City of Ashes (Mortal Instruments)
by Cassandra Clare
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Book Reviews of City of Ashes (Mortal Instruments)
Book Review: ~*City of Ashes Review*~
Summary: 5 Stars
This book was AWESOME!! I loved the City of Bones which is the 1st book in this series in case you didn't know. And if you haven't read the 1st book in the series you need too!! Well Clary has found out that she has a brother, Jace, who in the 1st book she started crushin' on & they actually kissed. So now in City of Ashes they have to deal with the awkwardness of once having major feelings for each other. Now that they know that they are brother & sister they really have a hard time dealing with the situation. And moving on... Clarys best-friend Simon has confessed his love for her & she doesn't have the same feelings for him, but she totally loves him like a brother. Hmmm.. Clary has one messy situation on her hands in the guy department! Alec has started having somewhat of a relationship with Mangus Bane who is basicly the wizard on hand. Mangus is openly gay but Alec however is not and is terrified of being outed to everyone. Issabelle is same old Isabelle not alot going on with her that is one thing that I hope we get to find out in the next book in the series, what is she like. Because for me at least I feel like there is no background telling, really anything about her personal life in the books. Oh! However we do get to know Alec & Issabelle parents in this book. Also we find out alot more about Luke and meet a new weregirl Maia. She adds an interesting twist. One more thing Simons story also takes an interesting turn!! So if you are into YA Fantasy then this is a series you will love to read!! Be sure to read City of Bones first!!Book Review: Wrong Title . . . Please Change
Summary: 2 Stars
This book should have been titled one of the following:
1) Observations of Pretty People Under Different Intensities of Light and Shadow
2) Clary and Her Pretty, Tortured, Demon-slaying Hunter Boy
3) The Young, the Demonic, and the Restless
4) City of Golden Eyes (Particularly, Jace's)
Is it just me, or does this book, and its predecessor, come across as a flimsy excuse for Clare to write about tortured pretty people?
Jace's eyes (which are golden, but sometimes amber) were mentioned at least 2343454 times. This was really irritating, and I think I've strained my ocular muscles from rolling my eyes so much. Another thing that bothered me about this book was the dialogue. Normally, I love witty dialogue, and this book is 'full of it.' However, for some of the scenes, it came across as pretentious and inappropriate. The characters became harder to believe than the fantastical world they inhabited. (And if you're writing fantasy, your characters' realism is like a lifeline; you better not slacken your grip.)
I read all but the last forty pages, which I skimmed. My disgust with the poorly concealed superficiality of the story finally asserted itself and made me stop reading. That, and my eyes were really starting to hurt from the incessant rolling.
Two stars for the series' potential. Minus three for screwing it up.
(On a positive note: This book is a fantastic read for teeny-boppers.)
Book Review: Edge of my seat second book
Summary: 4 Stars
What can I say about this one. Well it sure did not disappoint for being the second book. The first one was so good but I think this one was even better. This one kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. With it's non stop suspense and action I didn't want to put it down. While Clary's mom Jocelyn is still under a spell Clary is fighting demons and Valentine non stop. Her relationship with Simon has become something more and yet she still has feelings for Jace. I mean who wouldn't, I would choose Jace over Simon any day. Simon is great though and now that he is a Vampire it just makes his character stronger. I like Alec and Magnus together, I was laughing when Clary put the "No Fear" Rune on Alec and he almost told his parents about him and Mangus. My favorite part though was when they were in the Faery court and Clary had to do what the Queen said to be released. Don't want to say if someone has not read it yet. The battle on Valentine's ship was incredible and well thought out. You never knew what was coming next. I never know when Valentine is telling the truth and when he is lying. Something the Inquisitor said to Jace about his scar has me thinking. I really hope that Jace and Clary find out that they are not brother and sister. I really enjoyed reading this, the story just gets better with each book. I can't wait to read the third one and I have the fourth one pre ordered already. If you haven't started this series yet, you need to!Book Review: An Emotional Journey
Summary: 4 Stars
While City of Bones focuses on plot, City of Ashes revolves around the emotions of the characters. Clare provides an in depth look at Jace, Clary, and Simon's teen angst, which makes for a "sort of" love triangle. The Seelie Court chapter and the next few are some of Clare's best. The air crackles with intense electricity! We also discover the special powers that Jace and Clary possess which makes them unique among Shadowhunters.
The plot seemed somewhat weaker than City of Bones, or maybe it didn't capture my interest as much. Most of it dealt with rescuing Jace from the Inquisitor, who believed he was a spy for his father. Valentine kidnapped a few people, resulting in a final battle that seemed hopeless. Naturally, there were lots of descriptions of demons being killed. This is a much darker book, so be prepared for some sadness and unexpected drama!
Now about the characters... Simon gets a lot more interesting (that's all I will say because I don't want to spoil it ;) And I have a greater respect for Clary now that she is more emotionally complex. Maia's tragic background was well done, but she was always crying about something and that took away from her character. Max, the youngest and most adorable Lightwood, is my favorite addition to the cast.
Oh, and the epilogue leaves a great cliffhanger for us! Just one more year to see how everything turns out...
Book Review: Even better than the first!
Summary: 5 Stars
City of Ashes is the second book in The Mortal Instruments series and let me tell you, this book does not disappoint. There was so much action and so many twists I didn't want to put it down. It was an absolute rollercoaster ride.
I loved that the characters developed so much more and we learn so much more about them. I really enjoyed that there was a lot more focus on Simon because he is one of my favorite characters. I think it's great they found a way for him to become a part of Clary's new world. All of the characters are so complex. There isn't just one side to them. They feel like realistic people.
We also get to find out more about Luke and the werewolves and even meet Maia, a new character. We learn more about the vampires and their transition and we also get a little insight into the faerie world as well.
The dialogue is probably one of the best parts of the book. There is so much quick witted banter between all of the characters, Jace and Simon especially. I wonder if those two will ever truly get along.
Overall I think this one was far better than City of Bones. I was completely captivated from beginning to end. The story was so incredibly well written. I absolutely LOVED this book and would highly recommend it to anyone!