2025 Reading Challenge discussion

This thread is to discuss City of Ashes, the second book in the The Mortal Instruments Series by Cassandra Clare.


Pages: 453 pages


Length: 1 Month (August)


Participants: Ruthie, Sunshine, Fiona, Dikshita, Alison


Everyone reads at their own pace during a Buddy Read. Because participants can be at different parts of the book at different times, it is extremely important to mark spoilers so that the book is not ruined for someone who is not as far along as others!!!


Mark spoilers by placing {spoiler} before the text and {/spoiler} after the text but use the < and > instead of the { and }.


Happy Buddy Reading!

I'm on the first one and really liking it! Supposed to get this one from my library app on or a bit after Aug 1st depending on when the person before me returns it!

Started it today!

It was not very good. Only gave it 2 stars here's my review:

Eh. It was definitely one of those in-between books in a series where not much happens. Even though there were several scenes with Valentine, he mostly just talked. Someone supposed to be that dangerous would be more dangerous when they encounter him. I still want to find out what happens so will continue the series but hope the next one is better.

I am going to start this today/tomorrow...just squeaking it in before the end of the month :D

I just finished this (with time to spare...whew!!) :D Overall, I think the book had some great storylines and here are some of my thoughts:
(view spoiler)[ I thought the interactions between Clary and Jace were a bit too juvenile (but they are teenagers after all) so I wasn't too interested in that storyline.

I Loved the Simon storyline...that is one I could continue to be very interested in! I also loved Magnus' character...

I did enjoy the segments of the book relating to Valentine and his quest to control the Demons and destroy the Clave! I think this is a build up to the third book in the series (?) I also hope that we see Clary's mother, Jocelyn, wake up and contribute to the conflict that is going on!
(hide spoiler)]

I will definitely continue the series. I understand the order of reading the next books is City of Glass then Clockwork Angel then City of Fallen Angels...so I am going to try to fit in "Clockwork Angel" before the October Buddy Read.

I agree with you, I'll comment on your spoilers below. As far as the order, there are different ways to read her books. Some people read them according to publish date. Others read them according to series. I've actually already read Clockwork Angel because it was a good choice for me and my TBR twin. Feel free to message me with thoughts after you read it. I don't think you "have to" squeeze it in. But you can if you want to.

in response to your spoilers...
(view spoiler)[
I agree about Clary and Jace

I agree about Simon and Magnus. The developments in their stories make them more interesting

I didn't like how Valentine was always talking to them whenever he met up with them I felt like if he's as evil as he said he would do more evil things when they come in contact but I did think it's interesting what he's trying to do. I hope Jocelyn wakes up as well! (hide spoiler)]