City of Ashes - Book Review

City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments #2)
by Cassandra Clare

What is it about:
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?

What did I think of it:
Just as the first book in this series, this book is entertaining, although predictable.

But I have to say I don't mind the predictability. This is a very enjoyable read, and the characters (apart from Simon) are really starting to grow on me. I especially like Magnus, a mage who is one of the minor characters.

What I did mind is how the villain acted. Instead of just going through with his plan, (which would have made him successful) he is stalling, and even gloating. Surprise, surprise: this behavior leads to the heroes having enough time to save the day!

That annoyance aside, I enjoyed the book enough to get my trotters on book three to continue this series.

Why should you read it:
It's a very enjoyable Paranormal YA read.