City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

Okay, so I obviously loved City of B0nes, but what did I think of its sequel?

As a part of a trilogy, I wasn't overly excited to read this book. I mean, yes, I wanted to find out what happened next and I looooooved Clary's world. But I mean... It is a second novel. A middle novel.

And to be honest, a lot of times, middle novels can be big flops.

All setup, little action, no resolution, etc. etc. I usually fly through them in anticipation of getting to the 'good stuff'. You know. The last installation. Where all the good stuff happens.

So with a lot of anticipation and a little bit of dread, I launched into City of Ashes.

For the first time in quite a while, I was sucked in immediately and never once bored. There were resolutions and new problems introduced. At close to 500 pages, there was never a dull moment, and the last portion of the book held an intense battle that easily could have finished the series, but didn't.

It was a great thrill ride, in some parts better than the first - because I was already so attached to the main characters.

Verdict- A-: Cassandra Clare kept her series going strong. Her writing is stronger and her characters are more comfortable in their skin. Hooray for an awesome second book. The only downside was I wasn't left needing to know what happened next. There was a cliffhanger, of course, but not nearly the same sort as with the ending of book one. Here's to hopefully finishing the series with a bang.