City of Ashes is the second book in the Mortal Instruments Series. In this book, Clary is adjusting to her new identity as a Shadowhunter while grappling with the discovery that her dad is Valentine, the most dangerous Shadowhunter. Meanwhile, Valentine has acquired another of the Mortal Instruments, using it to summon demons to execute his dark plans. Clary, along with Jace, Simon and the Shadowhunters, must stop Valentine from unleashing chaos on the world. As Clary develops her powers further, the lines between loyalty, love, and family become increasingly blurred.
The main characters are Clary Fray, Jace Wayland, Simon Lewis, and other Shadowhunters like Alec and Isabelle. Valentine, Clary's father, is the main antagonist. Clary wants to stop her father from possessing the Mortal Cup. She also wants to seek clarity in her complicated relationship with Jace. Clary’s efforts are interrupted by several factors: Valentine’s growing power, the fact that she and Jace believe they are siblings, which causes tension and confusion, and the ongoing threat of demons terrorizing New York. At the end of the book, while the immediate threat is contained, Valentine still poses a major danger.
In my opinion, it deepens the complex relationships introduced in the first book. The pacing is sharp and the scenes are well thought out, keeping the reader engaged. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy a good mix of supernatural elements. Fans of love triangles and family dramas in fantasy settings will also appreciate the emotional depth of the characters .