dramastef's Full Review: Cassandra Clare - City of Ashes
After reading the first book in The Mortal Instruments series, which had an enticing quote by Holly Black on the front cover, I went searching for the second book, City of Ashes, and found an endorsement by yet favorite YA fantasy author, this time Libba Bray. Apparently, these women all come from the same writing group. One has to wonder if they aren't practicing the dark magicks they write about allowing them to write and publish such wonderful first books. Or maybe I'm just jealous? And a little grateful to have found the books of course.
Book One Spoilers...
In the first book of Cassandra Clare's The Mortal Instruments series, City of Bones, Clary Fray learned that things like demons and angels and vampires actually do exist. Humans with some angel blood have been sent to Earth to protect humanity. They are known as Shadowhunters. Clary's parents had been Shadowhunters, which is what allows her to see through the mist. Clary's best friend Simon is in love with her, but Clary finds herself drawn to fellow Shadowhunter Jace. At the end of the first book, it has been revealed that Jace is actually her brother, long since believed to have been killed by their father Valentine.
Book Two ~ City of Ashes
The second book takes place immediately following the events of the first book and is just as captivating. Simon is still in love with Clary, though he soon has his own problems with the world he never wanted to know existed. Clary and Jace still have feelings for each other, but it's a bit hard to overcome the ick factor of finding out your love interest is actually your sibling. Their father Valentine has stolen the second Mortal Instrument, the Soul-Sword and is using it for evil. Jace has been pegged by the High Inquisitor as being a spy for Valentine and is being punished as such.
Though things couldn't feel more complicated for Clary, she's beginning to suspect that she's even more abnormal than she thought. She and Jace are both beginning to exhibit abilities even beyond that of an angel blooded Shadowhunter.
And did I mention that there are flying motorcycles, more vampires and werewolves in this book too? What more can a YA urban fantasy junkie ask for? The writing is superb, with New York City as a dark and beautiful backdrop to all of these nasties that go bump in the night. The Shadowhunters are conflicted and flawed humans. The main characters are intriguing. The secondary characters are more than just cardboard cutouts. A bit of warning to parents. This is more Adult than true Young Adult, but there's nothing here that your teenager hasn't heard before on prime time television. It's definitely dark, but has its moments of lighthearted fun and humor too.
Again, I have to express a little bit of jealousy. Whatever these women are doing coming out of that writing group is working. Very well. Libba Bray promised a "Smart, Sexy Thrill Ride" in City of Ashes and I think Cassandra Clare delivered. I'm on the waiting list for the third book in the trilogy, City of Glass, at my library and am very much looking forward to it.
Start the trilogy by reading Book One ~ City of Bones.
Read all about it at the series website: http://www.mortalinstruments.com/
Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what s normal when you re a demon-slaying Shadowhunter and you can suddenly see Down...More at Buy.com Marketplaces
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