Friday 18 November 2011

Review: City of Ashes - Cassandra Clare

Haunted by her past, Clary is dragged deeper into New York City's terrifying underworld of demons and Shadowhunters - but can she control her feelings for a boy who can never be hers?

The Mortal Instruments Series:
City of Bones
City of Ashes
City of Glass
City of Fallen Angels
City of Lost Souls (2012)
City of Heavenly Fire (2013)

The Infernal Devices Series: (Prequel Series)
Clockwork Angel
Clockwork Prince
Clockwork Princess (2012)

Visit Cassandra Clare's website or the Mortal Instruments website for more information

Review:
I really enjoyed City of Bones so couldn't wait to get started on City of Ashes, I really wanted to know how Clary and Jace would be effected by the shocking news of their parentage in the first book.  I have to be honest and say I didn't like the second installment quite as much as the first but it was still an enjoyable read and one I would recommend.  As with the first book there are a lot of different plot threads going on in City of Ashes but for some reason I found this a slower read.  There were times when the story seemed to drag a little and there seemed to be a bit less action than in the first book.

I think what I missed most in this installment was the flirty banter between Clary and Jace, obviously this is completely understandable considering events in the first book but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the information we were given is proven incorrect and things change again as the series progresses.  If you haven't read the first book that probably sounds really cryptic but I'm wary of giving a major spoiler and if you've read City of Bones I'm sure you'll know what I mean!  As much as I missed the flirting I do still love Clary and Jace as individuals and I really felt for them both as I was reading.

We get to see a lot more of the Clave in this installment, after revelations in book one they have good reason to doubt Jace but I hated the way they treated him because of his father's actions.  I was so frustrated with the Inquisitor and wanted to knock some sense into her but it was great to see Jace's friends stand by him.  I'm very curious to see how Simon deals with the changes that occurred to him, I would have liked a little more information about what happened to him in this book though.  It felt a bit like his change was added for shock value and then forgotten about after a few pages.  I also hope that we don't have a long, dragged out love triangle.  It seems quite obvious to me where Clary's heart lies and although she loves Simon it is clearly as a friend and nothing more - I'll be annoyed with her if she continues messing him around.

The ending has left me with plenty of questions and I'm looking forward to reading City of Glass to get some answers.  Although this isn't my favourite urban fantasy series yet it has a lot of potential and is well worth giving a try.  It will be really interesting to see what direction Cassandra Clare takes this series in over the remaining books.

Source: Purchased

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

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