Book Review: City of Ashes (Cassandra Clare)

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.

Book Review: City of Bones (Cassandra Clare)

When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder - much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing - not even a smear of blood - to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

If book can give hang-overs then City of Bones can give the best and worst kind of it. Best, because I'm completely intoxicated with this book; and the worst - because I am utterly and completely going insane over it! This is one hell of a book. It's simply superb!

I think I am one of the remaining few still new to Cassandra Claire's Mortal Instruments series. I regret not reading City of Bones sooner, as it turned out to not only exceed all my expectations, but gave me a thrill that I had not quite experienced since the Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings books! I will probably inevitably repeat all the gushing reviews given to this book, but there's no way around it. It's just that good.

City of Bones stars Clary Fray, an ordinary girl who discovers a world beyond any she knew existed. In the Shadow world, prominent figures include demons, warlocks, witches, werewolves, vampires, shadowhunters and a certain Jace Wayland. The author's description of this world is impeccable. In rich and with great detail, strong imagery and letter-perfect writing, City of Bones just lures the reader into its world. Clary's adventure I don't often wish I belong to a book world, but I certainly did with this one.

Clary is an amazingly strong heroine. I love her perseverance and her will to fight, her selfless concern for others and even her sarcasm. She's a fiesty heroine, one I totally cheered on. She handles trials with grace and is firm in her stand. Secondary characters are not less note-worthy. They are colourful and their vibrance give this book life. Isabel for instance, is as just as tough as Clary - I really adore her. Alec, Simon, Luke, Hodge - the variety of characters is amazing. All of them are fully-developed and important in their own rights. And of course, I think this review would be incomplete if I don't mention how hot the heroes are. I love both Simon and Jace, but damn. Jace Wayland? Yes please.

City of Bones has the markings of a great classic and so much more. It's exhilarating, intoxicating and every bit gripping. Expect a whole lot of suspense, tension, thrill, drama, you name it! There were twists in every corner, new characters to delight readers, adventures that would give anyone an adrenaline rush and a romance that will leave you gaping. As more secrets are uncovered, more truths laid bare and more of the Shadow World discovered, the more this book hooks you. It was slightly draining to read as it really engages the reader; I felt as if I was in one adventure myself!

And the ending? The bomb. The profanities the flew out of my mouth after I found out the great revelation was unbelievable. Like I can wait a second for City of Ashes?

Five stars.