Book Review: City of Ashes

About the Book

Title: City of Ashes

Author: Cassandra Clare

Series: The Mortal Instruments #2

Publication Date: March 25, 2008

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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?
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.

My Review of City of Ashes

City of Ashes is even better than City of Bones, which is not an easy feat. While the ending of City of Bones left some deep wounds, I was interested in finding out how everyone was now a fairing, and what Valentine has up his sleeve. While I was expecting another battle with Valentine, City of Ashes has so much more than just another battle. City of Ashes is action packed explosive sequel, and another marvelous addition to The Mortal Instruments Series. 

Alec’s relationship is my favorite part, simply because I wanted to see him happy versus pinning after someone he can never have. It has allowed readers to see a softer side to Alec. Clary and Jace’s relationship is obviously fractured and both are trying to fit the pieces into a new mold. A few interactions between them are glimpses of the past. There are also a few signs pointing toward buried secrets that may influence future novels in this series. 

Jace endures most of the anger and suffering for Valentine’s return. Distrusted by the Clave and the only family he has ever known causes Jace to fell lost and alone. Clary is dealing with her mother’s coma and she also tries to find comfort in the new stage of her relationship with Simon. Just as thing seem to level out; Valentine has to muck it all up. 

So much happens in City of Ashes, so many new characters, storylines, and just danger around every corner. I can only imagine what City of Glass is going to be like. I also now understand why this series is so addicting. 

**Unabridged Bookshelf purchased this book**

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