Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
City of Ashes Book Review: A Darker, More Emotional Mortal Instruments Sequel
If you’re looking for an honest City of Ashes book review, here’s the short version: this sequel goes darker, messier, and more emotional, and while it’s not perfect, it absolutely earns its place in The Mortal Instruments series.
City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare picks up right after City of Bones, raising the stakes with bigger threats, deeper character drama, and a whole lot of complicated feelings. Some parts drag, some choices will frustrate you, but if you’re invested in this world, it’s still a strong, engaging read.
What Is City of Ashes About?
City of Ashes follows Clary Fray as she struggles to balance her normal life with her new role in the Shadowhunter world — just as Valentine becomes more dangerous than ever. With powerful relics missing and tensions rising between Shadowhunters and Downworlders, stopping Valentine isn’t just important — it’s personal.
The story leans heavily into consequences. Relationships shift, secrets come out, and nothing feels quite as simple as it did in City of Bones.
(If you haven’t read Book 1 yet, start with City of Bones first — this one won’t hit the same without it.)
What Works Well in City of Ashes
Expanded Shadowhunter World-Building
This is where Cassandra Clare really starts to flex. Vampires, werewolves, warlocks, and Shadowhunter politics all get more space, making the world feel bigger and more dangerous.
The urban fantasy vibe — gritty New York layered with rune magic and demon lore — continues to be one of the best parts of the series.
Higher Stakes and Stronger Character Conflict
Emotionally, City of Ashes hits harder than the first book. Characters are forced to make uncomfortable choices, especially as Valentine’s influence grows.
Jace gets more depth here, and Clary’s growth feels earned — messy, frustrating, and realistic given how fast her world has changed.
Action, Humor, and Banter Still Land
Even when things get dark, the book doesn’t lose its sense of humor. The banter helps balance out the heavier moments, and the action scenes are paced well enough to keep the story moving when it matters most.
Where City of Ashes Falls Short
Middle-Book Pacing Issues
This is very much a “middle book.” Some sections slow way down while emotional tension takes center stage, and you can feel the story setting pieces in place rather than fully firing on all cylinders.
The payoff comes — it just takes a little patience.
A Love Triangle That Will Test You
Let’s be honest: the Clary–Jace–Simon situation is going to work for you or really not work for you. It adds emotional weight, but it can also feel repetitive and distracting from the larger plot.
Your tolerance for romantic drama will heavily influence how much you enjoy this book.
Is City of Ashes Worth Reading?
Yes — especially if you liked City of Bones. While it’s not as tightly paced as the first book, City of Ashes deepens the story, raises the emotional stakes, and sets up major events for what comes next.
If you’re in this series for character arcs and long-term payoff, this book does its job.
Who Should Read City of Ashes
This book is a good fit if you:
- Enjoy YA urban fantasy with supernatural lore
- Like character-driven stories with emotional tension
- Are invested in The Mortal Instruments series
- Don’t mind romance playing a big role in the plot
If you prefer fast, standalone fantasy with minimal relationship drama, this one may feel slower.
Final Verdict: City of Ashes Book Review (4-Star Rating)
★★★★☆ (4/5)
City of Ashes isn’t flawless, but it’s a solid sequel that successfully expands Cassandra Clare’s world and deepens its characters. The pacing dips and the love triangle won’t be for everyone, but the emotional payoff and world-building make it an essential read before moving on.
👉 Continue the series with City of Glass
👉 Buy City of Ashes on Amazon | Check audiobook & ebook options
