The CIty of Ashes

**Review contains SPOILERS**

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, new found 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.

Summary...via Goodreads.


Okay, so this book started a little slow as the plot seemed to trickle on. However, once the action picked up...There was no stopping the action or the questions to fill one's mind.

We find ourselves with Clary struggling with her feelings for Jace. Jace dealing with the Inquisitor and her personal vendetta against Valentine. Never mind the feelings he has for her as well.

This story is centered around Valentine's pursuit of the Second Mortal Instrument and his plot to use this item to raise an army of obedient demons to destroy the Clave. Mixed with his plot is a deep character development amongst the protagonists of this story.

We find out that Jace and Clary both are gifted with powers that no Shadow Hunter has seen before. Clary's is spelled out for us in the book. Jace's, however, we are left to speculate with only glimpses of his inner mind developing the understanding of his abilities.

Simon is turned into something that even he will fight to come to understanding.

Alec is revealed to be gay and Jace's reaction is very well written.

Perhaps the best character in the book is Valentine. I love Cassandra's development with him. His darkest desires are intertwined with a warped sense of reality. He truly believes that he is doing the right thing. It will be interesting to see how he turns out and what he is really thinking.

I cannot tell you all the questions that I have, as it will ruin the plot for you. I hope you pick this book and series up. It is well worth your time.

See ya soon,

Jay