About the Book
City of Ashes is the second book in Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments series, a YA urban fantasy set in a version of New York City populated by Shadowhunters, demons, warlocks, and other supernatural beings. If you've read or listened to City of Bones, this picks up directly from where that book ended, starting this one without the first would leave you lost.
The story follows sixteen-year-old Clary Fray as the fallout from the first book continues to reshape her world. Relationships are strained or broken, loyalties are tested, and Clary is still processing what she learned about her family. The plot moves through Shadowhunter politics, a new threat from Valentine (the central villain of the series), and the complicated dynamic between Clary and Jace, whose relationship has taken on a troubling new dimension.
This is firmly middle-book territory. The pace is uneven in places, some sections focus heavily on interpersonal drama while others accelerate into action. Readers who are already invested in the characters from City of Bones will find enough here to keep going. Those who found the first book slow may not find this one converts them.
Narration & Audio Performance
Natalie Moore narrates this edition, and she's a reasonable fit for the material. Her voice is clear, her pace is steady, and she handles the emotional range of the story, which swings between teenage tension, grief, and action sequences, without overcorrecting into melodrama. She doesn't do sharply differentiated voices for every character, but the main cast is distinguishable enough that you won't lose track of who's speaking.
For a book that leans on emotional subtext between characters, Moore keeps the delivery grounded rather than theatrical. That works for most of the book, though in some of the more heightened dramatic moments, the restraint can feel slightly flat. It's not a distracting problem, more a matter of style. Listeners who prefer narrators that fully inhabit the emotion of YA fiction may want to sample first to check the fit.
Production quality from Simon and Schuster is clean with no notable issues. There's no full cast or sound design, just single-narrator narration throughout.
The Audible Verdict
City of Ashes is a solid mid-series YA audiobook with competent narration, but it's not a standout audio production. The narration is functional and clear rather than exceptional. If you're already into the Mortal Instruments series, this is a perfectly reasonable way to continue it, the audio format works fine here. But it's not the kind of production that justifies spending a paid credit when a free trial credit does the job just as well.
Listen on AudibleIs This Book a Good Fit for Audio?
Urban fantasy with a fast-moving plot and a clear cast of recurring characters is generally well-suited to audio. City of Ashes has a linear structure, and the main narrative moves forward without the kind of non-linear jumps or heavy visual components that cause problems in audio format. You won't miss anything by not having the physical book in hand.
The one caveat is that the series relies on building lore, terms, factions, and world rules that Clare introduces gradually across the books. If you're a careful reader who annotates or flips back to check details, audio makes that harder. For casual listening or commuting, it's fine. For someone trying to track every detail of the Shadowhunter mythology, the print version gives you more control.
Popular Listener Questions
Do I need to read City of Bones first?
Yes. City of Ashes picks up directly after the events of the first book. The characters, relationships, and central conflict all carry over. Starting here would be confusing and would spoil the first book.
Is this audiobook suitable for younger listeners?
The series is marketed as YA, generally aimed at readers aged 13 and up. There is violence, some romantic content, and emotionally heavy themes. It's appropriate for teens but may not suit younger children.
Is this a standalone story or does it end on a cliffhanger?
It's a series installment. While some plot threads from this book resolve, the larger story continues into City of Glass. Expect to want the next book when this one ends.
Is the narration the same as City of Bones?
Natalie Moore narrates multiple books in the Mortal Instruments series, so if you listened to City of Bones with her, the voice and style here will be consistent.
Similar Audiobooks
The first book in the Mortal Instruments series, essential listening before City of Ashes.
The third book in the series and a direct continuation of where City of Ashes leaves off.
Clockwork Angel
First book in Clare's Infernal Devices trilogy, set in the same Shadowhunter world but in Victorian London, a good companion series for fans of this one.
Hush, Hush
YA urban fantasy with a supernatural romance element and a similar teen protagonist navigating a hidden world.
The Iron King
Julie Kagawa's Faery series has a comparable mix of YA action, mythology, and romantic tension for listeners who enjoy the Mortal Instruments tone.
Audiobook Details
| Title | City of Ashes |
|---|---|
| Author | Cassandra Clare |
| Narrator | Natalie Moore |
| Genre | YA Urban Fantasy |
| Year | 2009 |
| Publisher | Simon and Schuster |
| Abridged | Unabridged |
| Cast | Single narrator |
| Author-narrated | No |
Ready to listen?
City of Ashes is available on Audible and is a reasonable use of a free trial credit if you're following the Mortal Instruments series.
Open on Audible