“The very things that hold you down are going to lift you up.”
— Jace comforting Clary about her abilities.
Archivist's Choice
City of Ashes
Cassandra Clare (2008)
Genre
Fantasy / Young Adult / Romance
Reading Time
450 min
Key Themes
See below
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Downworlder children are murdered and a powerful artifact is stolen. Clary must navigate forbidden love with her brother Jace, confront their father Valentine, save her mother, and stop a looming war.
Synopsis
Clary Fray's life turns more supernatural after she discovers she's a Shadowhunter. Her mother is still in a magical coma, and Clary's only hope is to confront her father, Valentine, who also seeks the powerful Mortal Instruments. Downworlder children are murdered, and the Soul-Sword, the second Mortal Instrument, is stolen. The Inquisitor arrives, immediately suspecting Jace. Clary deals with her complex feelings for Jace, now her brother, while her best friend Simon becomes a vampire. Clary and her allies work with faeries and other Downworlders to stop Valentine's destructive plans. Clary must use her Shadowhunter powers, make hard choices, and face the possibility of Jace's betrayal. She tries to protect those she loves and prevent Valentine from starting a war between Shadowhunters and Downworlders.
Reading time
450 min
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Fast
Mood
Action-packed, Romantic, Suspenseful, Dark, Dramatic
✓ Read this if...
You enjoyed 'City of Bones' and want to continue Clary and Jace's complex, action-packed journey into the Shadowhunter world, with more romance, political intrigue, and supernatural transformations.
✗ Skip this if...
You dislike love triangles, incestuous undertones, or stories where the main characters' relationships are constantly fraught with drama and forbidden tension.
Plot Summary
The Aftermath and New Threats
Two weeks after the events at Renwick's Institute, Clary Fray trains to be a Shadowhunter. She is still processing the news that Valentine Morgenstern is her father and Jace Wayland is her brother. Her mother, Jocelyn, is still in a magically induced coma. Clary struggles with her feelings for Jace, complicated by their new sibling status, and finds comfort in her best friend, Simon Lewis. Meanwhile, the Shadowhunter world is tense as Downworlder children are murdered, their blood drained. Valentine is suspected. Jace, feeling more alone, has a strange pull towards Valentine, causing tension with the Clave.
Simon's Transformation
Clary, Jace, Alec, and Isabelle attend a party hosted by Magnus Bane, the High Warlock of Brooklyn. Simon, feeling left out and insecure about Clary's closeness with Jace, leaves the party alone. Raphael Santiago, a vampire, attacks and bites him. To save Simon, Jace gives him some of his blood. Later, Simon shows strange symptoms, including an aversion to sunlight and a craving for blood. Clary takes him to the Hotel Dumort, the vampire lair, where Raphael confirms Simon is becoming a vampire. Clary must decide whether to let Simon die or complete the transformation.
The Soul-Sword and the Inquisitor
The Soul-Sword, the second Mortal Instrument, is stolen from the Silent City, leaving many Silent Brothers dead. This breach leads to the arrival of Inquisitor Imogen Herondale, a strict Clave official who immediately suspects Jace because of his link to Valentine. The Inquisitor believes Jace is helping his father and orders him imprisoned at the Silent City. Clary, Alec, and Isabelle are upset. Jace, despite saying he is innocent, is taken into custody, making him feel more isolated and fueling his internal conflict about his parents and loyalties.
Jace's Imprisonment and Escape
Jace is held in a cell in the Silent City, questioned by the Inquisitor. During his imprisonment, Valentine appears and helps Jace escape, revealing he knew Jace was there. Valentine tries to convince Jace to join him, appealing to their shared bloodline and Jace's feeling of rejection by the Clave. Jace is torn between his family and his loyalty to his friends and the Shadowhunter cause. He resists Valentine but the encounter leaves him deeply conflicted. He escapes Valentine and returns to the Institute, but the Clave misinterprets his actions.
Simon's New Existence
After his transformation, Simon struggles with being a vampire. He is immortal, needs blood, and is sensitive to sunlight. Clary tries to help him adjust, giving him animal blood. Simon deals with losing his human life and the impact of his new existence, which complicates his relationship with Clary, who is still involved in the Shadowhunter world. His transformation creates a new dynamic within their group, as he is now a Downworlder, facing the prejudices and dangers of his kind.
The Faerie Court and the Seelie Queen
Seeking information or help about Valentine's plans, Clary, Jace, Simon, Alec, and Isabelle visit the Seelie Court. The Seelie Queen, a powerful faerie, offers information for a price. She forces Clary to kiss 'the one she most desires' to break a magical enchantment. Clary, under pressure and with Jace's subtle encouragement, kisses Jace, which breaks Simon's heart. The Seelie Queen reveals that Valentine seeks the Mirror of Erised (later revealed to be Lake Lyn) to summon the Angel Raziel, planning to destroy all Downworlders.
Valentine's Plans Revealed
Through clues and the Seelie Queen's information, Clary and her allies piece together Valentine's plan. He has stolen the Mortal Cup, the Soul-Sword, and now searches for the Mortal Mirror (Lake Lyn) to complete a ritual. His goal is to use these instruments to summon the Angel Raziel and command it to destroy all Downworlders, believing them to be an abomination. He wants to cleanse the world and create a new race of pure Shadowhunters, a twisted vision he believes only he can achieve.
Jace's Betrayal and the Inquisitor's Sacrifice
The Inquisitor confronts Jace, believing he is about to join Valentine. She reveals that Jace's grandfather was a Herondale, making him part of her family. When Valentine appears, Jace, trying to protect his friends and prove his loyalty, seemingly agrees to go with his father. However, it is a trick. The Inquisitor, seeing Jace's true intentions and recognizing his Herondale blood, sacrifices herself to save Jace from Valentine's attack, using a powerful magical whip. Her sacrifice protects Jace and adds to his already complex identity and loyalties.
The Demon Attack on the Institute
Valentine orchestrates a large demon attack on the New York Institute, trying to draw out Jace and get the Soul-Sword, which he thinks is still there. The Shadowhunters, led by Hodge's former colleagues, defend the Institute against many demons. This battle shows the developing combat skills of Clary, Alec, and Isabelle, and strengthens their bond as a team. The attack is a harsh reminder of Valentine's constant threat and the dangers in their world, pushing them to their limits.
Clary's Confrontation and Power
Clary confronts Valentine, who reveals more about her unique ability to create new runes. He explains that Jocelyn's experimental consumption of demon blood while pregnant with Jonathan (Sebastian) and angelic blood while pregnant with Clary gave them both extraordinary powers. Valentine tries to manipulate Clary into joining him, appealing to her desire to save her mother. During their confrontation, Clary, driven by desperation and her growing powers, activates and uses a powerful, self-created rune, showing her true potential and the unique nature of her abilities.
The Resurrection of Max
In a terrible turn of events, Max Lightwood, Alec and Isabelle's younger brother, is murdered by Valentine's son, Jonathan (Sebastian Verlac). This tragedy deeply affects the Lightwood family and their friends, especially Alec and Isabelle. Max's death is a stark reminder of Valentine's cruelty and the high stakes of their fight. It also strengthens their resolve to stop Valentine, changing their personal struggle into a quest for justice and vengeance.
Jonathan Morgenstern's Identity
It is revealed that Sebastian Verlac, the mysterious Shadowhunter who befriended Isabelle, is actually Valentine's son, Jonathan Morgenstern, Clary's true brother. He is the result of Valentine's experiments with demon blood, making him a powerful and ruthless warrior. Jonathan's true nature is exposed when he murders Max Lightwood and later tries to harm Isabelle. This revelation shocks the group, as they realize a dangerous enemy has been among them, further complicating their understanding of Valentine's schemes and manipulation.
The Sacrifice of the Soul-Sword
In a final confrontation, Clary, Jace, and their allies stop Valentine from fully summoning the Angel Raziel. To stop him, Clary uses her unique rune-drawing abilities to destroy the Soul-Sword, which Valentine needed for his ritual. Destroying a Mortal Instrument is an unprecedented act with severe consequences. While it stops Valentine's immediate plan to annihilate Downworlders, it also means the Clave has lost another powerful artifact, leaving them vulnerable and signaling a shift in power within the Shadowhunter world.
The Aftermath and Lingering Questions
After the battle, Valentine escapes, but his immediate plan fails. The Shadowhunters return to the Institute, mourning Max and dealing with the destroyed Soul-Sword. Clary and Jace are left to deal with their complicated feelings for each other, made stronger by their sibling revelation and the kiss at the Seelie Court. Simon grapples with his new vampiric existence and his unrequited love for Clary. The ending leaves many questions unanswered, setting the stage for future conflicts with Valentine and the exploration of Clary's powers and the complex relationships within the group.
Principal Figures
Clary Fray
The Protagonist
Clary grows more confident in her Shadowhunter abilities and her unique rune powers, learning to fight and make difficult choices despite her emotional turmoil.
Jace Wayland
The Protagonist/Love Interest
Jace grapples with his identity and loyalty, learning to trust his instincts and show vulnerability despite the constant pressure and manipulation he faces.
Simon Lewis
The Supporting/Love Interest
Simon transforms from a human outsider into a vampire, learning to navigate his new powers and the prejudices of the Downworld, while still maintaining his core loyalty and wit.
Alec Lightwood
The Supporting
Alec begins to acknowledge and slowly accept his feelings for Magnus Bane, starting to find his own path beyond family expectations.
Isabelle Lightwood
The Supporting
Isabelle experiences personal betrayal and loss, strengthening her resolve and deepening her understanding of the fight against evil.
Valentine Morgenstern
The Antagonist
Valentine continues to execute his sinister plan, revealing more about his motivations and the extent of his manipulation and power.
Magnus Bane
The Supporting
Magnus's relationship with Alec begins to deepen, revealing his capacity for genuine connection despite his long, solitary existence.
Inquisitor Imogen Herondale
The Supporting/Antagonist
The Inquisitor's rigid exterior breaks down as she acknowledges her family connection to Jace, leading to a redemptive sacrifice.
Jonathan Morgenstern (Sebastian Verlac)
The Antagonist
Jonathan's true, evil nature is revealed, establishing him as a significant and formidable antagonist.
Themes & Insights
Identity and Belonging
This theme explores how characters deal with their identity, especially after surprising revelations about their parents and nature. Jace struggles with being Valentine's son, fearing he might be evil like his father, leading to internal conflict and feelings of isolation. Clary also deals with being Valentine's daughter and a powerful rune-wielder, questioning where she belongs in the Shadowhunter world. Simon's transformation into a vampire forces him to redefine his entire life and find his place within the Downworld, challenging his human identity. The revelation of Jace's Herondale lineage further complicates his sense of self.
“''I am a Shadowhunter. I am not my father.''”
Forbidden Love and Family Ties
The novel explores the complexities of love, especially the forbidden romantic feelings between Clary and Jace, made more intense by the belief that they are siblings. Their forced kiss at the Seelie Court highlights the painful tension between their desires and their perceived family bond. This theme also includes Alec's unrequited love for Jace and his growing feelings for Magnus, which challenge traditional Shadowhunter norms. The conflict between family loyalty (Jace's struggle with Valentine) and chosen family (the bonds between the Institute residents) is a main driving force, ending with the Inquisitor's sacrifice for Jace, her grandson.
“''You know what I'd do, if I loved you? I'd kill you.''”
Prejudice and Acceptance
Prejudice against Downworlders is a constant theme, seen in Valentine's destructive goals and the Clave's often discriminatory attitudes. Simon's change into a vampire puts him in the world of the 'other,' where he experiences the fear and hatred directed at Downworlders. The Clave's immediate suspicion of Jace due to his parents also shows prejudice, illustrating how bloodlines can be judged. The story promotes acceptance through the bonds formed between Shadowhunters and Downworlders like Magnus Bane, and through characters like Clary who challenge the Clave's rigid, prejudiced views, advocating for understanding and cooperation.
“''It's not a crime to be a Downworlder.''”
Power and Corruption
The pursuit and misuse of power are central to Valentine's character and actions. He seeks ultimate power through the Mortal Instruments to 'cleanse' the world, believing his goals justify his brutal methods. The theft of the Soul-Sword and his attempts to summon the Angel Raziel are direct examples of this. The story also explores how power can corrupt, as seen in the results of Valentine's experiments with demon blood, which created Jonathan Morgenstern. Clary's unique rune-drawing abilities represent a different kind of power, one she must learn to control and use responsibly, contrasting with her father's destructive ambitions.
“''Power is always dangerous. It attracts the worst and corrupts the best.''”
Sacrifice and Loss
The story has many acts of sacrifice and devastating losses. The Inquisitor's unexpected sacrifice to save Jace, showing her underlying care for her grandson, is a key moment that highlights the theme. Max Lightwood's murder by Jonathan Morgenstern is a great loss that deeply affects the Lightwood family and unites the group against Valentine, showing the high stakes of their conflict. Simon's transformation into a vampire is also a sacrifice, as he loses his human life. These moments emphasize the constant danger and the personal cost of fighting evil.
“''There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends.''”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Mortal Instruments
Three powerful angelic artifacts crucial to Valentine's plans and the Shadowhunter world.
The Mortal Instruments are three divine artifacts: the Mortal Cup (to create or control Shadowhunters/demons), the Soul-Sword (to compel truth), and the Mortal Mirror (revealed to be Lake Lyn, used to summon the Angel Raziel). Valentine's overarching plan revolves around collecting and using these instruments to achieve his genocidal goals. Their theft and pursuit drive much of the plot, creating urgency and raising the stakes. Clary's unique ability to create runes is also linked to the angelic blood that created the Instruments, giving her a special connection to their power.
Clary's Rune-Drawing Ability
A unique, innate power to create new, powerful runes, stemming from angelic blood.
Clary possesses the extraordinary and previously unknown ability to create entirely new runes, not just activate existing ones. This power stems from the angelic blood Valentine infused her mother with while Jocelyn was pregnant. This ability is a crucial plot device, allowing Clary to perform feats of magic that no other Shadowhunter can, often at critical moments. It's a double-edged sword: a source of immense power but also a target for Valentine's manipulation, as he seeks to understand and control it for his own ends. It serves as a unique element distinguishing her from other Shadowhunters.
The Parabatai Bond
A sacred, lifelong magical bond between two Shadowhunter warriors.
The parabatai bond is a magical, sacred connection between two Shadowhunter warriors, typically forged in youth. It grants them enhanced strength and the ability to fight as one, sharing their power. Jace and Alec share this bond, which is central to their relationship and crucial in combat. It also highlights the emotional complexities, as Alec's unrequited love for Jace is magnified by their deep, intertwined connection. The bond is a representation of ultimate loyalty and partnership, creating high emotional stakes when one parabatai is in danger or conflict with the other.
The Seelie Court's Bargains
The faerie court's magical rules and the dangerous prices for their aid.
The Seelie Court, ruled by the enigmatic Seelie Queen, operates under its own ancient and often manipulative magical rules, where bargains are binding and seemingly simple requests can have profound consequences. Their aid often comes with a hidden cost or a trick. The forced kiss between Clary and Jace at the Queen's command is a prime example, serving as a catalyst for emotional turmoil and revealing suppressed desires. This device adds an element of unpredictable danger and magical intrigue, showcasing the complex politics and ancient power of the Downworld.
The Demon and Angelic Bloodline
Valentine's experiments that altered his children's blood, granting them unique powers.
Valentine's past experiments, where he infused his unborn children with demon (Jonathan/Sebastian) and angelic (Clary) blood, are a foundational plot device. This explains their unique powers: Jonathan's ruthless strength and Clary's rune-drawing ability. It's the source of their personal conflict with Valentine, who seeks to control or exploit these enhanced abilities. This device highlights the ethical dangers of genetic manipulation and the consequences of tampering with fundamental forces, creating powerful individuals who are both gifts and curses to the world.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“To love is to destroy, and to be loved is to be the one destroyed.”
— Jace reflecting on his relationship with Clary and his past.
“You can't live your life for other people. You've got to do what's right for you, even if it hurts some people you love.”
— Isabelle advising Clary about her choices.
“I am a man of my word. And my word is 'run'.”
— Magnus Bane's witty remark in a dangerous situation.
“If you don't want me to be in love with you, you're going to have to stop looking so goddamn beautiful.”
— Jace's intense declaration to Clary.
“There is no pretending. I love you, and I will love you until I die, and if there is life after that, I'll love you then.”
— Jace confessing his deep feelings to Clary.
“Sometimes the most terrible things are the ones you can't see.”
— Hodge's cryptic advice, hinting at unseen dangers.
“You could be anyone, Clary. You could be anyone who needed me.”
— Simon expressing his unconditional loyalty to Clary.
“All stories are true.”
— Valentine explaining the nature of myths and legends in the Shadowhunter world.
“I'm not going to lie to you. I'm not going to pretend that I don't want you.”
— Jace's raw honesty about his feelings for Clary.
“We are all of us, in some way, doppelgangers of our younger selves.”
— Magnus making a philosophical observation.
“Don't be a hero. It's too dangerous.”
— Alec's concern for Jace.
“Love makes you a fool.”
— Raphael, the vampire, making a cynical observation about human emotions.
“There are worse things than being alone. Sometimes being alone is the only way to be.”
— Jace reflecting on his past and independence.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
Clary primarily struggles with the revelation that Jace is her brother, complicating her romantic feelings for him, while simultaneously trying to find a cure for her mother, Jocelyn, who remains in a magically induced coma. She also grapples with the escalating threat of her father, Valentine, who is murdering Downworlder children and seeking the Mortal Instruments.
About the author
Cassandra Clare is a celebrated author of young adult fantasy, best known for her bestselling Shadowhunters series, which includes "City of Ashes" and "Clockwork Prince." Her intricate world-building and complex characters have captivated millions of readers worldwide. Clare's work often blends magical elements with relatable coming-of-age themes.
