City of Heavenly Fire
#6 of 6 in The Mortal Instruments Series
on Goodreads (403,505)
What’s inside...
In this dazzling and long-awaited conclusion to the acclaimed Mortal Instruments series, Clary and her friends fight the greatest evil they have ever faced: Clary's own brother. Sebastian Morgenstern is on the move, systematically turning Shadowhunter against Shadowhunter. Bearing the Infernal Cup, he transforms Shadowhunters into creatures out of nightmare, tearing apart families and lovers as the ranks of his Endarkened army swell. The embattled Shadowhunters withdraw to Idris - but not even the famed demon towers of Alicante can keep Sebastian at bay. And with the Nephilim trapped in Idris, who will guard the world against demons? When one of the greatest betrayals the Nephilim have ever known is revealed, Clary, Jace, Isabelle, Simon, and Alec must flee - even if their journey takes them deep into the demon realms, where no Shadowhunter has set foot before, and from which no human being has ever returned. Love will be sacrificed and lives lost in the terrible battle for the fate of the word in the thrilling final installment of the classic urban fantasy series The Mortal Instruments!
Character compass
Clarissa 'Clary' Fairchild
Jace Herondale
Maia Roberts
Isabelle Lightwood
Simon Lewis
Alexander "Alec" Lightwood
Jocelyn Fairchild
Lucian 'Luke' Garroway
Magnus Bane
Jonathan Christopher 'Sebastian' Morgenstern
Sebastian Morgenstern
Jordan Kyle
Isabelle "Izzy" Sophia Lightwood
Jocelyn Fray
Jonathan "Jace" Wayland
Luke Garroway
Clarissa "Clary" Fray
Theresa "Tessa" Gray
Emma Cordelia Carstairs
Discussion points
How do you think Clary felt when she had to make tough decisions? What would you have done in her place?
What does the theme of sacrifice teach us in the story? Can you think of any personal experiences where you had to give up something important?
How do the relationships between different characters develop throughout the book? Why are these relationships important?
What aspects of bravery and courage stood out to you in the book? How can you apply these lessons in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the shoes of different characters, discussing how they might feel or react in various situations.
Create a safe space for conversation, affirming that all feelings and thoughts your child expresses are valid and important.
Discuss the moral challenges characters face, and relate them to everyday dilemmas your child might encounter, reinforcing empathy and ethical thinking.
Highlight moments of growth and bravery in the story, prompting your child to share personal instances where they felt brave.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout 'City of Heavenly Fire', characters must work together to overcome challenges, demonstrating how collaboration leads to success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by working cooperatively in group activities at school or during team sports, understanding that combined efforts often yield better results.
Example Lesson: The value of loyalty
Explanation: Characters in the book display strong loyalty to their friends and loved ones, often facing dangers to protect each other.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of remaining loyal and supportive to their friends and family members in daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonists often take brave actions despite their fears, exemplifying how courage is not the absence of fear but acting in spite of it.
Real-World Application: Children learn to confront their own fears whether it’s trying out for a new activity, standing up against bullying, or facing academic challenges.
Example Lesson: The consequences of choices
Explanation: Characters in 'City of Heavenly Fire' face numerous moral dilemmas and their choices have significant impacts on themselves and others.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to think about the potential outcomes of their decisions and to make choices that are considerate of others' well-being.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of differences
Explanation: The diverse cast of characters in the book shows how differences in background and abilities enrich interactions and achievements.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to embrace and learn from diversity around them, in their classrooms and communities, fostering an inclusive environment.