City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments, #2) in 2-3-4 Challenge

Jul 19, 2012 These Violent Delights (Robin) rated it liked it

Shelves: hardcovers-i-own, 2008-releases, march-2008

Honestly I thought this book was a little boring. The chapters dragged, most of the characters annoyed the ever-living life out of me. But, I promised myself I would finish this book because I own almost all the books in the shadowhunters universe... & they cost a pretty penny.

I don't like Jace... maybe he'll get more likable as the series goes on.. idk. Clary is just straight up annoying. Luke & Maia are the only characters I truly liked in this book. Isabelle grated on my nerves. I feel neutra ...more

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Jan 08, 2011 Logan rated it really liked it

Shelves: borrowed-library, paranormal, young-adult

**SPOILER ALERT** If you haven't read the series, this review may contain mild spoilers.

First impressions: This book picks up where the first one left off. Clary is trying to navigate a relationship with Simon, Jace is struggling to come to terms with who his parents are, and Clary's mom is still in a coma. I was so anxious to get back into this world, and I was glad the plot picked up right away.

Lasting impressions: I actually liked this book better than City of Bones. I don't know if it was th **SPOILER ALERT** If you haven't read the series, this review may contain mild spoilers.

First impressions: This book picks up where the first one left off. Clary is trying to navigate a relationship with Simon, Jace is struggling to come to terms with who his parents are, and Clary's mom is still in a coma. I was so anxious to get back into this world, and I was glad the plot picked up right away.

Lasting impressions: I actually liked this book better than City of Bones. I don't know if it was that I was already familiar with the characters, but I related to them much more as a reader this time around. I loved the introduction of more Downworlders (especially the werewolf Maia), the Faerie Realm and a deeper relationship between Alec and Magnus.

Conflicting impressions: I still feel a bit squicky when Clary and Jace pine for each other. I just keep hoping they'll find out they're not related after all, especially given the steamy shots being released around the upcoming City of Fallen Angels (Book Four in the series).

Overall impressions: The world that Clare created for this series is so well-developed that you can't help but get totally immersed in it. It's no wonder her books attract thousands of rabid fans. The writing is seemingly effortless, her plots have the perfect balance of action and character development, and there's always something unexpected. I am falling hard for this series.

Poor Clary is stuck between Simon, who loves her mightily and who she tries to love back, and Jace, who she loves but just found out is her brother. It's amazing that Cassandra Clare gets us to root for Clary to love Jace, even though we know she shouldn't. I love that she doesn't back down from this tough issue, and she handles the line without it veering into totally icky territory.

In the first book Clary discovers she is a Shadowhunter, and in this book she discovers a special power. This continued growth serves the plot well and advances Clary's standing among her fellow Shadowhunter and Downworlder friends, which allows me to believe that she is capable of holding her own in a fight. I dislike when a book or movie character learns something about themselves and then automatically has the ability to control that aspect. Here, Clary struggles to balance her innate abilities with the power to control them, making her believable and likable at the same time.

I highly recommend this series to paranormal fans (if you're one of the few who haven't read it yet) and am really looking forward to the next installment. ...more

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Nov 06, 2012 Kris (My Novelesque Life) rated it really liked it

4 STARS

"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 bro ...more

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Mar 06, 2013 Amie rated it really liked it

Shelves: ya

Good continuation of the story....really enjoying this series.

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Aug 06, 2010 Jenn rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2011

Clary's story continues with some life altering events for her and everyone that she love's. This series is well written. The characters are likeable, and the plot enthralling. The only thing that kept me from finishing this in a day was Relay for Life. I read the first 485 book in the series in less than a day. It's edge of your seat suspense and you can't put it down. ...more

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