Name: The Mortal Instruments 02. City of Ashes
ISBN: 9781406362176

 Cassandra Clare

With her mother in a coma and her father hell-bent on destroying the world, Clary is dragged deeper into New York's terrifying underworld of werewolves, demons and the mysterious Shadowhunters.

The Mortal Instruments 02. City of Ashes

jana 

Silvia

16-year-old Clary Fray is an ordinary teenager, who likes hanging out in Brooklyn with her friends. But everything changes the night she witnesses a murder, committed by a group of teens armed with medieval weaponry.

The Mortal Instruments 01. City of Bones

shru

this has the slightest of spoilers 

i can see why so many people find it difficult to get through this book to read the others, i struggled a few years back too lmao, but the nostalgia was amazing. somehow i'd forgotten like 70% of the book so it was great to see the relationships build, especially alec and clary !! i still love simon and think he deserves better, and i don't love clary. the clace instalove was... idek. also, i completely forgot about how freaking dramatic jace is oml

💌

I liked this a lot more than the first one.. I think i finally get why people love this series so much

knew the incest storyline would come but i still physically recoiled at that shit

Ingrid 

** spoiler alert **
           I'm gonna start this review with a disclaimer. I'm 20 years old and I'm aware that I'm not the target audience for this book. I know this book is 10 years old and I haven't read the rest of the series, so I do not know if some of the issues I have with this book will be resolved later in the series. Now lets get into the review. 

SPOILERS AHEAD (Don't read my review if you don't want to be spoiled)

THE CHARACTERS: 

Clary was probably the most annoying character I have ever read and she's definitely my most hated character ever. Not only was she beyond stupid, she was also super mean to everyone and had an awful personality.

The stupid parts:
On page 117 Clary found a five-dimensional door, something that she had never heard off, and decided just to go through it. Not even thinking about what could happen.

On page 155 Clary found out her mom was in the Circle, but refused to believe it. She said: "... My mother would never have belonged to something like that. Some kind of-some kind of hate group". So Clary had previously found out that her mum was a Shadowhunter and that her mum had lived a secret life, yet would not believe that she was a part of the Circle. 

Now let's move on to the mean/personality parts:
On page 141 it said "She wondered if it was wrong that she was glad in some way that the men who'd taken her mother were the same men who'd killed Jace's father all those years ago" Yes, that is soo wrong, come one.

On page 150 she told Jace that she was sorry and he asked "which time?" and she immediately went on the defensive and said: "you snap at me, too, you know". Why couldn't she have been nice and made a proper apology, without turning herself into the victim. She always made everything about her. 
Another example of this is on page 337: "Maybe this, she thought, losing Simon, maybe this is my punishment for the selfishness of being happy, even for just a moment, when my mother is still missing." Ehhh, maybe you've just been an awful person?

On page 332 Clary and Simon were supposed to be best friends, yet this happened: ".. The answer was as simple as it was awful: She has forgotten about Simon completely." 
The again on page 373: "...she saw Simon standing in the open door-way. Simon. She had forgotten he was outside, had almost forgotten he existed." How could she be so rude?? 

Next is a whole section on the girl hate that came from Clary:
So Clary hated on Isabelle for no apparent reason, other than the fact that Simon liked Isabelle. Clary did not have feelings for Simon and she's did not treat him as a good friend.
On page 146 Simon looked at Isabelle and Clary realized that Isabelle was pretty. Clary therefore "..stopped wondering about the peanut-fish-olive-tomato soup ans tarted sondering what would happen if she dumped the contents of the pot on Isabelle's head." So yeah...
On page 219 Isabelle woke Clary up and Isabelle "..looked like a moon goddess." therefore "Clary hated her." This is just plain girl hate and it's so unnecessary.
On page 250 Clary called Isabelle a "..bitch.." because Simon drank the blue drink. Isabelle says "..I told him not to, but he didn't listen.." and Clary still got mad at Isabelle and not Simon.....
On page 257 Isabelle was sad because of what happened to Simon, Clary "..felt a wave of irrational anger-Isabelle barely knew Simon. This wasn't her disaster." Why couldn't they both be sad? It's sooo annyoing. 
Skip forward to page 318 where Clary asked Simon "Did she tell you to drink the blue cocktail?" Even though Isabelle had already told Clary that she told Simon not to drink it (p250) and had cried over what happened (p257) but she just couldn't trust Isabelle because ???
Then on page 330 Clary had the nerve to say "She (Isabelle) hates me". B**** please.. Don't even try to turn this around...

Now let's end Clary's section with why she was a hypocrite:
So she said on page 184: "Clary didn't see how killing one person could make right the death of another..." which I totally agree with. But then we skip to page 314 where "She could see how she was hurting him, and it made her glad. Someone else ought to be in pain for a change." So suddenly people should be in pain because she had been in pain. The total opposite of what her previous thoughts were. But we ain't done yet. On page 391 she was back to thinking "It doesn't work that way. The good things you do don't cancel out the bad" So then we were back to a good way of thinking, but we ain't finished yet. On page 427 she wanted to kill Valentine if they caught him. Her reasoning for doing so was "He killed my older brother. He killed my grandparents." Even though that was the opposite of what she said on p184..... So she basically preached one way of thinking, while doing the exact opposite herself.

I'm not gonna spend much time on discussing Simon, but some things just can't be ignored. First of all, what was his character doing in this story? He did not add anything to it. I honestly wanted him to be killed off... #sorrynotsorry
Let's start with page 125. He found out about all the mystical creatures and had no questions or doubts what so ever. Like no, that's unbelievable. No one would react like that. Moving on. 
My biggest issue was just how big of an asshole he was on page 336. He told Clary that he had "..been in love with her for ten years.." which, let's be honest, he could't have been. They're like, 16 (?) in this book? No one knew what love was when they were 6... He then went on telling Clary how she broke his heart. Wtf? She did nothing wrong. She kissed a cute guy. Simon was the one not telling her about his feelings. He broke his own heart. Don't blame anyone else. 

THE PLOT "TWISTS"
I'm calling them "twists" because there wasn't any (except for the incest one and that was just weird..)

On page 155 we found out that Clary's mother was Valentine's wife. I'm still not sure if this was supposed to be a plot twist or not. I found it obvious that something had happened between Valentine and Clary's mum. Because of this information, I assumed Valentine was Clary's father. This is then used as another plot "twist" on page 422. Like come on.. 
There was one on page 239 when Clary found out that her mum put the memory spell on her. Something I assumed since we found out about the memory spell.
The last one I want to mention, but couldn't be bothered finding the page for. It was when we found out that Luke was a good guy. I never for a second believe he was the bad guy. 
Basically I didn't care for the plot of this book.

OTHER:
Some of the other things I didn't like in the book:
The I didn't know I was pretty trope. This showed up both on page 330 and then again on page 339: "but Clary didn't know she was beautiful at all." 
My last complaint is going to be on the language used, swearwords to be exact. On page 208 the author wrote "ducking glass mole" instead of using, I assume, fucking asshole. I had no trouble with this. My problem, however, was how on page 275, she used the words "puta madre", which ruffly translates to mother fucker. I don't understand how swearing in another language suddenly makes it appropriate. 

We're nearing the end of my review, and you're probably wondering why I gave this book 2 stars and not 1 star (if you even made it this far). The one and only reason is Jace. He was so funny, and the only likeable character in my opinion. 
Some examples on why he is funny:
Page 172: 
"..but since it's five a.m., I figured you'd be less cranky if you had something nice to look at" (Clary):"Meaning you?" "What else?" 
Page 362: 
"Unfortunately, my one true love remains myself." (Dorthea): "At least ... you don't have to worry about rejection, Jace Wayland." "Not necessarily. I turn myself down occasionally, just to keep it interesting."
I personally liked Jace's view on religion. I'm not gonna quote it, but it can be found on pages 268 through 270.
Lastly I liked what he said on page 254: "Why mundanes always insist on taking responsibility for things that aren't their fault is a mystery to me." 

I'm gonna end my review here, if not I would go on forever. My conclusion is that this book was not a great book. The main character was a mean person, and had next to none redeemable qualities. The plot was lacking, and the "twists" were in my opinion, bad. The writing wasn't great and I didn't appreciate the girl hate. I would not recommend this book, but I will most likely continue the series, and reviewing the books. 

Please let me know what you thought about the book or my review in the comments :)

With two of the Mortal Instruments now in Valentine's hands, the world of the Shadowhunters teeters on the brink of civil war. Jace and the Lightwoods are recalled to Idris, the Shadowhunters' remote and hidden home country, where a search has begun for the last of the Instruments, the Mortal Glass.

The Mortal Instruments 03. City of Glass

Okay... so I have let my thoughts marinate and I think I'm ready to review this book. It does contain spoilers.

I had great expectations for this book. For the entire series and, moreover, I still have for the entire Shadowhunters universe. 

However, this book was not good. I spent 11 months trying to get through it and I put it down after a week reading it in 2021 because I was dreading it too much, but this year I finally pushed through and finished it. 

For starters, the dialogue throughout most of the book is just cringe worthy. I started annotating all the times the characters had intensively pointless dialogues along the lines of "you're stupid and reckless" "nah huh, you are stupid and reckless", just constant back and forth annoying bickering between the characters af if they hadn't been interacting with each other for three books already. I didn't find the same problem with the previous two books so I have to note a huge backwards step in character development because Clary became insufferable. 

Then, there were a million plot holes that I got seriously mad about, especially having watched the show twice and remembering how well those plot holes were filled in it. For example, the entire Jocelyn being in a coma and reappearing out of the blue like nothing happened. ESPECIALLY when the entire life goal of Clary in this book was to save her mother and she did absolutely NOTHING to that end other than finding a spellbook and then had zero contribution to her mom's recovery. The series, from what I can remember, dealt with that beautifully and made it a meaningful moment between mother and daughter. This is just one of the examples.

I have to say the narration is good. Cassandra Clare wrote some beautiful portions of prose in this book that actually made it entertaining and enjoyable, hence the three-star rating, and that beautifully long epilogue that just wrapped the three books with a nice little bow.

I also have to make an honourable mention to side characters Simon, Maia and Sebastian. Your clueless remarks and snarky retorts have made this book better for it.

I do have to add that although some might say think that me being 10 years older than the targeted age group of this book might have influenced my thoughts on it, I understand and thought so too at some point, but this book gave me the same feeling Allegiant by Veronica Roth and that yellow book by the Harry Potter author (her who shall not be named) gave me back when I was 16, two of the few DNF's of my entire life, so I imagine I wouldn't have liked it very much back then either.

Okay... so I have let my thoughts marinate and I think I'm ready to review this book. It does contain spoilers.

I had great expectations for this book. For the entire series and, moreover, I still have for the entire Shadowhunters universe. 

However, this book was not good. I spent 11 months trying to get through it and I put it down after a week reading it in 2021 because I was dreading it too much, but this year I finally pushed through and finished it. 

Why is it not good? 

For starters, the dialogue throughout most of the book is just cringe worthy. I started annotating all the times the characters had intensively pointless dialogues along the lines of "you're stupid and reckless" "nah huh, you are stupid and reckless", just constant back and forth annoying bickering between the characters af if they hadn't been interacting with each other for three books already. I didn't find the same problem with the previous two books so I have to note a huge backwards step in character development because Clary became insufferable. 

Then, there were a million plot holes that I got seriously mad about, especially having watched the show twice and remembering how well those plot holes were filled in it. For example, the entire Jocelyn being in a coma and reappearing out of the blue like nothing happened. ESPECIALLY when the entire life goal of Clary in this book was to save her mother and she did absolutely NOTHING to that end other than finding a spellbook and then had zero contribution to her mom's recovery. The series, from what I can remember, dealt with that beautifully and made it a meaningful moment between mother and daughter. This is just one of the examples.

I have to say the narration is good. Cassandra Clare wrote some beautiful portions of prose in this book that actually made it entertaining and enjoyable, hence the three-star rating, and that beautifully long epilogue that just wrapped the three books with a nice little bow.

I also have to make an honourable mention to side characters Simon, Maia and Sebastian. Your clueless remarks and snarky retorts have made this book better for it.

I do have to add that although some might say think that me being 10 years older than the targeted age group of this book might have influenced my thoughts on it, I understand and thought so too at some point, but this book gave me the same feeling Allegiant by Veronica Roth and that yellow book by the Harry Potter author (her who shall not be named) gave me back when I was 16, two of the few DNF's of my entire life, so I imagine I wouldn't have liked it very much back then either.

Francesca G

Original rating (2014): 4 stars
2019 rating: 4 stars

Nothing new, nothing changed. I am still a shadowhunter wh*re through and through. (I loved this so much, but a 5 star rating for Shadowhunters is reserved only to Clockwork Angel and Clockwork Princess, and that's the T)

2014 rating: 3 stars
2019 rating: 3.5 stars

OH BOY. I forgot literally everything about City of Ashes so it genuinely felt like I was reading it for the first time and... it wasn't bad, but it wasn't amazing either. 

I will still say that the writing style is probably my favourite out of most of the YA books I've read, the story is so, so rich, and damn Cassandra Clare knows how to create suspance.

2014 rating: 5 stars
2019 rating: 4 stars (raised from 3.5 because I refuse to give City of Glass the same rating I gave City of Ashes because, well, this one is better #sorrynotsorry) 

The first time I read it, I remember it being amazing for the atmosphere it created and for the development that all the characters had. 

Well, still loved the atmosphere but there was very little to no showing of development in any characters that weren't Jace or Clary (who I hate a lot because she's such a whiny b*tch I'm sorry but NOPE). All the other characters just went from 1 to 100, and we were given very little insight as to how they got there, and I understand there's a lot of them and the book would've been massive if Cassandra Clare focused on every single one of them, but a bit more sections in different perspectives from Jace's or Clary's would have been very nice. 
(Also I am biased, I love Alec with all my soul so it hurt me massively when he was not given the chance to shine that I wanted him to have. ) 

That being said, I am still glad this was the book to complete my 2019 Reading Challenge, and I am ready for the other 3 in the saga now!

Sophie Elaina 

This was so much better than the first book! Yay!

This is without a doubt the best book so far in the series. I can see how it was once supposed to be the ending and I think it was so well done. After reading the first two books I would not have thought I would enjoy this so much, at one point I thought I was going to give this five stars, but I think four is more accurate for my feelings. I really enjoyed it, it’s like the more you read the more entranced and obsessed you get with the different characters. As a whole I think I would’ve loved this more had I not watched both the movie and tv show adaptations first. Anyway it was almost a five star read for me I just feel as though there’s something missing that’s stopping me from loving these characters. However I’m really excited to finally read the first book in The Infernal Devices next!

Lena

why did this take me t w o m o n t h s to read?? I hate uni

I first read this in like 2012 or something and I'm now rereading the whole world because I can't remember what happens from book 2 onwards and really just want to finally read city of heavenly fire. 

anyway, this was so hard to reread!? I took so long to read this and every time I tried to read it I had to bargain with myself to read a certain amount of pages before I gave up. I'm not sure if it's just because I know all of the big plot points already from reading it and also seeing both the movie and the show. ooor it could just be because my reading tastes have changed so much that this just isn't compelling to me anymore. maybe it's both put together, who knows?

there are so many little sentences that I read and had to just cringe at or pause for a second and question because some of the writing in this is just?? bad? and the amount of times a word choice sat wrong with me and pulled me out of the story was astonishing. 

I like that we don't get any more information about the shadowhunters and the shadow world than Clary does but because we are learning as she does it results in sooo many info dumps and because I already know this it was tedious to read through it all. 

from memory the writing improves as the series goes on so here's hoping I remember how to love this series after I make some more progress

Emma Murphy

A decent book overall all but I was disappointed with the ending

Dina

Okay, so this was a re-read for me. It'd set it somewhere between 3.5 and 4 stars.

Let me start by saying that I was in a rush when I read it the first time. I now understand why a lot of it flew past me and I was left confused. Obviously, going into it a second time makes for a more solid experience, because I was basically filling in the blanks from when I first read it all those months back. (and, man, were there a lot of blanks to fill!)

I also came to the conclusion that, much like many other books out there, you need to go into it with an open mind or you'll be tripping all over yourself and your experience will be terrible. That being said, I completely ignored the feelings I was left with after my first read of this book, as well as all the things people have been saying about the writing and the author. They shouldn't be allowed to influence my reading experience, and so I kept all of that out of the door.

By doing that, I was able to actually enjoy the story for what it was. It was entertaining, I loved the characters' sense of humor in this (it was very similar to mine, so I guess I could relate), I took my time learning a bit more about the world -- which is something I should have done the first time around as well -- and it's actually interesting. It's complex, there are a few things you don't immediately have an answer or explanation to, but most things you kinda pick up on the way, so it's fine.

I also let myself kind of accept these characters for what they are, flaws and all. Not saying Clary didn't get on my nerves at times, because she did (especially when she goes around slapping everyone, like, girl...), but you also see her kind of grow and realize her mistakes and apologizing to those she kinda lashed out on. And I gotta appreciate that. There are many characters in books I've read that didn't so much as admit their mistakes, so I'll take it.

Now, this was one of the few good experiences I had while re-reading a book (it usually doesn't work too well for me, which is why I rarely do it), so I'm happy about that.

And now I shall immerse myself in the rest of the Shadowhunter Chronicles. Pray for me.

So this one picks up not too long after the events at the end of the first one, so, obviously, I'll end up mentioning things that happened in the first one or consequences of said events. Be warned.

The rest of the Lightwood clan is back, and along comes the Inquisitor, Imogen Herondale. She's come to question Jace, because the Clave fears he might be a spy for Valentine.

Valentine wants to perform a ritual that will give him enough power to finish what the Circle barely even started all those years back. For that, he needs to kill four young Downworlders, one of each species.

There's a bunch of new characters being introduced in this book, but they all play their part in making sure the story moves along, so I'm not mad about that. Some of them I actually enjoyed, like Maia. Maia's cool. She had a bit of a problem with Simon about halfway through the book, but she explained her side of things and I can understand why she reacted the way she did, even if I don't think it was the best way to go about things.

There's a lot of struggles in this book. Jace and Clary struggle with their feelings for each other and the fact that they're siblings(view spoiler)[ (I know the outcome of this story line already, but it still made me uncomfortable and made me cringe like hell every time they would kiss. *shudders*) (hide spoiler)], Alec is struggling with his feelings (both for Jace and Magnus), Simon is struggling with his new-found abilities and restrictions and not really knowing how to talk to his family about them (look at me trying not to spoil the poor souls that still don't know what happens to our poor mundane friend), Imogen is also struggling between doing what's right and getting her revenge, ... There's a lot going on.

Jocelyn is still in a coma, but there's hope now. Gotta read the third book to see how that'll go, though.

There's another epic battle with Valentine, though, much like in City of Bones, people die and not a lot changes in the end. Again: let's get to the third book and see if that changes!

I have to admit there were tears in my eyes in that last scene with Jace and Maryse. Gosh, guys, these family-like moments and emotions always get to me. My heart!

All in all, I really enjoyed this one. There were bits that made me cringe a bit, but that Jace and Maryse scene really stole my heart, so I'm giving this book 4 stars.

Man, this book was intense!!

I really enjoyed it. I think it wrapped it all up at the end there, considering this was meant to have been the final book in a trilogy. But there was a bit of a loose thread there that I'm sure Cassandra picked on to continue with her story for three more books.

I loved the whole thing, from the character stories, to the main plot, to the twists that would come along the way... I had a great time reading this book, that's for sure.

I'd say 4.5 stars for me. But since Goodreads doesn't do halves, I'm going with 4, because it still had a few things here and there that kept it from getting 5 stars out of me.

Jessica 

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Originally, I had read this novel while I was a teenager and hadn't had the best impression of it due to reasons that weren't at all part of the novel itself; moreso do to my mindset at the time. That being said, I picked it up again recently in hopes of getting to know the story better now that I am, once again, more focused. 

I have to admit -- I was a skeptic. And at times the way characters were developed and the novel itself was written, I wasn't so certain that I'd grow attached to the plot. At first, it wasn't my cup of tea but gradually it did, indeed, grow on me. 

There's something vivid throughout the story that grips you as Clary fights a whole new world to find her mother. Her strength, for me, was the definite selling point when it came down to it. At the start of her journey you come face to face with her and the realization that her life is beautifully normal. You almost don't expect the growth she had shown throughout this first novel and admittedly I wasn't prepared to grow attached to her character. 

And the snark. Definitely appreciated the banter between characters. 

Overall, the images painted in my mind throughout the story were brightly coloured. While the novel may not be the golden novel of ones dreams, its flaws well known, I do appreciate the story. Bravery. Family. Love. Friendship. And due to many spoilers, I am absolutely willing to "forgive" that nifty little plot twist towards the end of the novel.

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  “There's no need to clarify my finger snap," said Magnus. "The implication was clear in the snap itself.” 


Cassandra Clare’s brilliantly fun and dashing The Mortal Instruments series continues with its first sequel City of Ashes; immediately following the events of its sarcastic and dark predecessor. After being introduced to this world, these characters, and watching a world of mystery unfold, readers were left grappling for the next installment.

So many things left us questioning what could possibly happen next; what each previous revelation means for the overall plot flow. It is just as vivid, thrilling, mysterious and twisty as City of Bones–there’s a whole world of magic out there just beyond our reach and we’ve only dipped our toes into it.

We left off with quite a bit on our plates. Joceyln’s lies, and her reasoning, Clary’s unusual gift, family connections as well as romance, demons, Downworlders, history, the mortal cup and so much more.

With Jocelyn seemingly asleep, Valentine growing stronger and building an army of his own, the world seems just a bit more dangerous than it was before. 

Continued @ BOOKEDJ.

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  “There is no pretending," Jace said with absolute clarity. "I love you, and I will love you until I die, and if there is life after that, I'll love you then.” 


City of Glass was the original end to the then-planned-trilogy The Mortal Instruments. As action packed, mysterious and sexy as the previous two books, we find our favorite Shadowhunters and Downworlders battling it out with Valentine one last time in an effort to end his terror. But as always, things aren’t always what they seem; surprising plot twists, revelations and characters come about in unexpected ways. And tears will be shed at the loss of a character.

Clary has big plans at the start of City of Glass but she isn’t the only one with a thing or two up her sleeves. Strong, witty and intelligent as always Clary is on point and undeniably a teenager. Her actions all reflect that from the start. At the beginning of the novel, we see our favorite feisty redhead explore the options to save her mother as she prepares to go to the Shadowhunters home country, Idris, with the Lightwoods.

The first bump of the series? Her supposed brother and secret crush Jace is attempting to leave without her, to keep her safe. In these moments he calls the only person who would want to protect Clary as he would: Simon. In spite of the two teen boys’ differences, they both love Clary and want to keep her from harms way as much as they can. 

Continued @ BOOKEDJ.

The Mortal Instruments 02. City of Ashes

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