Part of The Mortal Instruments, book 2
First published 2008
Clary Fray wants her old life back, but nothing stays simple for a demon-slaying Shadowhunter. Her mother lies trapped in a magical coma while Clary navigates her new ability to see werewolves, vampires, and faeries roaming New York City. She could walk away from the Shadowhunter world and spend time with her best friend Simon, whose feelings for her grow stronger each day. But her infuriating newfound brother Jace won't let her escape so easily. To save her mother, Clary must hunt down Valentine, the rogue Shadowhunter who happens to be both insane and evil. He's also her father. Someone begins murdering Downworlder children across the city, and Valentine seems the likely culprit. When thieves steal the Soul-Sword, one of the powerful Mortal Instruments, the terrifying Inquisitor arrives to investigate. Her suspicions fall directly on Jace. Clary faces an impossible choice as Jace shows willingness to betray everything he believes in to help their father. She must find a way to stop Valentine while protecting the brother who might destroy himself trying to save the man they should fear most.
Genres: fantasy, young-adult, paranormal, urban-fantasy
Vibes: dark, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: chosen-one, enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: New York City
Period: 21st-century
453 pages · Hardcover · Margaret K. McElderry Books
Content warnings: violence