Review of City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments #2)
When I picked up City of Ashes, the second installment in Cassandra Clare’s The Mortal Instruments series, I was both excited and wary. After all, I had a tumultuous relationship with the first book; it was a mix of thrill and frustration. Clare’s knack for engaging fantasy worlds kept beckoning me, and I couldn’t resist the allure of diving back into the Shadowhunter universe. Little did I know I was in for a rollercoaster of emotions—both in the narrative and my own reactions to it.
In City of Ashes, we plunge deeper into the chaos of Clary Fray’s life, now entangled in the Shadowhunter world and facing the consequences of her lineage. The stakes soar as Clary grapples with her identity while navigating love, loss, and loyalty. We witness the strained dynamics between beloved characters like Jace, who continues to be the epitome of brooding angst, and Alec, whose insecurities rear their ugly head, especially in his relationship with Magnus.
Speaking of Magnus, I found myself torn—yes, he exudes charm and charisma, but there’s a peculiar air of creepiness around him that I can’t entirely shake off. This was vividly encapsulated in a powerful moment where Alec shrinks back from Magnus’ body language. It left me questioning the dynamics of their relationship. While it’s refreshing to see LGBTQ+ relationships portrayed in YA fiction, Clare’s execution felt lacking. I wanted to see more emotional depth, especially when Alec struggles with his identity and his attraction to Magnus.
Clary, our protagonist, evolves yet remains frustratingly passive at times, often leaning into her role as the Mary Sue. Her unique ability to create runes could have made her an inspiring character, but there were moments when her decisions felt naïve, making me roll my eyes instead of rooting for her triumph.
Clare’s writing style has taken a slight turn for the better—it’s more fluid and engaging, though the pacing still felt uneven. In particular, there were moments of gripping plot development interrupted by stretches of melodrama that slowed the narrative’s momentum. This is where the character of Jace shines and stumbles, oscillating between being the quintessential tortured hero and an outright jerk. His actions, particularly his lack of respect for others, often left me exasperated.
A standout moment for me was a particular quote where Jace contemplates sacrifice for a friend: “Drink my blood, idiot.” It’s raw and visceral, encapsulating both desperation and fierce loyalty. Moments like these remind us of the deeper connections at play, even amid chaos and clashing personalities.
Ultimately, City of Ashes is a tale of love intersecting with the supernatural that fits well within the broader tapestry of YA literature. It offers a variety of engaging elements for fans of urban fantasy—action, romance, and even a hint of humor. I’d recommend it to those seeking complex relationships and aren’t put off by melodrama intersecting with dark themes. Though this book isn’t without its flaws, I found myself enchanted by the world-building enough to continue the journey.
In the end, City of Ashes leaves me craving more—like a bittersweet fruit that I can’t help but savor, despite the tang of its imperfections. If you’re a fan of character-driven narratives with rich world-building—flaws and all—this series might just be your next literary obsession. Happy reading!
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