Witch + Cat

Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who's becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn't ready to let her go — especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother, Jace. And Clary's only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil — and also her father.

To complicate matters, someone in New York City is murdering Downworlder children. Is Valentine behind the killings — and if he is, what is he trying to do? When the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, is stolen, the terrifying Inquisitor arrives to investigate and zooms right in on Jace. How can Clary stop Valentine if Jace is willing to betray everything he believes in to help their father?

Review

This was perfect from start to finish.

Unlike the first book, City of Bones, where it was basically an introduction into this world created by Cassandra Clare, City of Ashes was packed full of nail biting, edge of your seat action.

Finally Clary is growing up....a bit. There was a few times when I think she should just stop and listen to people who actually knew what they were talking about. When they tell you that it's probably best you don't see this, they mean it.

But overall she did start to mature in this book, she put her teenage angst against her mother on the back burner, and got down to what was more important, like destroying her father.

I enjoyed her point of view throughout the book, she started to become my second favourite character. Of course Magnus Bane is still my top one.

Which brings me to something else I loved about this book, it was finally in the point of view of different characters.

There isn't a lot of books out there which I love that is just in the point of view of one character. Most of the times I just want to know what the other person is thinking, feeling. One character assuming something of someone else, you basically can't rely on that.

Now the love interests in this book, it's fascinating, beautiful and at times confusing. There are so many people in love with each other, or in most cases confused about one another. For instance you have:

Clary & Jace

Clary & Simon

Simon & Isabelle

Simon & Maia

Alec & Magnus

Alec & Jace

Jocelyn & Luke

And I'm sure I've missed a few other people.

I love how we got to see other peoples feelings, not just two main characters and everyone else is just a background story.

Before I finish my review, can I talk about that ending. Thank goodness I decided to read the series once it was complete, and I owned every one of them. Talk about leaving you with a cliff hanger. For those who had to wait for the next book to come out, I feel your pain.

So on that note....onto the next book, City of Glass.