Title: City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments #2)

Author: Cassandra Clare

Genre: Fantasy,Young Adult

Published: March 25, 2008

This book picks up shortly after book one ended. I would recommend reading it before reading this one.

The first half of the book was full of teenage angst because Clary and Jace found each other physically attractive and neither knew how to handle it. The characters spend a good portion of the story not listening to each other. I found it frustrating and repetitive.

Around the halfway mark the story took over and it became interesting. I realize we gained information in the first part, but if I was able I would give the first part two stars and then the second part I would give five stars.

Once the characters started to actively work to try a foil the nemesis the story became interesting. I enjoyed learning more about Jace and Clary's capabilities. I found myself wanting to know what would happen to Simon and Maia. I was frustrated when just book just stopped almost mid-thought.

Overall I gave this book 4 stars out of 5.