The first installation of the Mortal Instruments series introduces the world of Shadowhunters through the archetypal aspects of a coming-of-age urban fantasy novel. Specifically, the young heroine/hero thrown into an unknown world or journey that they have a past linkage to, good versus evil in the quest for vengeance, love connection/interest, and embracing their newfound ability or responsibility. First, the heroine, Clary, is in search of herself once introduced to the Shadow World she never knew but has been part of her life. She learns that she is a Nephilim, a race of beings with a combination of human blood and angel’s blood which gives them abilities. Therefore her conflict is her struggle with her identity, as she has to grapple with abandoning all she knew for a new self. The chain of events that follow witnessing demons and demon-hunters throws her into a journey of uncovering the truth about herself and her family.
Next, her quest for vengeance is born once her mother Jocelyn is kidnapped and quickly goes into the Shadow World even though inexperienced on matters about it. As a Shadowhunter, she retrieves her innate powers capable to fight their adversaries who are a threat to both the human and Shadow worlds. Thus, the hunters must maintain order in the Shadow World to prevent some creatures inclusive of vampires, werewolves, and warlocks that aim to harm them and humans. In her journey, she finds the truth about her father who is their antagonist in the race to secure the Mortal Cup which is one of the Mortal Instruments. Therefore foreshadowing the direction of the subsequent plot lines in the sequels as Clary comes of age. Accordingly, Clary fits into her new role as a hunter and as the heroine of the Shadow World whilst mastering her abilities and the duality of a normal girl and magical being.
In addition, the love interests that fuel the motives of the characters as their worlds keep intertwining and become the same. A love connection emerges between Clary and Jake which builds the tension in their relationships. Their romantic attraction though not addressed verbally is still present even as they realize they are siblings towards the end of the installment. Thus, morphs into a forbidden love that even becomes a love triangle as Simon also has feelings for Clary.
