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Monday, November 23, 2015

CITY OF ASHES (THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS BOOK #2) BY CASSANDRA CLARE AND A HUGE GIVEAWAY

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
Release Date: March 25th 2008
Source: Purchased
Format: Paperback and now Hardcover
Pages: 464
Buy it: Amazon|B&N|Book Depository

     Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who's becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn't ready to let her go — especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother, Jace. And Clary's only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil — and also her father.

     To complicate matters, someone in New York City is murdering Downworlder children. Is Valentine behind the killings — and if he is, what is he trying to do? When the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, is stolen, the terrifying Inquisitor arrives to investigate and zooms right in on Jace. How can Clary stop Valentine if Jace is willing to betray everything he believes in to help their father?

     In this breathtaking sequel to City of Bones, Cassandra Clare lures her readers back into the dark grip of New York City's Downworld, where love is never safe and power becomes the deadliest temptation.

     As you all know, from my mass hysteria of tweets and blog posts, I love The Mortal Instruments! They were the first books to adorn my selves alongside Harry Potter. These books brought me into the reading world and have spawned and formed my love of fantasy. If you have not yet read City of Bones check out my review here if you are still on the fence! If you are skeptical of reading these books please at least try them and I guarantee you will be transformed. Now onto City of Ashes! 
WARNING THERE WILL BE SPOILERS FROM THE FIRST BOOK! SKIP TO THE END FOR THE GIVEAWAY!
     If you have read City of Bones and debating wether or not to read City of Ashes, defiantly do. When comparing this book to City of Bones it is such a large step forward. The story no longer just focuses on Clary, but explores the lives of each individual character throughout the book. We get to see things from each perspective and it ultimately expands our knowledge of the world that Cassandra Clare has created. This book almost takes an even darker twist with some scenes. There were moments where I was terrified that my favs wouldn't make it through.
     Jace and Clary's entire relationship throughout this book made me feel awkward because Clary still lusted after Jace even though they were related. Simon for the time being is enjoying the news because this means him and Clary can finally be together, but it still crushes his heart when he see the look that Clary gives Jace, the one that he's longed for his whole life. 
    However, when the second of the Mortal Instruments is stolen, they are forced to put their personal issues aside in order to save the Shadowhunter World. The vile Inquisitor believes that Jace is in the middle of the ruckus and the Lightwoods and Clary do everything in their power to prove him innocent.
TO READ THE SPOILERS FROM CITY OF ASHES, HIGHLIGHT WITH YOUR MOUSE THE WHITE SPACE BETWEEN THE TWO WORDS "SPOILER"
     I love the exciting new side we see of Clary. She is becoming her own in her new environment and I love exploring her new powers. SPOILER I think her ability to draw runes is a cool concept and if I was in the Shadowhunter World, that is the one power I would like to have. It just seems so useful. SPOILER In this book we saw the more sensitive side to Jace that made me fall in love with him again. The kid who just wants to be held and loved by Clary...his sister. It crushes him that they had fallen in love and were just forced be apart. I had such self conflict throughout this book because I wanted them to be together because they fit so well, but yet its fucking gross cause they have the same parents.
     Two scenes that left my heart pounding and scared me the most were SPOILER when Jace was in the cell in Silent City and Valentine killing all the Silent Brothers. Like the Silent Brothers are scary enough, but being in a dark cell and hearing them being killed off is terrifying. Additionally Simon's transformation into a vampire was extraordinarily interesting. Just seeing the process of him being buried and having to break through the ground was just very cool to read. SPOILER We are also introduced to Maia, a fifteen-year-old werewolf who was turned by her ex-boyfriend. I surprisingly like her which I find rare for me. I usually do not like when new characters and storylines are thrown into the mix but Maia works well. 
     And now I shall copy and paste my own closing from my review of City of Bones:
I love all the books in the Mortal Instruments series. I love how everything fits together so perfectly from the mythology to the romance. We are allowed to see Clary discover this world as we do and her reactions to the new adventures that her sight give her. The character development is not just restricted to Clary but also extends to love interests and supporting characters such as Jace who appears to be another typical tragic YA hero, but I enjoyed the way he was characterised in this as he transforms behind the mask of annoyingly arrogant teen and. Magnus Bane is one of my favorite characters because he is so demential. There is so much mystery behind him, but yet you see his vulnerable side. Isabella Lightwood is literally my goal in life. If I had to choose one weapon it would be her whip that wraps around her wrist. It is so fashionable and just so deadly. I would love to be fashionable and sexy yet feared by all.
      I love the Mortal Instruments Series and it is by far one of my favorite series next to Harry Potter and the Raven Cycle. 5 out of 5 stars forever and always
AND NOW THE GIVEAWAY!!!!

If you guys have checked my Twitter out recently you should know that I have just received the new Mortal Instruments Box Set! That is right, all six books with all new covers and I have two more copies to give to you all! The giveaway ends January 3rd and the winners will be picked by a random name generator. All you need to do to enter is follow ALL the rules and regulations listed below:
  • Subscribe to my blog by email (in the sidebar to the right)
  • Follow my reviews on Goodreads (If you would like to add me as a friend while you're at it you can) and follow me on Twitter and Instagram
  • Email me at leereadsbooks(at)gmail(dot)com saying "New Box Set please" and your Goodreads and Twitter and Instagram name (I do have another mortal instruments giveaway going on so please distinguish)
  • Comment below and tell me your favorite quote from any Mortal Instrument Book!
(here is a quick tip. the more I see your name on my blog, twitter and GoodReads, the more I will put your name in the generator.)

May the odds be ever in your favor
Lee Chand

26 comments :

  1. “Simon, you’re blushing,” observed Jace. “And you’re a vampire and almost never blush, so this better be really juicy. And weird. Were bicycles involved in some kinky way? Vacuum cleaners? Umbrellas?”

    -City of Heavenly Fire

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  2. Since I couldn't decide on just one, I'll post a couple that I love and that always crack me up :))

    “Jesus!" Luke exclaimed.
    "Actually, it's just me," said Simon. "Although I've been told the resemblance is startling.”

    “Is there some particular reason that you're here?" ...
    "Not this again."
    "Not what again?" said Clary.
    "Every time I annoy him, he retreats into his No Mundanes Allowed tree house." Simon pointed at Jace.

    “Basia conquum," Simon said. "Or whatever their motto is."
    "It's 'Descensus Averno facilis est.' 'The descent into hell is easy,'" said Alec. "You just said 'Kiss the cook.'"
    "Dammit," said Simon. "I knew Jace was screwing with me."

    “Mom. I have something to tell you. I’m undead. Now, I know you may have some preconceived notions about the undead. I know you may not be comfortable with the idea of me being undead. But I’m here to tell you that undead are just like you and me … well, okay. Possibly more like me than you.”

    “What's this?" he demanded, looking from Clary to his companions, as if they might know what she was doing there.
    "It's a girl," Jace said,recovering his composure. "Surely you've seen girls before, Alec. Your sister Isabelle is one.”

    “If you knew how to cook, maybe I would eat," Jace muttered.
    Isabelle froze, her spoon poised dangerously. "What did you say?"
    Jace edged toward the fridge. "I said I'm going to look for a snack to eat."
    That's what I thought you said." Isabelle turned her attention to the soup.”

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  3. There is no pretending," Jace said with absolute clarity. "I love you, and I will love you until I die, and if there is life after that, I'll love you then.”
    ― Cassandra Clare, City of Glass

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  4. Malachi scowled. "I don't remember the Clave inviting you into the Glass City, Magnus Bane."
    "They didn't," Magnus said. "Your wards are down...."

    I love this one! :)

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  5. Qrote
    “You said you were going for a walk!? What kind of walk takes six hours?"
    "A long one?”
    ― Cassandra Clare, City of Glass

    dorcontest at gmail dot com Thanks

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  6. I have not read any book from this series so no favorite quotes... :)

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  7. “Have you fallen in love with the wrong person yet?'
    Jace said, "Unfortunately, Lady of the Haven, my one true love remains myself."
    ..."At least," she said, "you don't have to worry about rejection, Jace Wayland."
    "Not necessarily. I turn myself down occasionally, just to keep it interesting.”
    -City of Bones

    I do love his pompousness!

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  8. My favorite is: 'One must always be careful of books, said Tessa, and what is inside them, for words have the power to change us.'

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  9. If you're texting Magnus to say 'I think u r kewl,' I'm going to kill you."
    "Who's Magnus?" Max inquired.
    "He's a warlock," said Alec.
    "A sexy, sexy warlock," Isabelle told Max, ignoring Alec's look of total fury.
    "But warlocks are bad," protested Max, looking baffled.
    "Exactly," said Isabelle.

    But magnus is bae anyway

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  10. “And now I’m looking at you,” he said, “and you’re asking me if I still want you, as if I could stop loving you. As if I would want to give up the thing that makes me stronger than anything else ever has. I never dared give much of myself to anyone before – bits of myself to the Lightwoods, to Isabelle and Alec, but it took years to do it – but, Clary, since the first time I saw you, I have belonged to you completely. I still do. If you want me.” - City of Glass ❤

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  11. “And now I’m looking at you,” he said, “and you’re asking me if I still want you, as if I could stop loving you. As if I would want to give up the thing that makes me stronger than anything else ever has. I never dared give much of myself to anyone before – bits of myself to the Lightwoods, to Isabelle and Alec, but it took years to do it – but, Clary, since the first time I saw you, I have belonged to you completely. I still do. If you want me.” - City of Glass ❤

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  12. Haven't read the series yet so I don't have a favorite quote but thank you for the giveaway!

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  13. Thank you for the giveaway!
    “Sarcasm is the last refuge of the imaginatively bankrupt.” -City of Bones

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  14. Isabelle looked dubious. "Mom and Dad won't be pleased if they find out."
    "That you freed a possible criminal by trading away your brother to a warlock who looks like a gay Sonic the Hedgehog and dresses like the Child Catcher from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang?" Simon inquired. "No, probably not.”

    Really anything Simon says.

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  15. I haven't read any of the books yet, so I don't have a favorite quote, sadly. :'(

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  16. "Love is a contradiction" - Cassandra Clare, City of Fallen Angels

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  17. “We're called Shadowhunters. At least, that's what we call ourselves. The Downworlders have less complimentary names for us.” This just made me crack up, thanks for the giveaway! :)

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  18. I have not read the books yet. : ( I would love to win this so that I get a chance to!

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  19. "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade, then throw it in the face of the person who gave you the lemons until they give you the oranges you originally asked for." - Jace :)

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  20. My favorite quote is from the first book in the Mortal Instrument Book series, City of Bones: “Don't order any of the faerie food," said Jace, looking at her over the top of his menu. "It tends to make humans a little crazy. One minute you're munching a faerie plum, the next minute you're running naked down Madison Avenue with antlers on your head. Not," he added hastily, "that this has ever happened to me.”

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  21. “There is no pretending," Jace said with absolute clarity. "I love you, and I will love you until I die, and if there is life after that, I'll love you then.”

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  22. One must always be careful of books, said Tessa, and what is inside them, for words have the power to change us. This one is my favourite'

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  23. “If you knew how to cook, maybe I would eat," Jace muttered.

    Isabelle froze, her spoon poised dangerously. "What did you say?"

    Jace edged toward the fridge. "I said I'm going to look for a snack to eat."

    That's what I thought you said." Isabelle turned her attention to the soup.”

    I love this :D

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  24. I haven't read the series yet, but I'm a fan of this one:

    "One must always be careful of books, said Tessa, and what is inside them, for words have the power to change us.'

    Thanks for the chance!

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  25. I re-read the whole series recently, just because soon ( the day after tomorrow, how exciting!) Lady Midnight will be released and I remembered all the feels these books gave to me. Jace is my crush since I read city of bones, unluckily in real life does not exist a boy like him, not at all (a word for Cassandra Clare: please make your characters in flesh and blood, so we are all happier).
    As you can see I'm totally crazy for that series, but it's good, isn't it? xD
    ps: I love your reviews, they make me feel like I am part of something :)

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