City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments)

Clary has never been more confused. The man who threatens all the Shadowhunters is actually her father, Valentine, the boy she couldn't stop thinking about is actually her brother, and there is a whole world her mother kept from her that is full of warlocks, vampires, demons, and werewolves, among other creepy beasties. Having been brought up as a mundane, Clary must find her way in the Shadowhunter world or quickly be devoured by it in City of Ashes: Mortal Instruments, Book Two by Cassandra Clare. Clary doesn't know what to do about Jace now that they recently found out they share a father, and an evil father no less. She has trouble reconciling her feelings for Jace, but she knows her friend Simon, a simple mundane, is the less creepy option. Meanwhile, Jace has been thrown out of the only home he ever knew with the adoptive Lightwood family. Lost and alone, Jace is being punished for the sins of the father he never knew or had allegiance to. But now a war is brewing between Downworlders. A werewolf child and a warlock child were found dead, bled to death, and there is no one more logical to blame than the vampires. The vampires swear they had nothing to do with the deaths, but everyone suspects them. When Jace is investigated by the Clave and held prisoner in the Silent City, his father breaks in. He comes to see Jace and ask for Jace's help, but his own son was not his purpose for visiting the city and killing all the Silent Brothers. He was after the Mortal Sword. With or without Jace's help, Valentine plans to reverse the allegiance of the sword from good to bad so he can control the demons and finally fulfill his purpose- the extermination of the Downworlders who threaten the lives of humans and Shadowhunters alike. Even if the Clave doesn't believe in Jace's innocence, Clary and his adoptive siblings refuse to let him suffer for the evils Valentine has acted on. But will they make it in time to stop the conversion of the Mortal Sword? These books sometimes seem overwhelming because they are quite large, but whenever I read one of Clare's books, I am immediately dragged right into it. I regret to admit I started this series almost 2 years ago and haven't kept up with it since. However, I have been keeping up with the Infernal Devices series, which renewed my interest in this series. Clare does a good job of giving you enough background that you can pick up a book even if you haven't read the one before it in a long while, and for that I was grateful (lately my ever-growing pile of books prevents me from much rereading). And after a few brief pages of catch-up, I was thrown right back into this story with a vengeance. The story was interesting and exciting, and as with all her books, she ends it with a satisfactory conclusion (no real huge cliffhangers) but still keeps you wanting more and leaves the end open for the next installment. The stories are perfect for anyone who likes supernatural or paranormal stories. They are full of mysterious creatures, many of whom balance between their true evil nature and the life the Clave forces them into. There is a god deal of death and violence, but it is mostly of the supernatural type and isn't particularly gory. I love the excitement and in particular, the characters. Jace is that typical bad boy who really has a heart of gold despite his crusty, snarky exterior and you can't help but love him. My one icky-factor is the weirdness between him and Clary, who now appears to be his sister. So we have a Luke and Leia moment, but why is it continuing? And why aren't they grossed out now that they are brother and sister? I can only imagine this will resolve itself eventually and Clare won't have a Flowers in the Attic moment, but who knows where this plans to go... just please make them not be brother and sister because I am all in on team Jace!

I’m going to try to write this without spoilers, so forgive me for being cryptic. You know that huge plot twist at the end of the first book? Well, let’s just say it really complicates the relationship between Clary & Jace all through this book. The tension between them is almost tangible. I love it!!! Now, there are enough clues throughout this book that I have an idea on how this little problem will work out, but not sure if my ideas are right yet. Okay, on a less cryptic note…the action in this book is great! The Clave is suspicious of Jace now that they know of his history with Valentine. They send the Inquisitor to interrogate him, but Jace’s smart mouth lands him a night in jail in the City of Bones. While there, Valentine breaks in to steal the Mortal Sword, and the Inquisitor assumes Jace is in on it. It seems the only option he has is to go after the sword himself to prove his loyalty to the Clave. Of course, getting the sword form Valentine when he is surrounded by an army of demons is going to be tricky. Luckily, Clary has a new trick up her sleeve. One thing I really liked in this book was how Clary and Simon’s relationship changes. They have been best friends since they were young children. I think many people will relate to the issue of taking a friendship into a romance and what to do if it doesn’t work out. In the end, I found Simon to be very mature. I was lukewarm about him before, but I am really starting to like him better. There is also a really interesting scene between Jace and Simon that occurs near the end of the story which was very touching. Another relationship that I think was well handled was the one between Jace & Valentine. Jace’s entire world has been turned on its head and he is struggling to figure out where he fits anymore. The Lightwoods and the Clave are treating him differently. The scene where Jace confronts Valentine in the middle of the night on the ship really showed the depth of each of their characters. It sounds like I am focusing a lot on Jace, but really, most of the book revolves around Clary. She is upset that her mother is still in the hospital in a coma. We see a little more of Luke in this one and how fatherly he is toward her. Without him, I have no idea what she would do…live at the Institute maybe? My only problem with this series is the way the author handles time. One scene it will be morning and before you know it, the sun is setting. It can give a reader whiplash. Also, the first book was about a month long in plot time and started in July. This book picks up a few days after the first ended. So if I’m following correctly, this should be August or September. However, they keep talking about how cold it is outside. They are wearing gloves and heavy jackets. At one point Clary mentions she can see the fog of her breath. This is New York City, not Alaska. She shouldn’t even need a jacket. Another thing, the idea of her going back to school is never mentioned. It’s like now that she is a Shadowhunter, she no longer needs to complete her education. Very weird. Overall, I give City of Ashes… Plot – 4 ½ bookmarks Character Development – 4 ½ bookmarks World Building – 4 ½ bookmarks Love Story – 4 bookmarks (The author does something gutsy with Jace & Clary that might put off some readers, but I am completely caught up in it.) Dream Cast (otherwise known as who I pictured while reading) - Rachel Hurd-Wood (Clary), Alex Pettyfer (Jace), Luke Pasqualino (Simon), Zac Efron (Alec), Christopher Backus (Magnus Bane), Christian Serratos (Isabelle)

Haven't read them yet but these editions are so beautiful!

Just awesome! Very satisfied!

It came before the date of arrival and in perfect condicions. It is a good addition to my collection. Great series besides ;))

Que livro encantador. A capa é linda, e veio em perfeito estado.

This book lets you believe and imagine the fantasy world which is full of warriors and demons, love and betrayal. It has a thrilling plot and you can't help but get addicted to the characters. Beautifully scripted piece of work which can make your head twist and turn and your heart race a little faster! You just can't stop reading until you've completed the whole series which is indeed full of suspense and fun!