Hey there, bookworms! It’s that time of the week again, and we couldn’t be more excited to dive into our latest read: City of Ashes by the one and only Cassandra Clare! This book is the second in The Mortal Instruments series, and we cannot wait to dive into not only what has happened so far, but what is yet to come.
If you’re anything like us, you’ve probably been eagerly awaiting the next chapter in The Mortal Instruments series since finishing City of Bones. Picking up right where we left off, City of Ashes is an absolute rollercoaster of supernatural shenanigans and heart-stopping drama.
So, what’s the scoop on City of Ashes? Well, buckle up, because we’re about to give you the lowdown on why this book is our must-read of the week!
First off, can we talk about how Cassandra Clare has this uncanny ability to transport us right into the heart of New York City, but with a twist? I’m talking about a New York where demons lurk in the shadows, and every alleyway holds secrets you wouldn’t believe. It’s the kind of setting that’s equal parts familiar and fantastical, and it sets the stage for one heck of an adventure.
Speaking of adventure, Clary Fray is back and ready to kick some demon butt! She may have just discovered her Shadowhunter heritage, but let us tell you, she’s already proving herself to be a force to be reckoned with. Alongside her swoon-worthy (and slightly snarky) partner-in-crime, Jace Wayland, Clary dives headfirst into a world of danger and intrigue that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Clary’s life hasn’t exactly settled down since discovering she’s a demon-slaying Shadowhunter. Nope, it’s more like a rollercoaster ride of magic-induced comas, newfound siblings (hello, Jace!), and a whole lot of supernatural creatures lurking around every corner. Talk about never a dull moment!
Just when Clary hopes for a breather, trouble comes knocking—literally. There’s a killer on the loose in New York City, targeting Downworlder children. And guess who’s suspected? Yep, good ol’ dad, Valentine. Because nothing says family bonding like accusations of mass murder, right?
As if that’s not enough drama, the Inquisitor swoops in with all the subtlety of a bulldozer, pointing fingers at Jace for the theft of the Soul-Sword. Seriously, can’t a girl catch a break?
But, fear not, because Clary’s not one to sit back and let chaos reign. She’s ready to dive headfirst into danger, face down her dad, and maybe—just maybe—sort out her feelings for Jace along the way. Ah, young love in the midst of demon-slaying mayhem—what’s not to love?
Does City of Ashes get our stamp of approval?
Engaging Plot: Does the book have a compelling storyline that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end? Just like the book prior in the series, we couldn’t stop reading once we started. We can’t wait to see what’s in store for us in the following books – thank God this is a series (and a long one at that).
Well-Developed Characters: Are the characters multidimensional, with realistic motivations, flaws, and growth throughout the story? It’s still hard to picture these characters at the ages they are. However, as more gets thrown their way, we can’t help but fall in love with them.
Strong Writing: Is the prose well-crafted, with vivid descriptions, realistic dialogue, and a consistent narrative voice? The writing just keeps getting better as we get sucked into the story more.
Emotional Impact: Does the book evoke a range of emotions in readers, from laughter and joy to sadness and empathy? The emotions are rich and multi-faceted. Sometimes it feels as though we might explode if we don’t keep reading because we need to know more to get our own emotions under control (which sometimes takes reading over 50 pages).
Originality: Does the book bring something fresh and unique to its genre or subject matter, avoiding clichés and predictable plot twists? This book, and subsequently this series, is set up to be extremely unique. There isn’t much else out there quite like this. Cassandra Clare did a great job executing her vision.
Pacing: Is the pacing of the story appropriate, with a good balance of action, exposition, and character development? We can’t think of a single flaw regarding the pacing – we were hooked the entire time.
World-Building: Does the book create a richly imagined world that feels immersive and believable? If we could move to the world this took place in, we would. Well, with a few conditions.
Theme and Message: Does the book explore meaningful themes and deliver a message that resonates with readers? There were so many different meaningful themes and concepts being explored. From friendship to love to perseverance, we can only wonder what becomes of them in the following books.
Resolution: Does the book provide a satisfying resolution to its central conflicts and story arcs? It’s a good thing the third book is already released. We would have gone crazy waiting otherwise.
Overall Enjoyment: Most importantly, did we enjoy the book? Absolutely. We will be reading it again, and bet it’s one you’ll read several times too.
Have you read City of Ashes yet?
If you’ve read City of Ashes, what did you think of it? If you haven’t read it yet, are you going to?
