City of Ashes - Cassandra Clare

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? Clary would love to spend more time with her best friend, Simon. But the Shadowhunters won't let her go. Clary's only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, and certainly evil. When the second of the Mortal Instruments is stolen, the terrifying Inquisitor suspects Jace. Could Jace really be willing to betray everything he believes in? 

Title: City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments Book #2)

Author: Cassandra Clare

Genre: Young Adult, Urban Fantasy

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Publication Date: March 25, 2008

Source: Own

My Rating: 4/5

The hunt continues for Valentine in this, the second installment in the Mortal Instruments series. Clary, Simon, Jace, Isabelle, and Alex are back along with a host of old and new characters. 

This installment ups the ante and brings more surprising twists, as well as more questions. This book is definitely action-packed and secondary characters are now brought to the forefront. We also get a more detailed look at the Shadowhunter world. 

Clary is still getting used to the idea that she is a Shadowhunter, but she has to learn quickly if she wants to stay alive. Surprise revelations from the last book make this one more interesting in regards to the dynamics of several relationships. It's intriguing to see what is going to happen, and what boundaries have been laid down. What happens when certain boundaries are crossed? Well, you'll just have to read the book to find out. Quips fly when Jace and Simon are together. Their banter is witty and amusing and keeps the story moving when the action is low. 
All in all, City of Ashes is an absorbing read. It is full of exhilarating action, and just the right amount of slow scenes to have you wishing for more. This is definitely an excellent follow up to City of Bones.

City of Bones - Cassandra Clare

When Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder. Much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with odd markings. This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons--and keeping the odd werewolves and vampires in line. It's also her first meeting with gorgeous, golden-haired Jace. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in an ordinary mundane like Clary? And how did she suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know. . . . 

Title: City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments Book #1)

Author: Cassandra Clare

Genre: Young Adult, Urban Fantasy

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Publication Date: March 27, 2007

Source: Own. 

My Rating: 4/5

Life takes a turn for the unexpected when Clary Fray happens to witness a murder at the Pandemonium Club in New York. Things become more bizarre when she realizes that she alone can see the teenagers who are committing said murder. They haven't been witnessed by mundanes before, so they are very curious as to why Clary can see them. Things continue to spiral out of her control when her mother disappears, and Clary is attacked by something not of this world. Certainly someone will be able to figure out what is going on.

City of Bones ratchets up the action within the first few pages, and doesn't let up. The plot was engaging, fast-paced, and intriguing. The only complaint I had with the book was that I found the description to be a bit heavy-handed. Otherwise, the book was excellent. I loved the storyline. I loved seeing how the characters handled the situations they were dealt. This book had a few twists that I didn't see coming, but they made it all the more complex. 

Clary was a character I quite liked, but at times I found myself rolling my eyes at her antics. She does show some growth throughout the book, and I can't wait to see how she's going to evolve next. 

Jace was a mysterious character. He seemed aloof, superior, and conceited until we learn some of his history. He then is given more depth, and dimension. I thoroughly enjoyed his relationship, or lack thereof with Simon. The scenes with both characters in them brought a lot of humour to the book. I enjoyed the witty repartee between the main characters, and can't wait to see if some of the side characters become more prominent as the storyline continues.

All in all, an excellent start to what should be an epic series. The book is action-packed, and doesn't let up until its stunning conclusion. I can't wait to see what is going to happen next in this world!

Vacations From Hell - Libba Bray et al.

Life's a beach. . . and then you're undead?

In this must-have collection, five of today's hottest writers--Libba Bray (A Great and Terrible Beauty), Cassandra Clare (City of Bones), Claudia Gray (Evernight), Maureen Johnson (13 Little Blue Envelopes), and Sarah Mlynowski (Bras & Broomsticks)--tell supernatural tales of vacations gone awry. Lost luggage is only mildly unpleasant compared to bunking with a witch who holds a grudge. And a sunburn might be embarrassing and painful, but it doesn't last as long as a curse. Of course, even in the most hellish of situations, love can thrive . . . .
From light and funny to dark and creepy, these stories have something for everyone. When vacation time comes, you definitely won't want to leave this collection at home!

Title: Vacations From Hell
Author: Libba Bray, Cassandra Clare, Claudia Gray, Maureen Johnson, Sarah Mlynowski
Genre: Young Adult
Publisher: HarperTeen (An Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers)
My Rating: 5/5

1. Cruising - Sarah Mlynowski. An excellent short story. Very humorous and concise. Not your average vampire. I wouldn't mind reading more from this author.

2. I Don't Like Your Girlfriend - Claudia Gray. I quite enjoyed this short story as well. Witches and spells galore. Wrapped up quite efficiently in a small potion err package.

3. The Law of Suspects - Maureen Johnson. I found this story very well-written. It creeped me out completely! Definitely a great short story. The ending leaves you going uh-oh!

4. The Mirror House - Cassandra Clare. What would you do for someone you love? An excellent question answered in this short story. Sometimes you find out difficult things about yourself and are okay with it. Loved this one as well.

5. Nowhere is Safe - Libba Bray. Nowhere really is safe. Very intriguing; creepily so. Reminds me somewhat of M. Night Shyamalan's "The Village", they both seem to have the same vibe. Excellent short story.


This book counts toward the 2010 100+ Reading Challenge over at J. Kaye's book blog.