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A murderer is loose in New York City ...
... and the victims are Downworlder children. Clary Fray and her fellow Shadowhunters have a strong suspicion that Valentine, Clary's father, may be behind the killings. But if he is the murderer, then what's his true motive? To make matters worse, the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, has been stolen, and the mysterious Inquisitor has arrived to investigate, with his eyes vigilantly targeted on Clary's brother, Jace.
Clary will need to face some terrifying demons and even more terrifying family decisions. No one said that the life of a Shadowhunter would be easy.
City of Ashes is a brilliant sequel. Second in the Mortal Instruments series, it is a great follow through of the City of Bones and an even greater predecessor to City of Glass. It cements the epic-ness of the series, it really does!
City of Ashes begins where City of Bones left off. It's a darker continuation to the effects of the events in City of Bones to Clary, Jace and the rest of the Shadow World. In a way, whilst City of Bones is of introductions and discovery, City of Ashes is about understanding and clarification (or should I say Clary-fication?). It goes deeper into the world introduced to the readers in the first book and true to its name, it touches more about the Mortal Instruments and their importance. As a staple part of the series, action is never far away from Clary and the people around her. City of Ashes is more intense and action-packed than City of Bones, but just as satisfying. There is a lot of tension in this book, perhaps more than the previous, as forces intent on re-shaping the world are continually working towards their goal. I personally enjoyed the action, fighting and general conflict scenes. Cassandra Clare is a brilliant writer when it comes to these scenes, and I am one happy reader.
We learn a lot more about the major characters in the series in City of Ashes too. Clary embraces more of her Shadowhunter abilities in this book, as does Jace. We get further insights into Luke, Valentine, the Lightwoods and the ties that connect them all. By doing so, motivations and explained, but there are also questions and suspicions raised. There brand new characters introduced, many of which not only add spice to the plot but are also important to the on-going series. I felt that this book took a heavy emotional toll on all the characters, as being the second book, it delves deeper into what makes them such strong characters. Clary and Jace are heavily tested on their loyalty and love not only to their family, but the people that surround them and most importantly, to each other. There is a lot of emotional upheaval in this book and not all of it is a joy to read. There's pain, longing, even betrayal. I have loved and rooted for this two since City of Bones and each scene between them - forbidden as they are - are bittersweet and sizzling with yearning. I cannot wait to start City of Glass and see what happens with these two.
I enjoyed the unravelling of secrets in this book and the additional mysteries yet to be solved. The twists are epic and jaw-dropping, the action so very gripping. If anything, my one complaint would be the frustration that seems to forever characterise the ending of a Cassandra Clare book. This book ends in a cliff hanger, and while I managed not to pull my hair out of sheer desperation for the next book, I can't quite guarantee everyone the same restraint. Still, doesn't that just prove how much I am attached to this series?
City of Ashes is dark, action-packed, suspenseful and amazing all around read. Definitely recommended!
FOUR STARS.
