Who Would Like This Book:
Dive back into the richly imagined world of Shadowhunters, where demons, magic, and urban fantasy blend for a wild ride through New York City. "City of Ashes" ups the stakes from book one with even more action, juicy character development (especially for Jace and Simon!), and a healthy dose of snarky humor. If you love detailed world-building, supernatural creatures of all shapes and sizes, and character-driven plots with complicated friendships and romantic drama, you'll be turning these pages late into the night. Perfect for fans of YA fantasy and anyone who loves their adventure with a side of witty banter and emotional chaos.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers just couldn't get past the slow start and heavy focus on romantic angst and love triangles - think Team Jace vs. Team Simon drama and, yes, that awkward maybe-sibling romance. If you're not a fan of multiple POVs, drawn-out relationship dilemmas, or you get easily annoyed by moody, sometimes self-absorbed teen characters, this might drive you a little nuts. Plus, the echoes of other popular fantasy series and somewhat predictable plot twists might feel a little too déjà vu for some.
About:
In "City of Ashes," the second book in 'The Mortal Instruments' series, Clary and Jace navigate their complicated relationship while facing new revelations about their past. As they grapple with their feelings and the schemes of Valentine, they are drawn into action to stop him from obtaining a powerful magical tool. The book is praised for its strong character development, intense romantic scenes, and fast-paced plot filled with action and twists.
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Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include violence, mild language, and themes of incest, which may be triggering for some readers.
Has Romance?
The romance is a central theme, particularly the complicated relationships between Clary, Jace, and Simon.
From The Publisher:
Is love worth betraying everything? Plunge into the second adventure in the internationally bestselling Mortal Instruments series and "prepare to be hooked" (Entertainment Weekly)-now with a gorgeous new cover, a map, a new foreword, and exclusive bonus content! City of Ashes is a Shadowhunters novel.
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 readers back into the dark grip of New York City's Downworld, where love is never safe and power becomes the deadliest temptation.
Ratings (225)
Incredible (29) | |
Loved It (98) | |
Liked It (50) | |
It Was OK (32) | |
Did Not Like (10) | |
Hated It (6) |
Reader Stats (320):
Read It (258) | |
Want To Read (36) | |
Did Not Finish (1) | |
Not Interested (25) |
6 comment(s)
Just a bit of fantasy candyfloss to read in between heavier stuff. Not brilliant but not bad quick read
A fun read, the world is interesting enough to keep me reading and the characters not too shallow.
Excellent 2nd installment, I'm beginning to really love the characters in this book and glad I started the series!
I was surprised at what Clary can do, but I won't spoil it!! :D I felt bad for Jace because of what he had to go through. It's worse than not having a father,
3.75 stars. I felt like this story may have been slightly dragged out in certain parts where Clare brought up well-established facts of the plot over and over again in an attempt to propel the story forward, but instead stagnated the plot.
This is what we call mindless reading, but it sure is fun! The plot is really predictable, the characters are funny in a stereotypical over-the-top kinda way, the drama is of the teenybopper variety, everyone is beautiful, but I like that it doesn't take itself too seriously, and is entertaining. Also, why so much incest!?!
What can you read after
City of Ashes?
About the Author:
Cassandra Clare is the author of the #1 New York Times, USA TODAY, Wall Street Journal, and Publishers Weekly bestselling Shadowhunter Chronicles. She is also the coauthor of the bestselling fantasy series Magisterium with Holly Black. The Shadowhunter Chronicles have been adapted as both a major motion picture and a television series. Her books have more than fifty million copies in print worldwide and have been translated into more than thirty-five languages. Cassandra lives in western Massachusetts with her husband and three fearsome cats. Visit her at CassandraClare.com. Learn more about the world of the Shadowhunters at Shadowhunters.com.
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