Book Review: City of Ashes

Title: City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments #2)
Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books, March 2008
Number of Pages: Hardcover, 453 Pages

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Teen, Paranormal Romance, Demons, Angels, Vampires, Werewolves

Plot:  
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. (Goodreads.com)

Personal Thoughts: The sequel to City of Bones was another fantastic read... after realizing the huge plot that covers more than one book; I was glad to have already bought the second book so that I could start it right away. Book one set off some answers and secrets that surprised me pretty quickly, but book two got a lot more in depth with Valentine and his plans for Jace and Clary... also Simon becomes a downworlder who tries to live like a mundane... it's a very interesting story! I love the world that Clare has created in this books.


Recommended Age Level: 13+

Rating: 4 out of 5
Reviews/Awards:

ALA Teens' Top Ten 2009
Gaylactic Spectrum Award Nominee for Best Novel 2009