Book Review: City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments, bk 2) by Cassandra Clare

City of Ashes
(The Mortal Instruments, Bk 2)
By Cassandra Clare

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?

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Available for purchase at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Viviana's Review: 

The second book in the “Immortal Instruments” series continues the story of Clary, Jace, Simon, Alec and Isabel, the Shadow Hunters and the villains are still trying to conquer the world.

Both Clary and Jace struggle with their true feelings for and about each other. While Simon lays claim to Clary. Again, the love triangle. I will say, it’s not such a bad one to read about. The author does a great job of bring true emotions into her characters making it easy for you to relate. It’s that “Remember when….” moment. 

We meet new friends and discover that some enemies are really not enemies but allies. There are new, terrifying demons to contend with and we have a visit with the See lie (fae) breed. 

I’m still in love with Jace (where was he when I was a teenager?) He is still struggling with his feelings for Clary and trying to make the right decision. He is also trying very hard to proof he is not like his father. Through the trials and challenges he endures, I think this is where he becomes “a man” (yeah, yeah, still a minor though). He stands up for what he believes in and defends it with all his might. 

Clary has a sleuth of discovery. She continues to uncover the truth about her mother, her father and even Luke. She also discovers she possesses special abilities. However, like the previous book, the fun is in the journey so not everything is revealed at once. 

Simon. Simon. Simon! My heart goes out to him and I was pleasant surprised, pleased and yes even proud of Simon (yes, I know he isn't ‘real’) on how he handled everything that was thrown his way. Even though this is a YA there wasn't that whiny “Why Me” feeling. THANK GOODNESS!!

This book had more action than the previous one, but that is typical in trilogy series. It kept the story moving forward at an excellent pace. It also kept you wanting more!

We also get more details and information about the “adults”. How their decisions and actions cause what is currently going on in the Shadow Hunter World. There is definitely more of an ‘adult’ presence in book two, but its not overly done, making it work for the story. 

Narrator Review: She did a great job in telling us the story. She portrayed each of the character with individual voices, tones and accents. 

Love the series and must say that I’m looking forward to the next book. I immediately uploaded the next audio book. 

 Rating: 4.5 Stars - Really Loved It