City of Ashes is the second book in The Mortal Instruments series written by Cassandra Clare. The book continues the story of Clary Fray, the young girl that discovered in the first book that she was actually a Shadowhunter. Shadowhunters are a mythical race created by mixing angel and human blood. They have the task of protecting the human race against demons and other malevolent spirits.
The book was well received by critics despite the incestuous tones in it. In 2009, the novel was on on the top ten teen books in the YALSA top.
The title City of Ashes could be considered as a reference to the symbolic destruction of certain characters in the book. Cassandra Clare uses similar titles throughout other novels in the series.
Themes like love, the quest for one’s identity, the importance of family, and the battle between good and evil remain central like in the first book. The characters are more developed compared to the first book and they are often placed in the situation of deciding to do what is morally right but painful or to give in the temptation. This battle is most obvious in the relationship between Clary and Jace as they work to define what they are.
Another character who undergoes drastic transformations is Simon who enters a relationship with Clary at the beginning of the book. Not only does his identity change throughout the story, so does his relationship arc with Clary. A similar theme from the first book that carried over is the love triangle between Clary, Jace, and Simon. Clary explores a romantic relationship with Simon at the beginning of the second book; moving beyond their friendship. However, by the end of this book, Clary realizes that she will always love Jace and decides to remain only friends with Simon.
Another character transformation is seen in Alec Lightwood. In this novel, Alec starts to accept his sexuality and attraction to other men. There is an empowerment of his character which allows him to nearly come out to his parents. He also enters a relationship with the warlock Magnus Bane while discovering himself.
The book is filled with witty and sarcastic lines, making it an easy and enjoyable lecture for people of all ages. It includes important life lessons in self-discovery and courage.
