Subscribe to my RSS Parajunkee on Twitter Like on Facebook! Goodreads YouTube Tumblr
Paypal
Google Email Me! google Amazon profile
Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, books, movie, giveaways and more! This blog has moved. View latest greatest info at parajunkee.com

11.27.2009

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

While stuffed full of fanciful prose and colorful backdrops - the second in the Mortal Instruments Series had me skimming way too much. 



If you have not read City of Glass do not read on.  Review is full of SPOILERS. Go out buy City of Glass.  Read it and then read this review. :)

City of Glass left us with one H E C K of a cliffhanger.  I was literally left reeling. Yet, even though I was fascinated with the world that Clare had created, I didn't rush out and buy the second one. Which I'm rather glad I did not, because I would have been severely disappointed.

City of Ashes starts right off where the last book ended. Clary is distraught because of the discovery that Jace is her brother, and Simon is PO'd that he can't get Clary to step away from the insestual thoughts she has been having and into his waiting arms. 

Clare exposes a few more Downworlders - the fairies, and introduces us to a few more characters.

Valentine is still an undefeatable enemy, who now has very strong allies that almost seem omnipotent.

My problems arose in this novel because of the massive amount of worthless prattle that Clare focused on.  There was just a lot of nonsense in this novel. Simon and Clary's relationship was focused on a lot, even though it was completely unbelievable.  Clary was only "pretending" at a relationship.  There was no emotion there.  The only time she showed real emotion to Simon was when he was on the verge of dying.  When he was alive and well - she just seemed annoyed with him.

Also the "bad guys" are just a little too much.  The vast armies of Valentine were just over the top.  Swarms and swarms - how in the world were they to defeat this?  The Inquisitor's actions were also very unbelievable. The Inquisitor acted like a complete loon.  L-O-O-N spells unrealistic. Both Valentine and the Inquisitor are unwavering in their stubborn beliefs - arguing and pleading did nothing to waver them - so all the logic battles that Clary, Jace, Alec & Isabelle fought with them was just hot air.

Oh and where did Maia go??? Huh? She is like this side character that may or may not turn into a big character - and she just jumps through a hole and disappears? Holes Holes and More Holes.

What had me pulling my hair out - the Whispering without any conclusions.  What did the Inquisitor say to Jace?  What did the Inquisitor see that made her freak out?

I am hoping and praying that the 3rd installment is much better than the 2nd - because I am hooked to the characters and their plights.  Yet, I'm getting scared.  I need to know what Valentine did to Jace and Clary.  Clare has been hinting; The 1st child that was a monster, that isn't Jace? What was that? Hint one that Jace isn't really Valentine's son?  The scar on his shoulder that means something important.  What is that? God, I need to know.  Killing me. This third book better be good or I'm going to have a stroke.

Thus ends my rantings over this book.

Question:  Which cover ya like better? US or UK?




























12 comments:

Jenn (Books At Midnight) said...

Lol, nice review! I only read the first book and sort of stopped because I was so unsatisfied with the cliffhanger and conclusion. I've heard a lot of good things, but I'm still not sure if I want to go read the second and third book, especially now hearing about Simon and Clary's relationship.
And US cover, ftw! I like the colors and the layout better.

Mandi said...

I didn't read it because I have CIty of Bones in my tbr. Darn it I need to start it!

Vanessa said...

I'm pretty sure you mean that City of Bones ended with a cliffhanger, not City of Glass.

Blodeuedd said...

The US, well I hope that was the first one.
The Uk is so boring really

Lola said...

I have been on the fence as to whether or not I should read this series. Thanks for the honest review! :)

Unknown said...

I actually really liked this series. maybe its because I have finished all three and I have more of an overall view. I can't remember seeing so many holes, though when I read I hadn't started reviewing yet, so I didn't actually pay that much attention. I just went on with it I guess.

Great Review!! =)

xoxo

Anonymous said...

Great review! I gave your blog an award! You can check it out here:

http://the-bibliophiles-lounge.blogspot.com/2009/11/my-first-award.html

Schultzies said...

I just bought the first book in this series today. I usually don't read much YA, but I've heard such good things about the series. Great review and brilliant blog!

June G said...

I never heard of this series before, but the way you're carrying on about it, I'm going to have to check it out-at least the first book, City of Glass. I was cracking up reading your review! LOL!

Natascha De Marco said...

I think you got confused, City of Bones is the first one, not City of Glass. And I think this is an incredible series, so sad you didn't like it. I didn't find that many holes, and I believe that the father should have been very difficult to kill off, he is a evil genius and has the whole underworld as allies. It's just something to make you wonder and create tension.

The whole Clary/Simon thing HAD to happen, for both the things that happened next and because he just had to get over it. And she had to forget her brother. And hey there is no fault in trying xD

Again sad you didn't like it xD Oh and I prefer the US Cover. The UK one is booring.

I ♥ Book Gossip said...

The US covers are much prettier.

Fionen said...

Eep! *closes eyes* I guess I shouldn't read this one. I just wanted to say that my sister is crazy about these books. I'll probably read them in the near future. :)

Post a Comment

Let me have it...