In City of Glass, Clare transports readers to the home city of the Nephilim, or the Shadowhunters. It is here that Valentine strives to complete the events that will allow him to raise an army of demons. As usual, Jace Wayland, Clary Fray, and Simon Lewis find themselves standing between Valentine and his goal.
City of Bones and City of Ashes
The Mortal Instrument Series began with City of Bones, which introduced readers to the Shadowhunters. Given the task of ridding the world of demons, the Shadowhunters live in two worlds: the regular one that mundies see and the Downworld, a place filled with demons and mixed-breed creatures. Readers experience the story as the heroine Clary Fray learns of the world.
Following City of Bones, Clare continues the story with City of Ashes. In this book, Valentine gains the second Mortal Instrument, bringing him one step closer to his goal of world dominion.
Teleport to Idris in City of Glass
This novel moves the story farther into Downworld and draws Valentine one step closer to his goal of leading a massive demon army into the heart of the Idris, the Nephilim’s city. In order to stop him, Jace and his fellow Shadowhunters return to their home to meet with the Clave. Complicating matters is the fact that Simon winds up there, as well, which is against the law.
Despite Jace’s best efforts to prevent Clary from being in danger, she finds a way to get there herself. Not only does she break the law by doing so, but she endangers Luke. As a Downworlder, he isn’t allowed in Idris without permission.
The Final Mortal Instrument
In possession of the mortal cup and the sword, Valentine only needs the final divine object in order to complete his sinister plan. The Nephilim know the mirror is hidden in Idris, but only a few people suspect its true location.
When Valentine learns where the Angel Raziel hid the mirror, it’s up to Jace and Clary to defeat him. If they win, they’ll be able to save Idris and the world of the humans from Valentine’s army. If they fail, all will be lost.
Twists and Turns in City of Glass
Like Clare’s previous two books, this one keeps readers guessing with plot twists. Clary is still trying to find a way to revive her mother from a comma; Simon and Clary have ended their romantic relationship; and a new character, Sebastian, enters the scene. Complicating the situation is the fact that Sebastian’s talents rival Jace’s. Plus, Sebastian falls into the ranks of males vying for Clary’s attention.
Complicating the story even more, the Clave must consider whether or not it will put aside old hostilities toward werewolves, vampires, faeries, and warlocks in an attempt to win the war. Even if the Clave can, the other races with demon blood must decide whether they will risk their lives to fight for a race that has hunted them for years.
Continue the Story with The Infernal Devices
Want more of the Downworld? In 2010, Simon and Schuster plan to release The Clockwork Angel, the first book in the new series The Infernal Devices. In this trilogy, which is a companion series to The Mortal Instrument series, Cassandra Clare introduces a new cast of characters.
Readers can also check out City of Bones and City of Ashes for more details on the series. Fans can also learn more about the author at her Web site. Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing published City of Glass in March 2009 (ISBN – 13: 9781411694303).
Join the Conversation