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A review by libraryforspooky
City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
3.0
*City of Ashes*, the second installment in Cassandra Clare’s *The Mortal Instruments* series, continues the action-packed adventure of Clary Fray and her friends as they battle demons and uncover dark secrets within the Shadowhunter world. While this sequel delivers on its promise of high stakes and drama, it didn’t quite live up to the excitement of the first book, which is why it lands at three stars for me.
The plot picks up right where *City of Bones* left off, with Clary grappling with her new identity as a Shadowhunter and the shocking revelation about her family. The stakes are raised as her father, Valentine, continues his quest for power, this time targeting the Mortal Sword. Clare does a great job weaving in twists and maintaining suspense throughout, and the action scenes are as fast-paced and thrilling as ever.
However, where *City of Ashes* falters for me is in the character development and the relationships. The love triangle between Clary, Jace, and Simon feels more frustrating than compelling at times, especially with the added complications of Clary and Jace’s supposed sibling connection. The romantic tension, while a major draw for some readers, felt a bit overwrought in this book, overshadowing other important aspects of the story. Simon’s transformation also didn’t have the emotional depth I hoped for—it seemed more like a plot device than a fully realized character arc.
On the plus side, the supporting characters, particularly Isabelle and Alec, continue to shine. Their loyalty and courage make them stand out, and I enjoyed the glimpses into Alec’s inner struggle as he grapples with his feelings for Magnus. Clare’s world-building also remains impressive, expanding the lore of the Shadowhunter universe with new magical elements and creatures, which kept me intrigued.
Overall, *City of Ashes* is a solid continuation of the series, full of action, dark magic, and high drama, but it fell short of the emotional resonance and character depth I was hoping for. It’s a book that keeps the series moving forward but didn’t quite capture the magic of the first.
The plot picks up right where *City of Bones* left off, with Clary grappling with her new identity as a Shadowhunter and the shocking revelation about her family. The stakes are raised as her father, Valentine, continues his quest for power, this time targeting the Mortal Sword. Clare does a great job weaving in twists and maintaining suspense throughout, and the action scenes are as fast-paced and thrilling as ever.
However, where *City of Ashes* falters for me is in the character development and the relationships. The love triangle between Clary, Jace, and Simon feels more frustrating than compelling at times, especially with the added complications of Clary and Jace’s supposed sibling connection. The romantic tension, while a major draw for some readers, felt a bit overwrought in this book, overshadowing other important aspects of the story. Simon’s transformation also didn’t have the emotional depth I hoped for—it seemed more like a plot device than a fully realized character arc.
On the plus side, the supporting characters, particularly Isabelle and Alec, continue to shine. Their loyalty and courage make them stand out, and I enjoyed the glimpses into Alec’s inner struggle as he grapples with his feelings for Magnus. Clare’s world-building also remains impressive, expanding the lore of the Shadowhunter universe with new magical elements and creatures, which kept me intrigued.
Overall, *City of Ashes* is a solid continuation of the series, full of action, dark magic, and high drama, but it fell short of the emotional resonance and character depth I was hoping for. It’s a book that keeps the series moving forward but didn’t quite capture the magic of the first.