logo

54 pages 1 hour read

City of Glass

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2007

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Cassandra Clare

City of Glass

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2007
Book Details
Pages

541

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Alicante • Contemporary

Publication Year

2007

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

City of Glass by Cassandra Clare follows Clary Fray as she travels to the Shadowhunter homeland, Idris, to awaken her mother from an enchanted sleep and stop her father, Valentine, who seeks the final Mortal Instrument to summon an angel and seize control of the Shadowhunters. Clary and her allies face betrayal, uncover family secrets, and struggle to unite Shadowhunters and downworlders against Valentine’s army.

Adventurous

Mysterious

Romantic

Exciting

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.5

993,337 ratings

82%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

City of Glass by Cassandra Clare is praised for its fast-paced action, intricate plot, and deepening characters, resonating well with fans of urban fantasy. However, some readers feel the narrative occasionally stumbles with predictability and melodrama. Overall, it delivers a compelling continuation of Clare's Shadowhunter saga, balancing emotional depth with exhilarating adventure.

Who should read this

Who Should Read City of Glass?

A reader who enjoys City of Glass by Cassandra Clare is likely a fan of urban fantasy, young adult fiction, and complex world-building. They may appreciate series like J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson for their adventure, magic, and character development. Suitable for those who enjoy action-packed storylines and intricate mythologies.

4.5

993,337 ratings

82%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Character List

Clary

A fiercely protective and impulsive young Shadowhunter who embarks on a journey to Idris to find a way to wake her mother, gaining a deeper understanding of the Shadowhunter world and her own instincts along the way.

A skilled and complex Shadowhunter who grapples with self-loathing and identity issues, made more challenging by his complicated feelings for Clary and his personal history with Valentine.

Clary’s best friend who navigates his transformation into a vampire and the complexities it adds to his life and relationships, aiming to hold onto his humanity while adjusting to his new reality.

A mysterious and deceptive figure closely linked to Valentine, who conceals his true intentions and identity, leading to unforeseen complications for the Shadowhunters.

An influential and charismatic figure whose dark plans and past actions create conflict within the Shadowhunter community, posing a significant threat to their world.

A werewolf and protective father figure to Clary, with a past intertwined with Valentine’s schemes, who challenges assumptions about the nature of monsters and family loyalty.

Clary’s mother, whose prior decisions and the secrets she kept have a profound impact on Clary's understanding of her own identity and the Shadowhunter world.

The eldest Lightwood child who grapples with his identity within a traditional and often intolerant Shadowhunter society while developing a pivotal relationship with Magnus Bane.

A charismatic and seasoned warlock with a complex relationship with Alec, offering insights into the challenges and possibilities of romances between Shadowhunters and downworlders.

A young Shadowhunter from Idris who begins to question her preconceived notions about downworlders, signifying a broader shift in cultural understanding and empathy.

Luke's sister, who experiences a shift in her personal beliefs and willingness to stand for what she believes in after witnessing Clary’s acts of courage and resolve.

A talented and determined Shadowhunter known for her protective nature and developing friendships that help her grow personally and professionally.

Book Details
Pages

541

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Alicante • Contemporary

Publication Year

2007

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.