Common Sense Media Review
Sequel to "City of Bones" is gripping but gory.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 6 parent reviews
Based on 37 kid reviews
Kids say that this sequel is a significant improvement over the first book, combining fantasy violence, romance, and complex character development. While some readers appreciate the deeper themes and plot twists, others find certain elements, like the pacing and mature content, unsuitable for younger audiences.
- improved writing
- intense plot twists
- mature themes
- fantasy violence
- strong characters
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In CITY OF ASHES, the sequel to City of Bones, Clary navigates complicated relationships with Jace and Simon. A Clave Inquisitor, who has an agenda of her own, comes to investigate Jace's relationship to his evil father. Joined by Isabelle and Alec, warlock Magnus, and other Shadowhunters, Clary and Jace make a plan to stop Valentine, who's gathering an army of demons against the Clave. (And if none of that makes any sense, reading the first book before tackling this one is a must.)
Is It Any Good?
Fans will be glad that author Cassandra Clare wastes no time in this second volume in The Mortal Instruments series and slams straight into the action. City of Ashes won't make much sense without having read City of Bones, which sets up the complex politics and history of demons, werewolves, vampires, fairies, and Shadowhunters. In this installment, there's less worldbuilding as characters get right into the bloody, gory, violent action that's part of Shadowhunter life. But fans of the series will find many elements that first drew them in: an engrossing (if melodramatic) writing style; a complex and fully realized parallel world; intriguing mysteries that continue to unfold; and teen characters who are gradually growing together. City of Ashes lacks diversity and relies on stereotypes but is markedly better than the first book. Teens who don't mind the gore and are willing to see where the story goes will find this a gripping sequel.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the gory violence in City of Ashes: The Mortal Instruments, Book 2. Do you think it's necessary to the story? Why, or why not?
Is reading about fantasy violence different than reading about realistic violence? What about reading violent scenes vs. seeing them on a screen?
How do Clary's actions demonstrate courage? How does teamwork help Clary and her friends stay safe?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Book Characters , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Simon & Schuster
- Publication date : March 1, 2008
- Number of pages : 453
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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