City of Ashes - Book Review

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City of Ashes continues the gripping urban fantasy saga that began in City of Bones. Published in 2008, the novel plunges readers deeper into the Shadowhunter world while exploring themes of identity, love, and morality. It picks up where the first book left off, as Clary Fray grapples with her newfound identity as a Shadowhunter and the shocking revelation that Jace Wayland, the boy she loves, is her brother. Meanwhile, Valentine Morgenstern, her estranged father and the series’ primary antagonist, continues his dark plans to reshape the Shadowhunter world to fit his extremist vision.

The narrative of City of Ashes is driven by Valentine’s quest to obtain the Mortal Instruments—artifacts imbued with angelic power—and use them to summon a demonic army. Valentine, now in possession of the Mortal Cup, seeks the Soul-Sword (Maellartach), the second of the Mortal Instruments. The Soul-Sword has the power to compel truth but can also be corrupted to summon demons when infused with the blood of Downworlders.

As Valentine’s plan unfolds, Clary, Jace, and their friends must navigate personal struggles, forbidden love, and increasing danger. Clary struggles with her feelings for Jace and her desire to save her mother, Jocelyn, who remains in a magically induced coma. Jace, meanwhile, is caught between his loyalty to the Shadowhunters and his complicated relationship with Valentine. Simon, Clary’s best friend, undergoes a transformative arc as he is turned into a vampire, forcing him to reconcile his mundane origins with his new Downworlder identity.

The book culminates in a dramatic confrontation on Valentine’s ship, where alliances are tested, secrets are revealed, and Clary discovers a hidden ability that sets her apart from other Shadowhunters.



Clary Fray: Clary’s journey of self-discovery continues in City of Ashes as she grapples with her dual identity as both a Shadowhunter and a mundane. Her resilience and determination shine as she takes on greater responsibilities, including her role in stopping Valentine’s plans. Clary’s feelings for Jace remain a central conflict, as she struggles to suppress her romantic love for someone she now believes to be her brother. Her growing ability to create new runes underscores her uniqueness and foreshadows her pivotal role in the series.

Jace Wayland: Jace’s character arc in this book is marked by emotional turmoil. His strained relationship with the Clave—due to his suspected allegiance to Valentine—highlights his rebellious nature and inner conflict. Jace’s vulnerability is further explored as he tries to reconcile his love for Clary with their shared lineage. His bravery and combat skills are put to the test in the final battle, solidifying his role as a heroic but flawed figure.

Simon Lewis: Simon undergoes significant transformation in City of Ashes. After being bitten by a vampire, he transitions from a mundane into a Downworlder, forcing him to navigate his new identity. His unrequited love for Clary continues to shape his decisions, but his evolution into a more confident and assertive character begins to take form. Simon’s transformation also serves as a metaphor for adolescence and the struggles of adapting to change.

Valentine Morgenstern: Valentine emerges as an even more menacing antagonist in this instalment. His willingness to sacrifice innocents to achieve his goals underscores his fanaticism and moral corruption. Valentine’s charisma and intelligence make him a compelling villain, as his actions challenge the Shadowhunters’ ethical boundaries and force them to confront their own prejudices.

Alec and Isabelle Lightwood: The Lightwood siblings continue to grow in complexity. Alec grapples with his closeted sexuality and his feelings for Magnus Bane, while Isabelle demonstrates her loyalty and fierce determination to protect her friends and family. Both characters bring depth to the narrative, showcasing the diversity of experiences within the Shadowhunter world.

*Magnus Bane: Magnus, the flamboyant and enigmatic High Warlock of Brooklyn, plays a larger role in this book. His budding relationship with Alec adds emotional depth to his character, while his wisdom and magical abilities prove invaluable in the fight against Valentine.

Identity remains a central theme in City of Ashes, explored through Clary, Jace, and Simon’s personal journeys. Each character faces questions about who they are and how their pasts shape their present. Simon’s transformation into a vampire is particularly symbolic, representing the challenges of embracing change and the fear of losing one’s humanity.

The theme of forbidden love takes centre stage as Clary and Jace struggle with their feelings for each other. Their supposed sibling relationship creates emotional tension and raises questions about the boundaries of love. Meanwhile, Alec’s fear of coming out and his complicated relationship with Magnus highlight the societal pressures faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.

Valentine’s extremist ideology forces the characters to confront moral dilemmas. His actions—though clearly villainous—are rooted in a belief system that some Shadowhunters sympathize with, blurring the lines between good and evil. The Clave’s rigidity and prejudice against Downworlders further complicate the moral landscape, showing that even the “heroes” of the story are not without flaws.

The tension between Shadowhunters and Downworlders reflects real-world issues of discrimination and prejudice. Valentine’s plan to use the blood of Downworlders to summon demons is a stark example of his disregard for those he deems inferior. However, characters like Clary, Jace, and Magnus challenge these biases, emphasizing the importance of unity and cooperation.

Cassandra Clare expands the Shadowhunter universe in City of Ashes, introducing readers to new locations, lore, and magical elements. The haunting home of the Silent Brothers, where the Soul-Sword is kept, serves as a symbol of the Shadowhunters’ ancient traditions and secrets. The introduction of the faerie realm adds depth to the world’s magical hierarchy, showcasing the cunning and morally ambiguous nature of the fae. The book delves deeper into the relationships between Shadowhunters and Downworlders, highlighting the systemic inequalities and mistrust that define their interactions.

Clare’s writing in City of Ashes is marked by her signature blend of sharp dialogue, vivid imagery, and emotional depth. The narrative balances action-packed sequences with quieter, character-driven moments, creating a dynamic and engaging reading experience. Clare’s use of multiple perspectives allows readers to connect with a diverse cast of characters, while her humour and wit provide levity amid darker moments.

The Soul-Sword represents truth and power, as well as the potential for corruption. Its dual nature mirrors the moral ambiguity of the Shadowhunter world. The use of Downworlder blood in Valentine’s ritual symbolizes the exploitation and dehumanization of marginalized groups. Clary’s Rune-Creation Ability is a metaphor for creativity and individuality, highlighting Clary’s role as a bridge between worlds.

City of Ashes solidified Cassandra Clare’s reputation as a leading voice in young adult fantasy. The book’s exploration of complex themes, diverse characters, and forbidden love resonated with readers, particularly teens navigating their own struggles with identity and relationships. Its success paved the way for adaptations, including the Shadowhunters TV series, and inspired countless fan works.

City of Ashes is a compelling sequel that builds on the foundation of City of Bones, deepening the characters and expanding the world. Its exploration of identity, love, and morality resonates with readers, while its action-packed plot and emotional stakes keep them hooked. As the series progresses, City of Ashes sets the stage for even greater conflicts and revelations, cementing its place as a cornerstone of The Mortal Instruments series and the broader Shadowhunter Chronicles.

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