Review: ‘City of Ashes’ by Cassandra Clare
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City of Ashes
by Cassandra ClareSeries: The Mortal Instruments #2
Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books on March 25, 2008
SubGenres: Young Adult Fantasy, Young Adult Paranormal
Format: AudioBook, Paperback
Pages: 453
Narrator: Natalie Moore
Length: 12 Hours And 20 Minutes
Source: Library - Libby, Purchased
Audience: 14+/Young Adult
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Also see: Alternate Cover Editions for this ISBN [ACE]
ACE #1
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.
During my recovery from surgery in January and February, I binge-watched The Shadowhunters TV show on Hulu, which reignited my interest in reading the rest of the Mortal Instrument series by Cassandra Clare. I had previously read only City of Bones over four years ago. I can officially say that the TV show differs significantly from the books, but that’s often the case with adaptations. This is why I’m glad I decided to read the books now. (I wish I had read them before watching the movie or TV show, but at least I’m reading them now.)
I didn’t really enjoy City of Bones when I read it, but I can officially say that City of Ashes definitely kept me engaged with the characters and storyline this time. Now, I can’t wait to start the third book! I just have to wait for the audiobook to become available at my library, as I prefer listening to books rather than physically reading them nowadays.
The book continues from where City of Bones left off, with Clary trying to live a normal life alongside her best friend, Simon, with whom she is developing a deeper relationship. However, the Shadow World is not ready to let her go. Her mother remains in a coma, Valentine is still on the loose, and now there are reports of downworlder children being murdered. It falls to Clary and the other Shadow Hunters to uncover the identity of the murderer.
Meanwhile, Jace is grappling with his identity after discovering who his father is. He struggles internally because his father constantly tempts him, causing him to behave in ways that worry the other Shadow Hunters. This book delves into Jace’s character as he faces these challenges. I truly empathize with his character in his perspective and what he’s going through, and I hope he finds his way back and stops being tempted.
I loved that this book is told from several points of view, allowing me to track multiple characters and not just focus on Clary. While I do love Clary, I’m also very interested in everyone else’s story because it gives me a broader understanding of what is happening in the Shadow World. I especially wish there was more of Magnus Bane in the scenes; he’s not my favorite character for nothing! Although Magnus isn’t a main character, he has completely won me over in both the movie and TV show adaptations, so the book version has certainly captured my heart as well. There’s just something about this warlock that makes him such a compelling character.
Overall, I was definitely satisfied and entertained more with the City of Ashes and gave this book four stars.
Standalone or Part of Series: It’s part of the Mortal Instruments series and needs to be read in order.
Would I recommend this book? Yes. If you are looking for a YA Fantasy to read and haven’t picked up The Mortal Instruments, then check out this series. It does have somewhat of a Love Triangle in it, especially in the first book, but that changes due to Cassandra Clare throwing in twists through the way.
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