City of Ashes: The Mortal Instruments Book Two

By Cassandra Clare, 453 pages.

This second book in the Mortal Instruments trilogy picks up where City of Bones left off. Clary Fray is still trying to come to terms with her Shadowhunter identity, her evil father, her comatose mother, and her complicated relationships with half-brother Jace and best friend Simon. While there are few answers to the mysteries raised in the first book, City of Ashes delves deeper into the characters and fans of the trilogy will certainly be intrigued. The book is also not without action as the heroes do battle with the evil Valentine once again. A true series book, City of Ashes continues the storyline and leaves the reader anxious for the next.