City of Ashes

The Mortal Instruments, Book Two

By: Cassandra Clare

Narrated by: Natalie Moore

Is love worth betraying everything? Plunge into the second adventure in the internationally bestselling Mortal Instruments series and “prepare to be hooked” (Entertainment Weekly)—now with a gorgeous new cover, a map, a new foreword, and exclusive bonus content! City of Ashes is a Shadowhunters novel.

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?

In this breathtaking sequel to City of Bones, Cassandra Clare lures readers back into the dark grip of New York City’s Downworld, where love is never safe and power becomes the deadliest temptation.©2008 Cassandra Claire, LLC; (P)2008 Simon and Schuster, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Hold on tight for a smart, sexy thrill ride."
--Libba Bray

Wonderful narrator - drew me in

The narrator for City of Ashes was much better than the one for it's prequel, City of Bones. This narrator, Natalie Moore, did a fantastic job. She switched between characters flawlessly and had a perfect voice for each character, too. It was almost exactly how I imagined them when I read through the stories in paperback, especially Valentine. I am looking forward to book 3 with this Natalie Moore as well.

These stories are great, I am really enjoying them. They are definitely young-adult genre... which means they are easy to follow along, not too in depth, and typically light reading/listening despite the intended dark nature of the stories. Still, though, they are great books! The author does a great job building up the characters, every single one of them. I hardly feel anyone is left out or goes unnoticed in the stories. It's well done.

I also know they are making movies out of this series, the first one coming out next August (2013). I will definitely be going to see it. :)

Very Entertaining listen

What made the experience of listening to City of Ashes the most enjoyable?

The first book in the Mortal Instruments, City of Bones, I read because I heard a movie is being made about the books. I rarely read young adult books and this just reminded me why...whiny characters, poor choices, and more whining. The book does pick up about half way threw it and ended with me wanting to know what happens next. I decided to try a audible book and I am really glad I did. I enjoyed the second book. The characters grew and i developed a hope that they would make it out of adventures together.

What other book might you compare City of Ashes to and why?

I compare it to Twilight for several reasons. One there is a love triangle. Even if it involves a 16 yr old girl who stays confused. Sound familiar? This book has angels, demons, vampires, werewolves, and a Sorcerer. The characters have lots of angst over their relationships.

Which character – as performed by Natalie Moore – was your favorite?

My favorite character by far is Jace. I love his witty remarks. I love his loyalty even when others doubt him. He is the main reason I continued to read the next book.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

There is a war in the heavens......will Love conquer all and defeat evil?

Any additional comments?

I think this book is fine for teenagers to read and will probably be a blockbuster when it comes out at the movies. Adult conversation is rare and at times It was hard for me not to forget that teens live for drama and if not their drama a friends drama.

Great Read/Listen

Amazing book series, I love that a lot of the fiction is based off of old stories from the Bible and poems.

twisting turning plots.

I had a hard time putting this one down. written and narrated wonderfully. The surprise turn of events with Simon is a roller coaster of emotions.

awesome

I have no problem with these books Cassandra claire is an awesome author she needs to keep em coming