City of Ashes, Cassandra Clare

Official Summary:
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 her readers back into the dark grip of New York City's Downworld, where love is never safe and power becomes the deadliest temptation.

What the Pros Say:
SLJ: "like watching a particularly good vampire/werewolf movie, and it leaves readers waiting for the next in the series."
Kirkus: " Readers of urban fantasy will devour this deliciously overwrought adventure."

What I Say:
If you liked City of Bones then you'll love City of Ashes. This book picks up right where the first left off, and the reader is immediately plunged back into chaos and action. Valentine has the Mortal Cup, the Clave is suspicious of Jace, and Clary and Jace are trying to deal with a difficult change in their relationship.

This one felt a little darker than the first to me, but in an enjoyable way. Clary is coming into her own as a Shadowhunter, but she is confronted at every turn by new challenges and obstacles. With drama on every page this one will be tough for fantasy fans to put down, but don't worry--the third book in the series will be out soon!

Intrigued?
Check out the Mortal Instruments website for deleted scenes, excerpts and more.

More?
Read Cassandra Clare's blog, and check out some interviews with the author at Story Siren and Chicklish.