akshita]

Oh no, Hope you're feeling better now.

The ending wasn't completely trash, I just didn't like the way things happened.
I'll write down my thoughts once everyone's finished.

[Aaron]

Akshita wrote: "Chapter 13
Oh my, I can't even begin to imagine what Magnus must have gone through all these years. Like on surface, he's all chill and fun stuff, but he's been losing people he'd grown to care abo..."

(view spoiler)[ I’d put the threat down to them thinking they’d catch Clary when she was at the address. Whoever killed Maureen clearly isn’t good with people if they chose her to use as a threat.

I like that we got a Magnus and Camille reunion. It really was a good job we read the infernal devices before this book. It must get pretty lonely living for that long. I feel sorry for Magnus since he can’t be with Alec for that long. Now Simon’s gotta go through stuff like that as well. He really did get a rough deal in these stories. (hide spoiler)]

[Akshita]

Yes, reading TID first definitely provided some context and made the experience better.
(view spoiler)[I agree about Simon. So far, he isn't really having a good time. But his character arc, especially in this book, is amazing. (hide spoiler)]

[Aaron]

Akshita wrote: "Oh, so light & dark as in good and evil.
i thought they signified life and death😅"

Ah. I was confused about that too.

[Aaron]

Chapter 16
(view spoiler)[ I like the random history bits. It’s all surprisingly interesting.
At least we know what’s happening to Jace now. Whatever the silent brothers were trying to do clearly didn’t work. I hope Jace wasn’t controlled to do anything to them since he left early. (hide spoiler)]

[Akshita]

Aaron wrote: "Chapter 16 ..."

(view spoiler)[I hope you're right about silent brothers. Idk but they seem so important that every time any of them dies, i feel an immense sense of loss. Like we can't afford losing them. (hide spoiler)]

[Aaron]

Akshita wrote: "Aaron wrote: "Chapter 16 ..."

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ I know right. Especially because there don’t seem to be many of them. It’s like losing one endangers all of the shadow hunters. (hide spoiler)]

[Aaron]

Done
(view spoiler)[ I think I liked Clary more in this book. I didn’t mind the very end but it felt like some of the interactions near the end were a bit drawn out. This book was the first one of the mortal instruments books where I’ve felt a connections to characters other than Simon though.
This wasn’t as good as Clockwork princess but it was probably the best in this series so far. (hide spoiler)]

[Akshita]

Aaron wrote: "Done
..."

(view spoiler)[
Hmm I did warm up to Clary towards the end.

I didn't mind the interactions, everything at the end was going well. But the very last pages, where Sebastian got revived, I didn't like the way it happened at all.
It felt too convenient and kinda a lazy way to set things up for the next book.
Like the author ran out of ideas, so sought the easiest way out, by showing Jace is possessed or something. (hide spoiler)]

[Akshita]

Also, one thing i noticed about this series is that it's more of an in-the-moment entertainment thing.
It's interesting, and well paced when you're reading the book, but not the most memorable. (at least for me)
Which is why i think every book i read in the series feels better than the previous one, because i just finished it.
But after a few days, i won't be able to pinpoint a favorite.

The Infernal Devices was different though.
So far, it's stuck with me. I still think about those characters and often make references to those books in front of my brother😅
That, to me, usually means it's become an all-time favorite.

Again that's just what i think of these books. 🤷‍♀️

[Aaron]

Akshita wrote: "Also, one thing i noticed about this series is that it's more of an in-the-moment entertainment thing.
It's interesting, and well paced when you're reading the book, but not the most memorable. (a..."

I haven’t noticed that but I think you have a point. The most memorable parts of this book included Jem and Magnus for me. Probably because the infernal devices were memorable.

Thinking back over these books, I remember the first one being boring but the rest being ok. I liked that this book focused on lots of people rather than mainly Clary so this will probably stay my favourite. I don’t think I’ll ever reread these books though.

[Akshita]

Hmm. Same. I don't see myself rereading this series.

[Akshita]

Do you plan on reading the next book anytime soon?

[Aaron]

Yeah. Probably not until the start of February though.

[Akshita]

Does 2nd February sound good?

[Aaron]

Yeah. 2nd’s good.

[Akshita]

Hey sorry. But I just got to know I've exams starting early February.
So I'll skip the next br. You and Jaxie go ahead.

[Johanna]

Chapter 1
(view spoiler)[I liked Simon now, I can really feel for him and it's interesting to see what his decision would be. (hide spoiler)]

[Johanna]

Chapter 2
(view spoiler)[There would be someone that get hurt for that triangle... (hide spoiler)]

[Johanna]

Akshita wrote: "Chapter 2"

(view spoiler)[I also like Simon's POV! But I have to admit that I don't remember Camille... Where have we met her before? That siblings/not-siblings thing definitely is disturbing... (hide spoiler)]

[Johanna]

Chapter 3
(view spoiler)[I really enjoy Simon's POV and I felt for him when he tried to tell the truth to her mother (hide spoiler)]

[Johanna]

Chapter 4
(view spoiler)[There is something strange in Kyle. I don't believe he is human? (hide spoiler)]

[Johanna]

Chapter 5
(view spoiler)[This is interesting read! I love how there is those mysterious men/demons who are attacking to Simon. (hide spoiler)]