City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments, #2) in The Mortal Read-Along!

Apr 16, 2015 Rebecca (whymermaids) rated it really liked it

The second book in The Mortal Instruments series is an improvement on the first: the characters are better developed, the plot is more interesting, and there is more dramatic tension.

The plot of City of Ashes focuses more on Valentine and his quest to obtain the different Mortal Instruments. It also deals with the aftermath of Clary and Jace discovering their sibling relationship, and how that affects their feelings for one another… which is weird and incesty and confusing. In addition, Clare le The second book in The Mortal Instruments series is an improvement on the first: the characters are better developed, the plot is more interesting, and there is more dramatic tension.

The plot of City of Ashes focuses more on Valentine and his quest to obtain the different Mortal Instruments. It also deals with the aftermath of Clary and Jace discovering their sibling relationship, and how that affects their feelings for one another… which is weird and incesty and confusing. In addition, Clare leaves hints at the true nature of Jace’s heritage that keep the reader intrigued through the series, which makes it slightly less weird/incesty, but even more confusing.

Jace is more brooding, Clary is just as clueless, and Simon is still annoying, but Luke and Magnus’ awesome levels rise, and I found a softer spot for Alec. I did miss the presence of Isabelle, however, as she was not in as many scenes as in City of Bones.

Even though the City of Bones movie ruined it for me, Simon’s transformation was fun to read and a nice twist on the story, though the ending was a bit too convenient.

I was still bummed about the lack of Jocelyn in the book (she’s in a coma the entire time), and it bothered me even more that Clary rarely went to visit her mother in the hospital, leaving it up to Luke to do so. If my mom were in the hospital, I’d be there every day.

I also wasn’t a fan of Simon-Clary. It felt like she was just trying to use him to get over her conflicting feelings about Jace, and he just let it happen because he wanted her so badly… but then gets mad when her attention is easily thwarted by the presence of the latter. It just felt awkward and clumsy, and I didn’t buy it. There just wasn’t any chemistry, and honestly, half the time I don’t even buy their friendship, because Clary forgets about him so easily and treats him terribly.

Valentine’s character was also a bit more three dimensional, as his character started to shine through more and you could see how he so easily affected those around him. He’s creepy, but he’s kind of a badass.

I’d like to see more of Clary and Jace’s “special” abilities developed, and I really want to see Clary go through some shadowhunter training so she can be less useless in a battle (ugh) and Jace can stop calling her a mundane. ...more

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Mar 31, 2015 Rosie rated it really liked it

‘City of Ashes’ is the second book in ‘The Mortal Instruments’ series by Cassandra Clare. It continues the story of Clary, Jace and their friends in the battle against Valentine, as well as continuing their own, personal stories.

Cassandra Clare is a phenomenal writer, and this book continues to show her strengths of writing fascinating characters with a well-developed plot. So much happens that you are hooked from the very beginning.

I am not going to say much about this book for fear of spoili ...more

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Sep 16, 2014 Andrew Woodham rated it it was amazing

Shelves: physical-copy, 2015-read

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jul 31, 2012 Stephy rated it really liked it · review of another edition

City of Ashes is the second book in the mortal instruments series by Cassandra Clare. There are five books in this series along with another three in a companion prequel series called The Infernal Devices.
The series follows Clary who got involved in this world she doesn’t know existed. In this world demons, Subterraneans and shadow hunters live hidden under glamour, hence can’t be discovered by mundanes (humans). Shadow hunters protect people fighting demons and controlling subterranean. Shadow City of Ashes is the second book in the mortal instruments series by Cassandra Clare. There are five books in this series along with another three in a companion prequel series called The Infernal Devices.
The series follows Clary who got involved in this world she doesn’t know existed. In this world demons, Subterraneans and shadow hunters live hidden under glamour, hence can’t be discovered by mundanes (humans). Shadow hunters protect people fighting demons and controlling subterranean. Shadow hunters are born and apparently she is one of them.

Since what happened with Valentine Clary has been avoiding Jace. She moved to Luke’s as well as starting date Simon. However, she can’t help worry when she receives a call from Luke. He tells Clary that Jace had been getting into trouble, looking for a fight wherever he could find it. After talking with Clary and Luke Jace decided to go ask Maryse, Alec’s and Isabelle’s, mother the reason why she kicked him out. When they go to the Institute, the Inquisitor is waiting for Jace. Apparently the Council doesn’t believe Jace didn’t know Valentine was his father, therefore they think he is a spy working for Valentine. The Inquisitor puts him on a cell in the dungeons of The Silent City waiting for his jury. That night The Silent City is attacked and the sword of the Angel, the second mortal instrument stolen. That might mean Valentine is back and more powerful as it takes a lot to take the silent brothers down. What Clary, Alec and Isabelle do to prove Jace innocence? Especially when the Inquisitor seems to have something personal against Jace.

City of Ashes was the typical middle book in a trilogy; it isn’t bad although it wasn’t as good as the first one. The main plot was developed just a little, less than what I was expecting. I really think I like it just because I got to find out more about the shadow hunter laws and society. Despite that, I found it a bit tedious. I just got surprised a couple of times, and the surprises weren’t really pleasant.

All things considered, City of Ashes was an Ok book. I liked it however, I am not sure I would recommend it, if it weren’t because it is in the middle of the series. I’d read it to continue with the series. ...more

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Aug 03, 2011 Rachel Torres rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: my-bookshelf, audiobook, 3-stars

2020 - Would die all over for this one interaction “I could’ve killed you” “I would’ve let you”. Definitely enjoyable upon rereading but on a first read may be harder as you’re not bonded with the characters yet because the best is yet to come. Definitely worth continuing for the rest of the series, and Cassie’s writing improves tremendously with each book.

2017 - Upon rereading the series, it is slightly more enjoyable as I am already attached to the characters who I fell in love with in later ...more

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Jan 13, 2013 Out_of_Bounds Reading rated it it was amazing

Shelves: online, bcb-done

Ah, guys, even though I knew some things that happen in this series, nothing prepared me for all the emotion I went through in this book. I think I can officially say I am a BIG fan of this now. I am in love and I just want to binge read the entire TMI and TID series. Even though I can't right now, I really want to. ...more

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