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A review by feuillycakes
City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
The characters in this book were so much more developed than book 1, with characters like Jace and Simon having more fleshed out feelings and motivations, as well as Alec and Magnus getting more page time. The multiple POV choice was a good one most definitely. I did notice that we didn’t see much of Izzy, so I’m hoping she’s more featured in the next book. We get told she’s friends with Clary but we don’t really see it so I want to see more of that explored.
As to the plot and worldbuilding, it was done in a far more natural way. There are still so many things happening in this book but none of it felt out of place or like and info dump that wasn’t needed. I’ll be honest that I couldn’t tell you what happened in any chronological order but I could list some things that happened and that’s an improvement. The introduction of the new characters and the Clave was super interesting too.
I gotta say it: I still don’t like Clary very much. She’s so flawed and can be downright annoying and behave so badly, but you know what? That makes her an awesome character. She’s the opposite of a Mary Sue type of character and I respect that. Jace is also super flawed and gets called out on it repeatedly, but by far his worst quality is his willingness towards incest. Call it a spoiler or don’t, these things should be trigger warnings.
Spoilers here that you should be aware of if you’re sensitive to incestuous implications.
There is a very large incest plotline. Kisses happen, I’m uncomfortable, and I’ve known the truth ever since I saw the film and looked it up but even so them thinking they’re siblings and still lusting after each other is horrendous and I hate it. Several hints are dropped in story that there’s lies happening in some form but these characters believe they are fully blood related. I would honestly feel more comfortable with them becoming like actual siblings or just best friends and then when the truth is inevitably revealed in whatever manner it will happen they would either have a stronger relationship for being such close friends or they would choose to continue thinking of each other as siblings. None of this lusting after your brother or sister stuff. None of this Jace wanting to run away and live an incestuous life together stuff. I just don’t like it ok.
As to the plot and worldbuilding, it was done in a far more natural way. There are still so many things happening in this book but none of it felt out of place or like and info dump that wasn’t needed. I’ll be honest that I couldn’t tell you what happened in any chronological order but I could list some things that happened and that’s an improvement. The introduction of the new characters and the Clave was super interesting too.
I gotta say it: I still don’t like Clary very much. She’s so flawed and can be downright annoying and behave so badly, but you know what? That makes her an awesome character. She’s the opposite of a Mary Sue type of character and I respect that. Jace is also super flawed and gets called out on it repeatedly, but by far his worst quality is his willingness towards incest. Call it a spoiler or don’t, these things should be trigger warnings.
Spoilers here that you should be aware of if you’re sensitive to incestuous implications.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Incest, Death, and Violence