City of Ashes - Review

Book Review:

Title: City of Ashes
Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Walker Books

“If you really love something, you never try to keep it the way it is forever. You have to let it be free to change.”
  
Fair Warning - If you haven't read City of Bones, I suggest you do not read this review as it will include spoilers for the 1st book and some for this book


Let me just start off saying that I enjoyed City of Ashes WAY more than City of Bones. I had many problems with City of Bones, the main one being it's inability to keep me hooked, however, I did not face that same problem with the second instalment. I was disappointed with the first book so much that it took me roughly 2/3 years to pick up this one. I guess that's what over-hyping a book does, it gives you high expectations, only to leave you underwhelmed.

Anyways, back to the point, although this book wasn't perfect, it was a step up.

So, we pick up roughly where we left off. Jocelyn is still in a coma. Valentine is up to something. And Clary and Jace are still brother and sister. One thing (and the main thing) that irked me about this book was Clary's relationship with both Simon and Jace. I found them cringy and awkward. The Climon romance that brewed felt rushed and forced and even though I love Simon and Clary, I did not like them together. I also need to talk about Clace. Where do I even begin with Clace? I enjoyed their flirting and relationship in City of Bones, but once they found out they were siblings, that flirting became uncomfortable. The fact that they believe they are brother and sister, yet they continue to silently pursue each other, doesn't sit right with me. (Though, we do gets hints at the end that Jace may not be who everyone thinks he is.)

Apart from those two relationships, I thoroughly adored this book and the relationships the characters shared. Also, while we are on the topic of relationships, can I just say that I am complete and utter Malec trash. I think we all can agree that Alec isn't the most pleasant person to be around, but when you put him next to Magnus, we can really appreciate his compassionate side. My current favourite ship of the series has to be Malec. They're something special.

Moving on from the relationships (I think I've rambled on enough) I found that as the story progressed everything became increasingly tense, which is a good thing. It kept me engaged and I was just itching to know what was going to happen next, and what Valentine had up his sleeves for the gang. The story did still drag at certain points, but for the most part, it was smooth sailing. The fight scenes were great. The character development was great. The world-building was great. The relationships (aside from two) were great. Overall, it was a fun, entertaining read.

4 Stars
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