City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
Paperback, 496 Pages
2009, McElderry
ISBN: 1416972242
Series: Book 2 of The Mortal Instruments
Synopsis
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?
Review
Valentine is back and killing Downworlders in the very first chapter of City of Ashes. The quick pace continues throughout the entire book, taking you an a entertaining and lightning fast ride.
City of Bones set up the premise and City of Ashes continues the story well, but don't expect many answers from this book. If anything, I was left with many more questions at the end of the book than when I started it. The second mortal instrument is introduced, many die and we get a great introduction to the fairy world.
While Valentine is wreaking havoc and Clary's mom remains in her magical coma, a large amount of progress is made in the personal and romantic lives of the teens. Jace deals with Valentine again, Clary deals with Jace and Simon, Simon deals with major, life changing events and even Alec starts dealing with his internal issues. There was a very good balance between the dangerous action and the private lives of characters in this book.
Luke opens up a lot in City of Ashes and I thought the idea of him facing the past when it comes to the Lightwoods and especially relating his feelings about the past to Clary were the absolute best part of the book. Even though he isn't a main character, he's quickly becoming one of my favorites.
City of Ashes may not provide much in the way of resolution but it's an extremely good follow up to City of Bones and not to be missed. The Mortal Instruments is getting more and more addictive.
Rating
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I haven't started this series yet! And this sounds like a book not to be missed. Thanks for a great review!
ReplyDeleteLoved this series and what's great is it's done so you can finish it and get your answers without waiting three years!! lol
ReplyDeleteI liked this second book in the series very much. Now, however, I'm finding it hard to read the final book - I only managed two or three chapters so far. Anyway, I still can't believe that Jace and Clary are *you know what*, and I'm waiting for the big twist in that particular plot line.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to read the books after such a promising review!
ReplyDeleteI love this series so much. The 2nd book wasn't my favorite (it's tie between 1 and 3) but I loved it still. Good reading!
ReplyDeleteI miss the rush I get from reading this trilogy. Great review!
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