City of Ashes- Cassandra Clare

It's probably safe to say that you're a bad person when you buy a book for your friend's birthday and finish reading the copy two hours before her party. I can't argue with that. But, in my defense, there were two very extreme circumstances that lead to this decision. First, my friend Courtney is quite possibly the slowest reader ever. I mean, aside from small children and people who aren't fluent in the language that they're reading, of course. Second, though, is really important to this anecdote- you'll surely emphasize with me now. Second, the book happened to be the next installment in Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments trilogy. See? You understand.

Clary Fray didn't want any of this to happen. She ddin't want her mother to land in a coma. She didn't want to lose her home. She didn't want things to be wierd with her best friend Simon. She did want to find an amazingly hot guy to fall for her-- but she definatley did not want to find out that he was a close blood relation. Above all, Clary really didn't have a strong desire to be pulled into the collapsing world of demons and angels that she never even knew existed.

But all of these things did happen, and unlike Simon and her father figure Luke, Clary isn't willing to pretend that they didn't. Even if the things she encounters in this new spectrum are terrifying and hideous. Even if her lingering feelings for Jace are unescapable and horribly uncomfortable for both of them. Clary has entered the Shadowhunter universe for good, and she is detirmined to help in the fight against Valentine, especially when he murders the Silent Brothers and steals the second Mortal Instrument- a sword that forces Nephilim to tell the truth. Clary and the rest embark on a mission to get the sword back and defeat Valentine, but it's no easy task when Jace is accused of being in alliance with his father- and who can say with all certainty that he isn't?

The second installment in Cassandra Clare's breathtakingly gorgeous trilogy, City of Ashes won't disappoint. It's a beautifully written book, full of adventure, danger, mythical creatures, plot twists, and romance- forbidden romance, which you should all know is my favorite kind.

The characters that we all adored in City of Bones are back, as well as some intruiging new additions. Jace, I feel I should assure you, is still as sexy as ever, which we all know is crucial.

As for his relationship with Clary... remarkably, not so gross. It just isn't. The author doesn't ignore their feelings for each other or the discovery of their blood relationship- instead, she deals with it in a heartbreaking and beautiful fashion. There's something, though, that leaves you with utter disbelief, just as there was in City of Bones. There's got to be a loophole, right? There has to be.

I also feel I must inform you that romantic scenes between Clary and Simon were far more gag-making than anything between Clary and Jace. Not a fan of those two at all.

But I'm getting off topic. City of Ashes is spectacular amazing greatness. Many, many pages of it. My only complaint about this novel? That City of Glass won't be available until next March.

Five cups of steaming hot, delicious caffeine!

Caroline

P.S: I feel the need to do one more thing- remind you that comments are always appreciated. Unless, of course, you are the little nasty who is harrassing all of my companions in book reviewing. In this case, we are perfectly happy with the contents of our blog and do not want to hear from you. Otherwise, please tell me what you think of this review. Please?