City of Ashes (Book Two of the Mortal Instruments) by Cassandra Clare

City of Ashes
Book Two of the Mortal Instruments
Written by Cassandra Clare

"It doesn't matter how many time you say it. It'll still be true." (Clary)
"And it doesn't matter what you won't let me say, that'll still be true too." (Jace)

-- City of Ashes, Book Two of The Mortal Instruments, by Cassandra Clare

I want to start out by saying that if you haven't read Book One of The Mortal Instruments, City of Bones, and stop right now, go read that review, and that book, and then come back. There is no way to properly review this book without mentioning things that are a given at the end of City of Bones, and if you haven't read it, this is going to ruin it for you.

 

It's true, Elizabeth Cook is right; sometimes it takes balls to be a woman. Wow, it was a totally brass move on Cassandra Clare's part to write the ending she wrote on the last book. I thought of this song immediately when I read the ending. I wanted to comment so badly on it in my review of City of Bones, but I refuse to write a spoiler review that can only be safely read after you have already read the book. It defeats the purpose of a review, in my opinion.

City of Ashes starts off, with everyone still pretty shaken up over the startling revelation that Jace and Clary are actually related, closely related, like brother and sister related. The tension between these two is insane throughout the entire book, as they struggle to come to terms with their shared parentage and what it means to their burgeoning relationship. I'm still not quite sure how Clare manages this, but your heart is in your throat and tears come to your eyes as you read, because no matter how "wrong" you think their love is, a part of you desperately wants it to work out for them. You were just as touched by their passionate and intense feelings as they were and, like Jace and Clary; you're not quite ready to let them go.

I liked the complexity of a few of the newly introduced characters like the Inquisitor, Max, and the Lightwoods. Clare reveals more of the intriguing back story on Valentine's Circle, so we're starting to understand him little better. Although there weren't as many surprises in City of Ashes, she did manage to sneak in a few curve balls when I wasn't looking, and still left enough in question ,as the book came to a close, that I'm dying to go grab the next installment. I think that I may have even enjoyed City of Ashes more than City of Bones, which I would not have thought was possible.

City of Bones (Book One of The Mortal Instruments)by Cassandra Clare

City of Bones
Book One - The Mortal Instruments
Written by Cassandra Clare

“Declarations of love amuse me. Especially when unrequited.”
―    Jace, City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

I came across this book when searching for other dystopia novels after reading and falling in love with the Hunger Games trilogy, by Suzanne Collins.  In my opinion, it wasn't a true dystopia novel, but after reading it, I can't imagine not reading the rest of the series as well.  I also found that it's in the pre-production stages of becoming a film (The Mortal Instruments) starring Lily Collins and Jaimie Campbell Bower.  I have to say I'm in the group of avid readers who are actually enjoying seeing so many of my favorite books turned into films.  A film rarely is a completely accurate portrayal of a book.  That being said, I still enjoy seeing the characters I've grown to love come to life on the big screen, whether or not the screenwriter takes a few creative liberties here and there. 

The basis of the Mortal Instruments series revolves around a little known warrior race, the Shadowhunters. It is the job of the dwindling Shadowhunters to rid the world of demons. City of Bones may contain all the supernatural characters that you'd expect to find in a book of this genre:  fairies, vampires, werewolves, witches.  However, it's similarities end there.  Cassandra Clare paints a vividly accurate picture of each character without boring you with lengthy descriptions. 

What makes Cassandra's storytelling style unique is how she manages to combine the predictable dangers and drama that surround the main characters, with some very improbable surprises. She has this amazing ability to get you, the reader, to a point where you feel that the main characters are practically immortal, because they have survived so many impossible situations already.  Then, when you least suspect it, she reveals their humanity and shows you how easily they can be brought to their knees.  It was this rare skill which kept me at the edge of my seat throughout the entire book. 

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