City of Glass
#3 of 6 in The Mortal Instruments Series
on Goodreads (994,197)
What’s inside...
To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters - never mind that entering the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight. As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadowhunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadowhunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her newfound powers to help save the Glass City - whatever the cost? Love is a mortal sin and the secrets of the past prove deadly as Clary and Jace face down Valentine in the third installment of the New York Times bestselling series The Mortal Instruments.
Character compass
Clarissa "Clary" Fray
Isabelle Lightwood
Alec Lightwood
Jace Wayland
Simon Lewis
Jocelyn Fray
Magnus Bane
Luke Garroway
Jonathan Christopher 'Sebastian' Morgenstern
Valentine Morgenstern
Jonathan "Jace" Wayland
Sebastian Morgenstern
Aline Penhallow
Isabelle "Izzy" Sophia Lightwood
Alexander "Alec" Lightwood
Maia Roberts
Discussion points
How do you think Clary's relationship with her mother influences her decisions throughout the story?
What can we learn from Jace about facing our fears and standing up for what we believe in?
How do the different settings in the book affect the mood and actions of the characters?
Why do you think loyalty and trust are important themes in the story?
In what ways do you think the characters grow from the beginning to the end of the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, give your child some background on the fantasy genre to set the context, which may help them understand and engage with the storyline more effectively.
While discussing the book, refer to specific events and ask your child how they might deal with similar situations, encouraging them to apply the story to their own experiences.
Discuss the moral choices the characters make. Ask your child what they would do in their place, fostering critical thinking and ethical reasoning.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings to the book, or what might happen next if the story continued. This nurtures creativity and speculative thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of loyalty and trust
Explanation: Throughout 'City of Glass,' characters such as Clary and Jace demonstrate unwavering loyalty to their friends and loved ones, navigating through treacherous circumstances.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of standing by their friends and family during tough times, fostering strong, trusting relationships.
Example Lesson: The power of self-discovery and identity
Explanation: Clary, the protagonist, embarks on a journey of self-discovery as she uncovers her unique powers and heritage, learning to accept and embrace her identity.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to explore and accept their own uniqueness, promoting self-confidence and individuality in real-world social settings.
Example Lesson: The consequences of prejudice and discrimination
Explanation: The book addresses issues of prejudice through the strained relations between different groups of characters such as the Shadowhunters, Downworlders, and mundanes.
Real-World Application: It teaches children the importance of inclusivity and respect for diversity, helping them to understand and challenge discriminatory behaviors.