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

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
Series: The Mortal Instruments #2
Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books on 25th March 2008
Pages: 453 

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?

I was so excited to continue this series, and it definitely delivered. Just like the City of Bones cover I absolutely love it, I believe this one is Clary, it looks so magical and bright I wanted to jump straight in!

In the second instalment, Clary is still searching for her mother and trying to track down Valentine. To add to it all, she must resist her feelings for her newfound brother, Jace. Alongside these matters, Clary and the Shadowhunters try to track down the murderer of Downworlder children. We meet the infamous inquisitor, and spy the betrayal of Jace; could matters be anymore complicated!?

Clary is still a character who's confidence in her powers is gladly growing, her love and affection towards her mother shines through as she searches for her. Jace is still… Jace. He is perfect! The character whom interested me most was the Inquisitor, she was a puzzle; mysterious and terrifying but there was a softer side somewhere in her.

This novel is full of adventure and puzzles, the twists and turns are ever present and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I am definitely looking forward to reading City of Glass.