At the end of City of Glass, it seemed that The Mortal Instruments series was wrapped up. Bad guys were dead, young lovers could get together and stay together. But Cassandra Clare has moved past that end and introduced some new threats to the happiness and security of our favorite Shadowhunters and Downworlders in this new book.

Simon gets a big role in City of Fallen Angels. He’s dating two girls, neither of which know he’s dating the other, and his mother discovers he’s a vampire, which leads to Simon leaving his home and trying to figure out how to live on his own.

Meanwhile, Clary and Jace should be happy together, right? But Jace is acting strangely toward Clary, and she can’t figure out why. At the same time, Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine’s circle are being killed, seemingly by varied Downworlders.

Simon manages to get right in the middle of all the action; everyone seems to want him on their side, and he doesn’t want to be on anyone’s side. But eventually he’s going to have to face the most dangerous being he’s ever faced, and his decisions will directly affect Clary, Jace and the other Shadowhunters.

This latest novel in The Mortal Instruments series is entertaining as ever. Clare has created great characters whose interactions are just alive with wit and crackle. I was already chuckling on page 8. She could have left the series well enough alone after book three, and this did sometimes seem a bit tacked-on, but I forgive her because I so enjoy visiting this compelling and fun world events she has created.

Rated: Moderate. There is some mild and moderate language, but not lots. The series is fairly violent and gory, and this book is no exception. Clary and Jace have had some intense kissing scenes before, and they have a few in this book as well. But they progress to her taking her shirt off this time.