City of Glass (Clare novel)
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 2009 |
| Founder | Cassandra Clare |
| Products | Urban fantasy novel |
| Parent | Margaret K. McElderry (Simon & Schuster) |
City of Glass represents the third entry in Cassandra Clare's urban fantasy collection The Mortal Instruments. Released globally in 2009 by Walker Books, this volume follows Clary and Simon’s adventures within the Shadowhunter realm as Clary endeavors to rescue her mother, traveling from the New York Institute all the way to Alicante, Idris.
Background
As the third book in the The Mortal Instruments saga, City of Glass marks the first release under Margaret K. McElderry, a subdivision of Simon & Schuster. Its continuation, City of Fallen Angels, was published in April 2011.
Plot
Clary prepares for a journey to Idris with the goal of saving her mother. Jace advises Simon to conceal Clary’s intentions to shield her from the Clave, which wishes to exploit her as a weapon. Following an assault by Forsaken, the Lightwoods are forced through a portal; Simon suffers injuries and is escorted to Idris by Jace. Utilizing her rune abilities, Clary opens a portal and travels alongside Luke.
Upon arrival in Alicante, Simon uncovers Jace’s true reason for keeping Clary distant and encounters Sebastian Verlac and Aline Penhallow. Alec returns from a Clave assembly to inform Simon that Aldertree, the new Inquisitor, plans to send him back to New York. However, this return is a setup designed to implicate the Lightwoods, resulting in Simon’s imprisonment and interrogation due to his uncommon capacity to walk in daylight as a vampire. During incarceration, he befriends fellow prisoner Samuel Blackburn.
After passing through the portal, Clary falls into Lake Lyn and is saved by Luke but experiences hallucinations caused by the lake’s detrimental effects on Nephilim. Under the care of Luke’s sister Amatis, she is cautioned against seeing Jace but later witnesses him kissing Aline Penhallow, sparking conflict that leads to their separation. Sebastian subsequently returns Clary to Amatis’s residence.
Alec learns about Simon’s detention. Jace visits Simon secretly at night, but Simon declines an escape plan to avoid arousing suspicion toward the Lightwoods. Isabelle covertly provides blood for Simon while he remains imprisoned. Raphael informs Simon that his Daylighter ability has made him a target for all Downworlders. Clary discovers from Magnus that Ragnor Fell has been killed; she must find a cure concealed within the Book of the White at Wayland Manor.
Clary returns accompanied by Sebastian but grows uneasy after he kisses her. She tells Jace they require the Book of White; they retrieve it through a hidden passage where an imprisoned angel reveals that Clary possesses angelic blood while Jace carries demon blood. The angel uses a seraph blade on himself, freeing them before the manor collapses. Jace and Clary express their love for one another, though Clary hesitates due to their differing bloodlines.
Back in Alicante amid a demon attack, Max Lightwood is slain by Sebastian. Clary and Jace rescue Simon from prison where Hodge had been his cellmate; Sebastian kills Hodge after disclosing Lake Lyn as the third mortal instrument.
Following funeral rites, Simon offers comfort to Isabelle while Jace briefly stays with Clary before departing with a note. Clary reunites with her mother Jocelyn in anger and persuades the Clave not to surrender to Valentine by presenting an "Alliance" rune that enables Shadowhunters and Downworlders to share powers. Jocelyn reveals that Sebastian—not Jace—is actually Clary’s biological brother.
The Clave consents to oppose Valentine using Clary’s rune; all Downworlders agree except for vampires led by Raphael who demand Simon's death. To protect Simon, Clary applies the Mark of Cain rune, which deters attackers by killing them.
During battle, Jace nearly dies fighting Sebastian but is saved by Isabelle; together they defeat Sebastian. At Lake Lyn, Jace confronts Valentine during an attempt to summon Angel Raziel. Valentine kills Jace but uses his blood for the ritual. Clary intervenes by replacing Valentine’s runes with her own; Angel Raziel kills Valentine and revives Jace.
Jocelyn and Luke acknowledge their love while Clary and Jace enjoy their renewed relationship.
Shadowhunters
- Clarissa Adele "Clary" Fray: A young Shadowhunter who uncovers her true lineage and powers later in life. Her mission is to thwart her father, Valentine, who endangers both Shadowhunters and Downworlders.
- Jonathan "Jace" Wayland: A Shadowhunter struggling with his identity after discovering that his supposedly deceased father is actually Valentine, his adversary.
- Alexander "Alec" Lightwood: A Shadowhunter engaged in a same-sex relationship with the warlock Magnus Bane, confronting societal expectations and family tensions.
- Isabelle "Izzy" Lightwood: Alec’s devoted sister who supports Clary and Jace in their fight against Valentine.
- Valentine Morgenstern: The main antagonist among the Shadowhunters, intent on annihilating both factions through the power of the Mortal Instruments.
- Jocelyn Fray: Clary’s mother, who hid her own heritage to protect her daughter.
- Maryse Lightwood and Robert Lightwood: Parents of Alec and Isabelle, serving as leaders of the New York Institute.
- Max Lightwood: The youngest member of the Lightwood family.
- Sebastian Verlac: An enigmatic individual linked to Clary and the Lightwoods residing in Alicante.
- Aline Penhallow: A close friend of the Lightwoods and cousin to Sebastian.
- Amatis Herondale: Luke’s reclusive sister living within Idris.
- Inquisitor Aldertree: A cunning new Inquisitor determined to close a case by any means necessary.
- Madeleine Bellefleur: Jocelyn’s acquaintance who claims she can awaken Jocelyn from her coma.
Downworlders
- Simon Lewis: Clary’s best friend who has been turned into a vampire.
- Magnus Bane: The High Warlock of Brooklyn who collaborates with the Conclave to rescue Alec.
- Luke Garroway: A werewolf and former Shadowhunter who is a close friend to Jocelyn and Clary.
- Maia Roberts: A member of Luke’s werewolf pack based in New York.
- Raphael Santiago: The leader of New York’s vampire faction.
- Seelie Queen: The sovereign of the Seelie Court and ruler of the Fair Folk.
- Meliorn: The queen’s trusted knight and advisor.
Angels
- Raziel: The guardian angel of the Nephilim.
- Ithuriel: An angel imprisoned by Valentine, whose blood he exploited for his experiments.
Reception
This installment has been commended for its gripping storyline, well-developed characters, and enriched worldbuilding, making it particularly appealing to fans of urban fantasy and paranormal romance. Although certain aspects may appear foreseeable, it remains captivating and enjoyable, especially for those acquainted with the series.