Book Review: City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare (Walker Books)

I finally went on to continue my exploration of the Shadowhunter series! Nope, these are not rereads. I never read these books before, though I have no idea why, except for the fact I just didn’t hear about them. Don’t ask me how. Maybe I was just too caught up in Twilight and The Hunger Games to explore another fandom. But I’m glad I am now!

City of Ashes is the second book in The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare. The Mortal Instruments are being stolen, the Downworlder children are being murdered, and Valentine is still out there with the promise of war. Clary will never have a normal life again.

I apparently never reviewed the first book, City of Bones, when I read it back in May. I loved it, though. I loved being thrown into a new fantasy world with Clary, loved the YA chosen one/secret power aspects, but was a little icked out by the potential incest. I would say the same can be said for its sequel.

City of Ashes is without a doubt the best book I’ve read in a while. I really needed some YA fantasy in my life and I loved again being able to explore new fantastical elements. It made me grin the different mythologies that Cassandra Clare brought in, including faeries of the Seelie court, vampires, and more. I’m super invested in the characters of Alec and Magnus and I hope to see more of them in the future, and as I continue the series I also look forward to all the smart remarks the teenagers have. I loved the themes of family–and how family isn’t blood and the themes of finding belonging, which should be especially prevalent in YA as it’s something every teenager goes through. I even could appreciate the character of the Inquisitor as she reminded me a bit of Umbridge.

What I didn’t love about the book? Not much, but the pesky incest thing. I really hope these characters aren’t actually related because it’s honestly driving me mad. I also did find a few things predictable–or if not predictable, wondering how the characters didn’t catch on to the “secrets” before.

Have you read these books? Which shadowhunter is your favorite?

Overall, I’d give City of Ashes four stars and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book.