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Writer's pictureTabitha Tomala

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare | Book Review

Updated: Mar 28, 2021

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City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare | Book Review
City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
 

Book Review


Once you’ve discovered the world of the Shadowhunters, you will never go back to just being a mundane. Clary Fray is no exception. Her mother is trapped in a magical coma and her father, Valentine, continues his quest to steal the mortal instruments. If he has his way, he will bring the Shadowhunter world to its knees. Clary must help Jace and the others track down Valentine before it is too late. But this time it’s going to cost her someone she loves.


The characters are what make this series so enjoyable. Each one of them has a unique role to play, and Cassandra Clare does a great job of pushing them all towards what it is. There is a balance between the wide cast of characters, and I am never left wanting more from any of them. Each book builds on the last and allows us to see more into each of these characters and what motivates them.


This is one of the first series that I read such a manipulative villain. I still think Valentine is one of the best written villains of the young adult genre I have read. The way he can even trick the reader and make them doubt what they know is true leaves me impressed. Having read this series years ago, I already know the lies and the truths, but Valentine has a smooth way of talking that made me contemplate if I remember the series as well as I do.


In my original review, I mentioned how Cassandra Clare doesn’t limit herself. And I still believe this is true. The variety in demons, cultures, and the overall world of the Shadowhunters is proof of that. She is also one of the few authors that can break her owns rules, but still, make it believable to the reader. And she isn’t afraid to break her characters, allowing them the opportunity to reforge themselves into something better, or worse.


I am loving my second read-through of The Mortal Instruments!


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