City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

City of Ashes

Author: Cassandra Clare
Series: The Mortal Instruments #2
Release Date: March 25, 2008
Pages: 453
Review by: Tessa
       This is the second book in the Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare. So, if you didn't read The City of Bones first you are either a very confused person or looking for spoilers. I suggest reading the wonderful review for City of Bones by Max.
       I was so excited after City of Bones that I HAD to read the sequel ASAP!  Imagine how I felt when I found out there are going to be 6 books! This book did not disappoint. The cover alone was enough to make me happy (Some people say that I am easy to impress). The book has just the right amounts of action and humor.
       Clary's mother is now in the hospital, but she has bigger problems. Clary's best friend is suddenly her new "boyfriend" and the Institute is in chaos. Jace is accused of some stupid "crime" and sent to the Silent City to be questioned. The Silent Brothers discover that Valentine has stolen the Mortal Sword, aka the Soul-Sword. In an attempt to regain the Mortal Sword a ship blows up, Clary is put in danger (again), and some noble people die.



     With all this going on, Valentine weaves his trap tighter and tighter with mysterious deaths of Downworlders. Jace and Clary are not really who they seem to be. Even Simon has a huge bombshell coming his way.
     The romance in this sequel was overdone. Contrary to popular belief, not every series needs a love triangle! The mistake about this love triangle is its predictability. The only time I will tolerate a love triangle is when there are actually two sides. In this one, the winner is obvious and has been since the first book.
      Also, most of the obstacles felt like busywork. There was too much unnecessary tasks and fighting.  
      Although most of the time the sequel does not live up to the expectations of the first book, I was disappointed. I did like the end though. (I am a huge fan of cliffhangers.) It was completely unfair to the readers, but written well enough that Clare is safe from fans for now.