Review #16: City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments #2) by Cassandra Clare

City of Ashes

Author: Cassandra Clare
Release Date: March 25, 2008
Genre: Fiction/Fantasy/YA
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Pages: 453 (Hardcover)
Source: Bought

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?

MY THOUGHTS

As a sequel to City of Bones, City of Ashes provides a LOT of action. And, again, I was mesmerized by Clare's writing. I have always said dialogues, for me, is purely what gives continuity to the story. The dialogues in this whole series feel very spontaneous -- it makes you laugh, makes you cry, makes you just smile because of cutenesses. But description is the highest point of this book. Although I am not so good at building images in my mind by reading description, I can say Cassandra Clare brought this to happen to me this time.

Characters continue the same, strong and well-developed. Then, we get to meet a few new ones. There's also more scenes with Magnus and Luke, who I came to adore while reading. Luke really feels like Clary's father while he shows himself to be [super] careful with her, in a way her real father wouldn't.

Also, I wish I had seem more scenes between Alec and Jace. I can't even remember when they really talked like best friends anymore... I mean, a real and long conversation. Nonetheless, Alec seemed stronger this time than in the first book. I even got to like him. Oh, I almost forgot to talk about Simon! Which I can't do if I get excited, though. There are changes in his life, but not in his personality. He continues to be that nice, kind, amazing guy in love with his bestfriend. I think you'll gonna like it. So, read the book.

After a long and tough literally war, the ending was at the same time hopeful and heartbreaking. So heartbreaking that I felt so emotionally like [the character] and even shed a few tears. I couldn't help myself but run into City of Glass to sneak a peek! I wish I could continue reading this series right now. Once I can't, I may wait a while to dive into the next one. And probably, after that, I will be anxiously waiting for City of Fallen Angels.

Overall: ★★★★★

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