City of Ashes

Clary Fray longs for her life to return to ordinary. But what's considered normal when you're a Shadowhunter, fighting demons, your mom is in a magic-induced coma, and you suddenly see creatures like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary were to leave the world of Shadowhunters, she could spend more time with her best friend, Simon, who's starting to mean more to her. However, the Shadowhunter world won't release its grip, particularly her handsome but infuriating newfound brother, Jace. To make matters more complicated, Clary's only chance to help her mother is to hunt down the rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who's likely gone mad and definitely evil – and also happens to be her father.

Adding to the confusion, someone in New York City is targeting Downworlder children. Is Valentine responsible for these murders, and if so, what's his goal? When the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, vanishes, a fearsome Inquisitor arrives to investigate, and her focus narrows in on Jace. How can Clary stop Valentine if Jace is willing to betray everything he holds dear to aid their father?

In this captivating follow-up to "City of Bones", Cassandra Clare once again draws her readers into the enigmatic embrace of New York City's Downworld, where love is always a risk, and power becomes the most tempting and perilous force.