City of Ashes

A month or so ago I read City of Bones, the first book in The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare and loved it. I just had to read the second book!

Summary: 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 her readers back into the dark grip of New York City's Downworld, where love is never safe and power becomes the deadliest temptation.

Okay, I'm not sure if this is possible, but I liked City of Ashes more then City of Bones. Maybe it's because I was already in love with the characters or maybe it's just because Cassandra Clare's writing has gotten better since her first book.

I especially loved the character of Simon, who started off to the side but grew more and more important as the series went on. He's nice, loyal, and always hilarious! I liked him in the first book but he wasn't involved too much till the end of it. In this one he's always involved more or less.

I think villains are a very important part of any story and this one had a great one. Valentine is ruthless, corrupting and very charming, like saying to Jace, join me or everyone you love will get hurt. And also it helped the suspense a great deal knowing he is Clary and Jace's father.

Cassandra Clare has a dreamlike and emotional narrative style that is very descriptive.The book flows along very nicely. Something I didn't like from the first book was how confusing the plot was. This one was still very mixed-up, but Clare has gotten a tad better at keeping everything in line.

This book was a very enjoyable fantasy, that sometimes reminded me a bit of Star Wars (you know, father of main characters is the villain, new-found sibling, and father is set on destroying everything). A rare sequel that's maybe even better the first.

5/5

Book Battle Update: This is my third book read in the book battle, but Maddz has read four! Have to read, read, read. But I am halfway into another book so I should have no problem catching up (I hope).