City of Ashes

The Mortal Instruments, Book Two

By: Cassandra Clare

Narrated by: Natalie Moore

Clary Fray just wants her life to go back to normal - but that turns out to be impossible. For one thing, her mother is still in the hospital, in a mysterious coma. For another, she and her brother, Jace, have fallen under a cloud of suspicion now that the Shadowhunter world knows that Valentine is still alive - and that Jace and Clary are his son and daughter. Not to mention that someone in New York is killing Downworlders and draining their blood, creating a climate of suspicion that sends Downworld Manhattan to the brink of civil war.

When the Silent Brothers are murdered and the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Sword of Souls, is stolen, the terrifying Inquisitor is dispatched from Idris to investigate. She clearly harbors a personal grudge against Jace, and she drives a wedge between him and his adoptive family. When Clary's romance with her best friend, Simon, starts to heat up, Jace feels abandoned. But has he, as the Inquisitor accuses, joined up with his father?

Then Simon is turned into a vampire and kidnapped by Valentine, who intends to sacrifice him as part of a bloody ritual that will make the Mortal Instruments his own forever. Jace knows he needs to save Simon's life, for Clary's sake. But what if he's too late? What if Valentine has already made the Mortal Instruments his own?

©2008 Cassandra Claire, LLC (P)2008 Simon and Schuster, Inc.

Wonderful narrator - drew me in

The narrator for City of Ashes was much better than the one for it's prequel, City of Bones. This narrator, Natalie Moore, did a fantastic job. She switched between characters flawlessly and had a perfect voice for each character, too. It was almost exactly how I imagined them when I read through the stories in paperback, especially Valentine. I am looking forward to book 3 with this Natalie Moore as well.

These stories are great, I am really enjoying them. They are definitely young-adult genre... which means they are easy to follow along, not too in depth, and typically light reading/listening despite the intended dark nature of the stories. Still, though, they are great books! The author does a great job building up the characters, every single one of them. I hardly feel anyone is left out or goes unnoticed in the stories. It's well done.

I also know they are making movies out of this series, the first one coming out next August (2013). I will definitely be going to see it. :)

Very Entertaining listen

What made the experience of listening to City of Ashes the most enjoyable?

The first book in the Mortal Instruments, City of Bones, I read because I heard a movie is being made about the books. I rarely read young adult books and this just reminded me why...whiny characters, poor choices, and more whining. The book does pick up about half way threw it and ended with me wanting to know what happens next. I decided to try a audible book and I am really glad I did. I enjoyed the second book. The characters grew and i developed a hope that they would make it out of adventures together.

What other book might you compare City of Ashes to and why?

I compare it to Twilight for several reasons. One there is a love triangle. Even if it involves a 16 yr old girl who stays confused. Sound familiar? This book has angels, demons, vampires, werewolves, and a Sorcerer. The characters have lots of angst over their relationships.

Which character – as performed by Natalie Moore – was your favorite?

My favorite character by far is Jace. I love his witty remarks. I love his loyalty even when others doubt him. He is the main reason I continued to read the next book.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

There is a war in the heavens......will Love conquer all and defeat evil?

Any additional comments?

I think this book is fine for teenagers to read and will probably be a blockbuster when it comes out at the movies. Adult conversation is rare and at times It was hard for me not to forget that teens live for drama and if not their drama a friends drama.

Great Read/Listen

Amazing book series, I love that a lot of the fiction is based off of old stories from the Bible and poems.

twisting turning plots.

I had a hard time putting this one down. written and narrated wonderfully. The surprise turn of events with Simon is a roller coaster of emotions.

awesome

I have no problem with these books Cassandra claire is an awesome author she needs to keep em coming

The best author ever!

I loved this book Casandra Clair. is the best author ever,well for me she is.

My heart... hurts...

Loved this one! So much action, and so many stakes! The ending was great, but ugh! No spoilers.

Better than the first one

What made the experience of listening to City of Ashes the most enjoyable?

It was narrated by a much, much better reader

What did you like best about this story?

The first book was set up. It was able to draw on what you already know and advance the story.

What about Natalie Moore’s performance did you like?

She was just, in general, amazing.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

More or less

Great story

A wonderful addition to the storyline and filled with funny, sad, exciting, intriguing, and thought-provoking events. Can't wait to continue reading the series.

Love the series, hate the narrator

Mae Whitman did an amazing job with CoB, so moving on to this book is always a struggle because Natalie Moore just sounds so much older and way less Clary-like to me.