Review of: City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare (Mortal Instruments Series #2)

Genre: YA, Fantasy

City of Ashes is the second book in Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instruments series.  You can read my review of the first book, City of Bones, here.

Since the disappearance of her mother, and her own abrupt introduction to the world of Shadowhunters, demons, and vampires, Clary Fray’s life has taken a distinct turn for the extraordinary, and all she wishes now is for it to go back to normal.  Still, it’s not as simple as just leaving.  Her mother is in a magical coma and since discovering that Jace is actually her long-lost brother, he seems determined not to let her drift back into the mundane world.  At any rate,the only way left to help her mother is to track down her father–the evil, insane Valentine–and the person best suited to help her is Jace.  Saving their mother isn’t the only issue their up against though.  A murderer is striking terror in the hearts of the Downworlders, and killing Shadowhunter children.  Is it actually Valentine?  Will they be able to save Mrs. Fray before it’s too late?

My addiction came through this book alive and well.  I have to admit, some aspects of this book took a turn for the weird, with this whole revelation that Jace is Clary’s brother.  You’ve hopefully read the first book at least by now, and will agree with me that the sparks were definitely flying between those two, and it was discombobulating for everybody in this book (myself included) to try and adjust to the fact that they are actually siblings.  That is by far the strangest thing about this book, and I had to wonder what exactly the author was thinking.  It’s hardly fair to make two people think they’re falling in love in the first book, and then turn around and tell them they’re siblings in the second book.  Not to mention how unfair it is to the reader…

Moving on though, this was undeniably a gripping book. It definitely kept the intensity up, and was another ‘cannot put it down’.  Beyond the drama with Jace and Clary, this book delved more into the main issue of Valentine, and that was the real focus of the story.

Basically, I stand by my opinion of City of Bones–this book is amazing, and the series seriously reminds me of all the wonderful fantasy series’ I’ve devoured in my time.  I really hope you read it!  Let me know what you think/thought of it!

Book review– I really liked it: 4 out of 5 stars

Series Overview–I love it: 5 out of 5 stars