City of Ashes

“Ohhhh look at me, my name is Clary and I have ZERO training on how to be a shadowhunter but I can totally make my own Runes that NEVER even existed before, because I'm special!”

Yah I am still not impressed with this series. Clary is still dumb as possible and I am still irritated that this girl has ZERO training and they let her go on missions that require skill.

The “love” story between her and Jace is so awkward right now, like I said in my other review I don't believe this whole “siblings” storyline, that doesn't mean though the “love” portions aren't weird and unsettling. I just find it very odd that Valentine showed up and everyone automatically believed him over the whole Jace and Clary are siblings bit. Like how dumb are these people lol.

Also the immeditae start of finding out Clary and Simon were dating was...odd.. It was just there, bam, and yah didn't like it, at all.

Maia's introduction was nice, she seems like a decent character but she didnt stand out.

The way Clare is writting these other couples/love interests is odd, its like all we get to see is people meeting each other and then bam next thing we know they are either dating, Magnus and Alex where the hell did that come from, and no I don't like it. Or we get Simon and Maia who apparently really like each other after one meeting in a bar.

The fight scenes were lackluster, again most of the drama revolved around Jace and Clary and their feelings. Simon's turning was sad, but I had a feeling something like this was going to happen to him since he wasn't “part” of their world. It just sucks that he became a Vampire.

Simon and Jace's weird ass relationship is...weird and frustrating and annoying. One minute its like they hate each other the next its like their friends. I don't get it.

The end was weird, Simon's breakup with Clary was so odd, like this boy got angry at Clary for still having feelings for Jace, but then goes and breaks up with Clary because he now has feelings for Maia. Really??

And Luke admitting to Clary how he loves her mother, and Clary being all like “oh don't worry she loves you too in the same way” Girl can you not step into your mothers love life like this, you have no right to tell him something like that, he has spent years dealing with this pain, full stop.

The writing is still mediocre and a lot of the dialogue is still cringe, its not that same beautifulness I came across in the novella, so I really don't know when that starts to show in Clare's work. Also another big thing in the writing that is bothering me, is the constant moments when vital information is going to be given and then its interrupted and so the reader never gets it. I don't mind when this is used sparingly through a story, it does help build moment and suspense, but it was used way to much in this particular book that it irritated me, Like give me something anything, one small bit of information, don't hide all of it, thats no fun.

I feel very lack luster and unimpressed still with this series. I'm debating skipping everything else and just listening to the novellas as standalones and never learning the rest of the story, because I am losing interest in it.

This book is probably my least favorite of the entire world. There is too much ridiculousness and a lot of the plot seems to be specifically for shock value. I also remember how terrible the ending cliffhanger was when I first read it when it came out. Now that I know what happens, I'm not concerned anymore. Luckily I can jump right into City of Glass one my continued read of the whole world this year.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: City of Ashes

Once you've discovered the world of the Shadowhunters, you will never go back to just being a mundane. Clary Fray is no exception. Her mother is trapped in a magical coma and her father, Valentine, continues his quest to steal the mortal instruments. If he has his way, he will bring the Shadowhunter world to its knees. Clary must help Jace and the others track down Valentine before it is too late. But this time it's going to cost her someone she loves.

The characters are what make this series so enjoyable. Each one of them has a unique role to play, and Cassandra Clare does a great job of pushing them all towards what it is. There is a balance between the wide cast of characters, and I am never left wanting more from any of them. Each book builds on the last and allows us to see more into each of these characters and what motivates them.

This is one of the first series that I read such a manipulative villain. I still think Valentine is one of the best written villains of the young adult genre I have read. The way he can even trick the reader and make them doubt what they know is true leaves me impressed. Having read this series years ago, I already know the lies and the truths, but Valentine has a smooth way of talking that made me contemplate if I remember the series as well as I do.

In my original review, I mentioned how Cassandra Clare doesn't limit herself. And I still believe this is true. The variety in demons, cultures and the overall world of the Shadowhunters is proof of that. She is also one of the few authors that can break her owns rules, but still, make it believable to the reader. And she isn't afraid to break her characters, allowing them the opportunity to reforge themselves into something better, or worse.

I am loving my second read-through of the Mortal Instruments!