Discover millions of ebooks, audiobooks, and so much more with a free trial

Only $11.99/month after trial. Cancel anytime.

City of Ashes
City of Ashes
City of Ashes
Audiobook12 hours

City of Ashes

Written by Cassandra Clare

Narrated by Natalie Moore

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

4/5

()

About this audiobook

Is love worth betraying everything? Plunge into the second adventure in the internationally bestselling Mortal Instruments series and “prepare to be hooked” (Entertainment Weekly)—now with a gorgeous new cover, a map, a new foreword, and exclusive bonus content! City of Ashes is a Shadowhunters novel.

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 readers back into the dark grip of New York City’s Downworld, where love is never safe and power becomes the deadliest temptation.
LanguageEnglish
Release dateMar 25, 2008
ISBN9780743572767
Author

Cassandra Clare

Cassandra Clare is the author of the #1 New York Times, USA TODAY, Wall Street Journal, and Publishers Weekly bestselling Shadowhunter Chronicles. She is also the coauthor of the bestselling fantasy series Magisterium with Holly Black. The Shadowhunter Chronicles have been adapted as both a major motion picture and a television series. Her books have more than fifty million copies in print worldwide and have been translated into more than thirty-five languages. Cassandra lives in western Massachusetts with her husband and three fearsome cats. Visit her at CassandraClare.com. Learn more about the world of the Shadowhunters at Shadowhunters.com.

More audiobooks from Cassandra Clare

Related to City of Ashes

Related audiobooks

YA Fantasy For You

View More

Related articles

Related categories

Reviews for City of Ashes

Rating: 4.188983050847457 out of 5 stars
4/5

1,180 ratings213 reviews

What did you think?

Tap to rate

Review must be at least 10 words

  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    My 2nd baby from my The Mortal Instruments book series. I am in love once again! In my opinion, this was better than the first one in so many ways. We get to see Clary's relationship with Simon (which I'm glad he had a moment of happiness before moving on), Clary and Jace dealing with their recent news and lots of fights that I so love. And let me tell you, that epilogue killed me in so many ways. I truly believe that was the best way to finish the book and I'm glad it ended that way. On to the 3rd book now!

    1 person found this helpful

  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    These books are some of the most illogical, unplanned, hack jobs I've ever read. But I can't stop reading them.

    1 person found this helpful

  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Not quite as gripping as the first one. Jace, Clary and Simon frustrate me slightly but Valentine remains the consummate villain. Still enjoyable though.

    1 person found this helpful

  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This book had plenty of suspense. I couldn't wait to find out what happened next. I was uncomfortable with Clary as she and Jace tried to fix their weird relationship. I really liked Clary and Simon, and was saddened by the fact that Clary was using him to distract herself from Jace. Jace is annoying. He's arrogant, selfish and obnoxious, but he does care deeply for people, and will do what he can to save them. I really, really liked the father, daughter dynamic between Clary and Luke, and it was nice to meet the Lightwood parents as well. Even as we saw Maryse pushing Jace away, I still liked that she was trying to protect him, that she still felt like he was her son. I was sad that Simon was turned into a vampire, but it does put him more in the middle of the Shadowhunter world, which I think he may have unconsciously wanted. I liked that he has a potential love-interest in Maia, and that that might help to create tolerance within the two groups.Magnus is kind of fun. He wears weird clothes and has a great sense of humor.I really like Isabelle, though she is sometimes annoying, and from the little we saw of Max I thought he seemed like he had potential to become an fun and interesting character. I don't like Alec as well for some reason.I'm not sure how I feel about Clary and Jace having superpowers. I guess it would have been difficult for Clary to be accepted into the Shadowhunter realm without her having a something special about her to make people want to teach her, but Jace is already annoyingly arrogant and didn't need superpowers to make him more so. And because he had basically saved everyone's butts I don't think they needed him to have superpowers for them to finally stop blaming him for what his father did.Overall a this was a good follow-up to the first book

    1 person found this helpful

  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Sooooooo SPOILERS. . .


    Okay, this is a three star review. But, whoa, hear me out okay?

    First off, can we talk about the suspense that weaves its way through this book? I mean, hot damn. Clary and Jace's will they won't they taboo thing they got goin? Okay at first I was like Luke and Leia amiright? But . . . It's not. And I'm actually digging it now. (Also, obviously they aren't actually brother and sister, so I am rolling my eyes a bit reading it now, because obi I know what the hell is going to happen. I imagine when it first came out it was like WHOA.) Also the story is natural, I don't find myself rolling my eyes with some YA books.

    Two: MAGNUS BANE. We must PROTECT MAGNUS. Okay, truthfully I am all for the whole Alec is in love with Jace but Jace is a doodiehead and has no clue what the hell is going on. But goddamn. MAGNUS. ALEC JUST STOPPPPPP. LOVE THIS MAN. JESUSSSSS.

    Three: I JUST REALLY LIKE THIS BOOK OKAY. But it's 6 AM and I haven't slept and I need to sleep but I wanna start the next book. Damnit.

    1 person found this helpful

  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Not good not bad...but what I can say is I'm looking forward to reading the next one.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Clare certainly keeps you reading. I wish there was more detail, and less telling the reader what was going on, but they are fun reads.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This probably contains spoilers for the first book?just warning you. It is going to be really hard to review this and assume you haven?t read the first book, so I?m going to review it with the assumption that you have. If you haven?t, GO BUY IT. And, it goes without saying, but read them in order.

    Clary is still dealing with a lot of changes that occurred in her life in a very short amount of time. She?s found out she?s descendant of the demon-killing Shadowhunters, her mother has put herself in a magically induced coma that no one seems to know how to get her out of, and she can see Downworlders like vampires, werewolves and faeries. To complicate matters, she has to fight the strange attraction she has for Jace, her gorgeous, exasperating, overprotective, newfound brother and figure out exactly what she feels for her best-friend Simon ? the guy she?s kind of dating and has been in love with her ?since they were five.? Jace is also fighting his attraction to her and, now that his true parentage has been revealed, he is fighting to prove his allegiance to the Shadowhunters ? something he?s not even sure of.

    To make things worse, someone is killing Downworlder children. No one knows who is doing it or why; but Valentine, Clary?s back-from-the-dead father is at the top of the suspect list. All Clary wants to do is help her mother and find her place in this terrifying and thrilling new world she has found herself thrust into. As Clary?s coming-of-age tale continues so does this un-put-down-able story of love, betrayal and magic.

    One thing I want you to know right now; I KNOW it sounds like there is a lot going on in these books and I KNOW you?re probably thinking it doesn?t all fit, but IT DOES. Clare so obviously KNOWS what she is doing here and IT ALL FITS. Trust me. This second book is just as good, nay, better than the first one. Clary is a great female character. She?s confused, conflicted, but she refuses to be weak, to wait behind, to NOT help, when she knows she can, she?s determined and hardheaded. She has her flaws; she?s impetuous, she?s impatient, she?s passionate and honest. She has her whiny moments. But all this comes together in such a normal way; she doesn?t come off like a Bella Swan. And Jace. OMG Jace. Have I told you HOW MUCH I LOVE JACE? Gah. Please read these books, I?m begging you! I think I?m about ready to reread them myself!
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    I enjoyed the first book of this series, but I had a hard time paying attention to the second book. To be honest, I'm not really sure what it was about, other than some fights with demons and a stereotypically evil father figure. I might've been better able to pay attention if I had read it, rather than listened to it, but almost all of my "reading" these days is done by audiobook, so a story has to be one that holds my attention through that medium.

    The voice actor was just fine, so that wasn't it, although she may have made Valentine sound a bit too stereotypically evil.

    I don't think I'll read the next book in the series, as there are other similar series that better hold my attention. I'm now listening to the fourth book in the Jeaniene Frost's Night Huntress series, which I find much easier to pay attention to, perhaps in part because it's a first-person narrative.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Book 2 was moderately better than the first book. The storyline, characters, and plot were decently developed. Battles raged, friendship trueness was revealed.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    "If you really love something, you never try to keep it the way it is forever. You have to let it be free to change."
    Although it really took me a long time to finish this book, i still loved it. I'm loving this series more and more as I finish the books.
    I am officially in love with both Jace and Simon. especially Simon! (after reading this book)he's like the type of boyfriend that i would gladly have because i dunno he's perfectly imperfect.

    and gdi the cliff-hanger. ASDKHASKFHASL
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    3.5 Stars

    Possible Spoilers...

    They really need to add the spoiler button to the mobile app *sigh* Anywho, this was pretty good. It was somewhat predictable. I'm sure everyone knew Simon would end up a vampire, but I didn't see the daywalker thing coming at all!

    The Clary/Jace show got a bit tedious, but I guess the drama needs to keep unfolding around them to make everything else happening around them more difficult.

    And poor Alec. I wanna shake him and hug him. Growing up as he did, being gay must be terrifying for him. But you have this amazing, powerful, attractive Warlock that wants you and you basically spurn him in public. He'd better figure his shit out or Magnus might leave him in the dust.

    Luke and Jocelyn...honestly I think she's developed more-than-friendship love for him, if only he would get off his ass and just tell her how he feels! I believe she would reciprocate

    And now the mystery woman who can wake her mother approaches Clary...seems mighty convenient that she's just now coming forward with this info. We'll see how it plays out in the next book.

    It's not jump up and down great, but I like it enough to keep going with the series.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    The second book in the Mortal Instruments series continues the action, adventure, friendships, and complicated romance of the first. When Valentine starts killing underage Downworlders in order to advance his evil power-hungry plan, Jace comes under suspicion as a spy for his father. The whole gang has to work against Valentine while trying to convince the Clave of Jace's loyalty. In the midst of all the danger, Clary and Jace still struggle with their conflicted feelings for each other. Entertaining and fast-paced fantasy adventure with the appeal of a motley crew of friends surrounding the main characters.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I came across this series while looking for e-books online. While I didn?t find the e-book, I did find a sample of the audiobook for the first in the series, City of Bones, which I downloaded. I didn?t get around to actually listening to it until I had my wisdom teeth removed a few weeks ago, and I needed something to do to help me relax and take my mind off of my sore mouth before bed. The series had been on my reading list for awhile, but was always checked out and on reserve at the library.Now I know why.The series consists of the following three books: City of Bones, City of Ashes, and City of Glass. The main character of the series is Clary Fray, a teenage girl who lives with her single mom in New York. Her life seems average, until the night when she comes across three Shadowhunters (demon hunters), in a local night club. What?s more is, Clary is the only one who can see them. Soon after her strange encounter, Clary?s mother disappears, and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. As Clary and her best friend, Simon, search for answers, Clary begins to realize that things are not always what they seem, and she is thrust into a world of demons, Downworlders (vampires, warlocks, faeries, and werewolves), and Shadowhunters.This series was extremely well-written, and will satisfy teens looking for another fantasy romance as well as those readers who are looking for something a bit deeper. The characters are well-developed and the reader is easily able to identify with them, as well as with the situations they are placed in. The books deal with prevalent teen issues such as love, heartbreak, family, and friendship as well as more advanced topics such as redemption, temptation, and even the argument of nature vs.nurture. With an overabundance of teen fantasy novels being published since the onset of the Twilight saga, the Mortal Instruments series offers something that stands out above the rest.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    The first book made me fell in-love with the story. City of Ashes assured me that it won't break my heart. And it didn't.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This reader made the audiobook a lot better than the previous reader from book 1. She pronounced stele correctly & didn’t give the characters an odd English accent. They are from New York & never is it said that they have an accent. Hopefully the remaining books are read by this narrator.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    What a wonderful second book! Leave it to Cassandra Clare to create a world and continue to make it feel real and new. I am totally rooting for Jace!!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Wish it was still narrated by Mae Whitman but overall amazing!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    5*
    Just finished a re-read of this. I love it so much. The twists and hole drama with relationships are everything. There is so much action and it leaves you breathless. This one is so much better than first one, it is so worth it pushing through City of Bones if you have a hard time.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    It was much better than the first one . There were few interesting and funny moments .
    I just wanted this book to be shorter. It was unnecessarily long which made it boring at times . And some things didn't make sense . Clary and Jace is one of the most cringiest couples ever . They both are just so consumed by themselves . Especially Jace is so arrogant. I hope they both grow more in the subsequent books .
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    It is mildly interesting and easy to read but seriously there are much better books than this. I have no idea why I can't stop.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This sequel to City of Bones picks up shortly after the first book left off. Nothing new has happened except lots of thinking of the characters behalf. Cassandra Clare does a good job backtracking just enough information so that if the reader missed the first book they will not be completely lost (but likely still confused and missing key story elements) and works as a great refresher for those of us who had a gap of time in between the books. Yet it is short and does not detract from the new plot arc we are given. More adventure, magic and lots of angst await us within these pages!



    ***Note: This review contains spoilers regarding City of Bones. If you have not read the first book, consider yourself warned!***



    This book really hits on Jace hard. I feel bad for the guy. First he is kicked out of his home, locked up by the Inquisitor and then accused of working with Valentine. All because he is Valentine's son and is at the wrong place, at the wrong time! Not to mention the tension and "situation" with Clary. A guy can only handle so much, right? So his loyalty is soon questioned by everyone, especially when Valentines offers Jace to still join him.

    We get a lot more love triangle and angst in this one. The twisted family ties seem to have little bearing on Clary or Jace's feelings, especially when the Seelie Queen gets involved. Yet Clary is with Simon. And that relationship is all sorts of awkward, if you ask me.

    The Seelie Court and the fairies are an new aspect that we are introduced to. Interesting characters here that I wish I could get a better feel for but are left vaguely mysterious still. Although we do learn a thing or two about Isabelle!

    There are several severe twists in this book. Some obvious, others not so much. Like the first book, it keeps the reader lightly on edge and eager for more! The world Cassandra Clare has created just keeps expanding as she draws more and more into this stories web. Sometimes I wonder if it is a bit too much but I can't help but enjoy being a part of that world while I read.

    Overall, I enjoy the story. The angst is a bit much for me but it also is part of what draws me closer to the characters. Jace went from being an annoyance to someone who is showing potential in this book. Clary is a bit too emotionally led in her actions all the time and needs to learn to use her head more. One character I really am curious about is Magnus. He is still an enigma yet easy to like and feel drawn to for some reason. So, here is to some character development, and plot additions!
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    The second in the Mortal Instruments series, this book follows Clary as her story continues, figuring out who she really is and what it means to be a Shadowhunter. While this book is somewhat predictable it is still an enjoyable easy read. I enjoy how Cassandra Clare develops her characters, making each one so completely different, and unique. This is also a different take on the now oh-so-popular vampire/warlock/werewolf novel. With elements of religion that are often ignored in other stories, Clare has created a whole new world and is not afraid to differ from the worlds that other authors who have ventured into this genre have created. These are not the vampires of Anne Rice, the werewolves of Laurell Hamilton or the witches of Charlaine Harris. If you don't linger on the predictability and just sit back, you might just find yourself enjoying this story.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    This was better than the first, but didn't blow me away. Honestly, much of the story is quite predictable. And I still refuse to believe that the two kids are related. That's just foul.
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    I liked the first book, and I wanted to like this one too. The plot is great and interesting, but I don't like the writing and long chapters. I'll read the next book only because I am interested in the plot.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This is a much better read than the first book.

    Really looking forward to the third book.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I enjoyed this 2nd installment in the series. It helps that I like the new narrator better than the original one. Now, onto #3!
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    You can definitely tell CC used to write fan fiction. Not a bad thing I guess...just a lot if HP innuendos.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    City of Ashes was definitely more interesting to me than City of Bones. Maybe it's because by the end of the last book, I finally held better opinions of the characters. The romance and angst are intense, but it's really all of the plot twists and turns that make the book complete. Jace, Clary, Alec, Isabelle, and of course Magnus all have some pretty interesting dialogues. They banter with each other often. This book was definitely worth the read.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    City of ashes is a book that keeps you interested. I give it a five star because it has good imagery and is fully developed. I think everyone should read this book because it is very exciting and is a good book to read to pass the time.Clary has recently became a shadow hunter and wants her old life back. but when the mortal instruments are stolen by Valentine the inquisitor blames Jace, Clary's brother just because is the son of Valentine. Clary must try to get back the mortal instruments to save Jace. But while Clary and her fellow shadow hunters are getting back the instruments she discovers a power that only she has.