City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare is the second novel in The Mortal Instruments series, an urban fantasy adventure set in New York City.
City of Ashes was published in 2008 and became a New York Times bestseller. It is the second part of a six-book series, followed by City of Glass.
The series has been adapted into a movie, a TV show, and a comic book series.
| Title | City Of Ashes |
| Series | The Mortal Instruments |
| Author | Cassandra Clare |
| Genre | Fantasy, Young Adult |
| Publication Date | August 7, 2008 |
| Publishers | Margaret K. McElderry Books |
| No. Of Pages | 453 (Hardcover) |
| Age Rating | 13 and up |
| Followed By | City of Glass |
| Preceded By | City of Bones |
City Of Ashes Age Rating and Parents Guide
City of Bones is suitable for ages 13 and up.
- City of Bones includes violence and some gore, throat stabbing and cutting, etc.
- Some kissing and having sex were mentioned.
- Mild profanity and some insulting words are there.
- Smoking and drinking by teens are mentioned.
City Of Ashes Storyline
The book follows Clary Fray, a young woman who discovers she is a Shadowhunter, a race of warriors who protect humanity from demons.
In City of Ashes, Clary is trying to save her mother, who is in a coma after being attacked by a demon. She must also track down her father, Valentine, a rogue Shadowhunter and the series’s main antagonist.
Along the way, Clary must deal with her growing feelings for Jace, her mysterious Shadowhunter friend, and the threat of a new enemy who is targeting Downworlders, a race of supernatural creatures who live among humans.
City Of Ashes Review
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare introduced Shadowhunter world, a hidden society of warriors protecting humanity from demons. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
The story is set in modern-day New York City but with a hidden layer of magic and supernatural creatures. If you enjoy urban fantasy with a dash of mystery, this book delivers.
Some people might feel a bit overwhelmed by all the information at the beginning of the book. But Cassandra Clare does a great job of building a special world with its own stories, laws, and various types of creatures like vampires and werewolves.
If you’re a fan of other fantasy stories, you might notice some similarities in the plot of “City of Bones.” Also, some characters might seem a bit flat or not very complex.
The romance parts of the story can be thrilling, but they can also feel a bit over-the-top and exaggerated.
Overall: City of Bones is a fun and engaging read, especially for those new to young adult fantasy. I
f you’re looking for a thrilling adventure with strong female characters, hidden worlds, and a touch of romance, this book is a good place to start. However, be prepared for some familiar tropes and a cliffhanger ending that will leave you wanting more.
City Of Ashes Characters List
- Clary Fray/Morgenstern: The protagonist, a young woman thrust into the world of Shadowhunters.
- Jace Wayland/Morgenstern: Clary’s mysterious and skilled Shadowhunter friend with a hidden past.
- Isabelle (Izzy) Lightwood: Jace’s flamboyant and fierce older sister, a Shadowhunter with a knack for weapons.
- Alec Lightwood: Jace’s uptight but loyal older brother, a Shadowhunter who wrestles with his identity.
- Simon Lewis: Clary’s best friend and former crush, a vampire struggling to adjust to his new reality.
- Luke Garroway/Lucian Graymark: Clary’s surrogate father figure, a werewolf who leads the New York werewolf pack.
- Magnus Bane: A powerful warlock, flamboyant and sarcastic, who offers help and cryptic advice.
- Valentine Morgenstern: Clary’s estranged father, a rogue Shadowhunter and the main antagonist.
- The Inquisitor: A stern and powerful Shadowhunter leader investigating Jace.
- The Seelie Queen: The glamorous and manipulative ruler of the Fair Folk (faeries).
- Maia Roberts: A werewolf and Luke’s second-in-command.
- Raphael Santiago: The arrogant leader of the New York vampire clan.
About the Writer:
Cassandra Clare, whose real name is Judith Lewis, is a bestselling author of young adult fiction, especially known for her fantasy series The Mortal Instruments.
A world traveler since childhood, she even spent part of her early years living on her dad’s back during a hike in the Himalayas! Cassandra’s first success as a writer came with a short story titled “The Girl’s Guide to Defeating the Dark Lord.”
Unlike some authors who enjoy the peace of solitude, Cassandra finds focus by writing in coffee shops and restaurants, surrounded by the energy of others and her friends who keep her on track.
City of Bones was her first novel. Official Page: Cassandra Clare