City of Ashes
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to City of Ashes
City of Ashes is the second installment in Cassandra Clare's popular urban fantasy series, "The Mortal Instruments." This young adult novel plunges readers deeper into the supernatural world of Shadowhunters, vampires, werewolves, and faeries, set against the backdrop of modern-day New York City. The story follows Clary Fray as she grapples with her identity and complicated relationships after discovering she is a Shadowhunter and that her enigmatic, powerful, and evil father, Valentine, is a major threat. Her mother remains in a magical coma, and Clary must navigate a world filled with dangerous demons and powerful artifacts while confronting unsettling family revelations. The book is known for its fast-paced action, mystery, and evolving character dynamics. It is typically recommended for a mature teenage audience due to its complex themes and content. This installment significantly develops the overarching narrative, introducing new characters and intensifying the stakes for the protagonists, who must contend with Valentine's escalating plans to create a demon army. Throughout the narrative, the characters are forced to make difficult choices, explore the boundaries of their loyalties, and confront personal challenges amidst a brewing supernatural war. The book maintains the series' blend of fantasy adventure and romance, continuing to engage its target demographic with its blend of intricate world-building and character-driven drama.
Things to Consider
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
The book features a significant subplot involving a prominent LGBTQ character, Alec Lightwood, who grapples with his homosexuality. His developing relationship with the warlock Magnus Bane is explored, alongside the societal taboo surrounding his sexuality within the Shadowhunter community. A key event involves Jace outing Alec to other characters, causing Alec distress, though Alec later publicly acknowledges his relationship.
Alec Lightwood struggles with his sexuality, described as 'taboo in his society,' and his developing relationship with Magnus Bane. Jace attempts to 'out' Alec in front of Clary, Simon, Luke, and Maia in Chapter Twelve, leading to Alec's discomfort, under the guise of Jace 'not caring' about Alec being honest. Later, Alec bravely confronts his parents, Robert and Maryse Lightwood, stating, 'I’m seeing someone,' referring to Magnus, signifying his acceptance and declaration of his gay identity.
Violence
The narrative contains frequent and graphic depictions of violence, including brutal attacks, murder, and detailed descriptions of injuries and gore. The antagonist, Valentine, engages in horrific rituals involving the draining of blood from victims. The creatures and battles are often portrayed with gruesome details, contributing to a high level of intensity.
Witchcraft & Occult
Witchcraft and occult themes are fundamental to the book's urban fantasy setting. Characters called Shadowhunters fight demons, use magical runes for various effects, and interact with other 'Downworlder' species like warlocks, vampires, and faeries, all of whom possess supernatural abilities. Dark rituals and powerful magical artifacts are central to the antagonist's plot.
Scary & Intense Content
The book contains numerous scary and intense scenes, including graphic violence, the murder of children, and disturbing creature descriptions. The overarching plot involves a malevolent villain with a plan to unleash a demonic army, creating a constant sense of peril and high stakes for the protagonists.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
Ages 14 and up (Grades 9-12) is recommended. This age range is justified by the presence of moderate to high levels of violence and gore, discussions and implications of sexual content, the use of mild to moderate profanity, and intense, complex romantic relationships, including themes of perceived incest. The book also features significant themes of witchcraft and occult practices central to its plot, along with frightening and intense scenes involving demons and perilous situations.
Good to Know
The series progresses with intensified content in later installments, particularly concerning the resolution of the perceived incestuous relationship between Clary and Jace, and the continued exploration of LGBTQ themes through Alec and Magnus's relationship. The level of violence and occult themes remains consistent or escalates as the overarching conflict with Valentine unfolds.
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