City of Ashes — Content Guide for Parents
Themes present
Not found
Content themes
Factual summary of themes present in this book. No opinion — just the facts.
Get the full theme breakdown in the app
Detailed evidence, confidence ratings, and source citations for every theme.
Download for iOSExample theme card
Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what’s normal when you’re a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who’s becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn’t ready to let her go—especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother, Jace. And Clary’s only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil—and also her father.
To complicate matters, someone in New York City is murdering Downworlder children. Is Valentine behind the killings—and if he is, what is he trying to do? When the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, is stolen, the terrifying Inquisitor arrives to investigate and zooms right in on Jace. How can Clary stop Valentine if Jace is willing to betray everything he believes in to help their father?
In this breathtaking sequel to City of Bones, Cassandra Clare lures readers back into the dark grip of New York City’s Downworld, where love is never safe and power becomes the deadliest temptation.
Frequently asked questions
Is City of Ashes appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The book contains significant fantasy violence, including graphic descriptions of stabbing, impaling, throat cutting, and broken bones. There are also mentions of deaths during battles with demons and some realistic violence such as animal cruelty. The book includes elements that could be considered scary, such as violent encounters with demons and the overall dark fantasy atmosphere. The presence of blood and gore may be unsettling for some readers.
Does City of Ashes have violence?
The book contains significant fantasy violence, including graphic descriptions of stabbing, impaling, throat cutting, and broken bones. There are also mentions of deaths during battles with demons and some realistic violence such as animal cruelty.
Does City of Ashes have scary content?
The book includes elements that could be considered scary, such as violent encounters with demons and the overall dark fantasy atmosphere. The presence of blood and gore may be unsettling for some readers.
Does City of Ashes have religious themes?
No religious content in the book itself. The narrative focuses on fantasy elements involving demons, werewolves, and Shadowhunters without any specific religious practices or beliefs.
Does City of Ashes have racial/cultural content?
The book features a more racially diverse cast compared to its predecessor, with characters like Magnus and Maia representing different ethnic backgrounds. However, the narrative also includes themes of jealousy and unhealthy connections among characters.
Does City of Ashes have profanity?
The book contains some instances of cursing, though it is not frequent. The language used is more reflective of typical young adult fiction.
Does City of Ashes have climate change?
No climate themes or environmental discussions are present in the book. The focus remains on fantasy elements and character relationships.
Does City of Ashes have sexual identity?
The narrative includes sexual references and explores complex relationships among characters. While there are no graphic sex scenes, there are discussions of intimacy and romantic encounters, including those involving LGBTQ+ characters.
Does City of Ashes have gender roles?
The book portrays some traditional gender stereotypes, such as jealous female characters and male characters evaluating women's bodies. However, it also shows characters growing together and navigating complex relationships, which may challenge some stereotypes.
Does City of Ashes have lgbtq+ themes?
The book features two queer characters who conceal their identities, and there is a significant LGBTQ+ presence through characters like Magnus, who is part Asian and has a prominent role, and Maia, a bi-racial werewolf. The narrative includes themes of LGBTQ+ representation, though some characters face stereotypes and challenges related to their identities.
