Parents' Guide to

City of Ashes: The Mortal Instruments, Book 2

By Matt Berman, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Sequel to "City of Bones" is gripping but gory.

City of Ashes: The Mortal Instruments, Book 2 Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

age 14+

Based on 6 parent reviews

age 12+

Great

The book is great I would not say there is too much sex because that all happens in book one and book one is age appropriate. The violence is not bad because it's just killing werewolves are getting into fights. I say this is a great book for kids 12 and up or middle scholars also this book is great if you're looking for something to read.
age 13+

Another hit!

This book surprised me! Less cursing than the previous book in the series! Again some violence, but all for the better of the plot! Even a couple of references to the bible! Some sexual jokes and romance (kissing ect.) But overall a must-read!

This title has:

Educational value
Great role models

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (6):
Kids say (39):

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.

Book Details

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