Review of City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

Book:  City of Ashes
Author:  Cassandra Clare
Published by:  Margaret K. McElderry
Pages:  453

From Goodreads:  As readers of series starter City of Bones already know, teenager Clary Fray is a Shadowhunter, a demon slayer who has the gift (?) of spotting Downworlder werewolves, vampires, and faeries. She is also an adolescent in an abnormally dysfunctional family: Her mom is in a magically induced coma and her father is probably insane and undoubtedly evil. All of which places Clary in situations that would challenge even the most talented average American girl.

This was definitely another one of those books that you stay up all night just to finish.  The storyline itself was thrilling, exciting and completely original.  The action kept me on my toes and the edge of my seat, while the romance left me aching for more.

The characters were exactly what you are looking for in a story.  I definitely wanted integrate myself into this novel.  I wanted these characters as my friends or more than friends (my charter crush on Jace, which I might add, only increased in this novel).  I wanted to be a kick-butt shadowhunter fighting for my friends and family.  As you might guess Clare's characters are completely relate-able and real.  You can empathize with them and feel yourself really caring for these people.

The only character I had a problem with was the inquisitor.  The whole time I was reading this novel she reminded me of Dolores Umbridge from the Harry Potter novels.  They both were controlling and manipulative.  I actually found myself yelling at this character multiple times when reading the novel.

As for Clare's writing...it's wonderful.  I guess that is a given when she has me feeling so strongly about characters to yell at them or want them as my friends.  Her descriptions of places and feelings are extraordinary and perfectly magical.

I cannot wait to read the rest of this series!