City of Ashes: The Mortal Instruments, Book 2

Main characters are White but Magnus (described as "part Asian" in City of Bones) has a significant role and Maia (a "bi-racial" werewolf) and Raphael (a Spanish-speaking vampire) are in a few important scenes. Two characters are queer but conceal it, and others make stereotypical comments about gay men dressing extravagantly, disliking sports, etc. Main character Clary is a strong woman, but other women characters have small secondary roles. Simon's Jewish traditions (burial practices, etc.) are respectfully addressed. Good representation of healthy nontraditional families with foster children, single parents, and non-parent caregivers.

Lots of fantasy violence, much of it gory -- stabbing, impaling, throat cutting, broken bones, many descriptions of blood, etc. Fights with demons sometimes lead to death, and the storyline involves murders of magical creatures. Brief mentions of realistic violence such as animal cruelty, physical abuse from family members and romantic partners, suicide, torture, and rape.

Teens make jokes about pornography, sleeping with supermodels, genital size, naked women, etc. Couples navigate relationships, including kissing and making out in bed, and talking about dating and having sex. Characters discuss whether it's OK for siblings to date each other. Boys briefly appear shirtless. An adult begins to date a teen.

Smattering of insults including "bitch" and "a--hole," plus "d--khead," "bastard," "jackass," "dammit," and "screw you." Other exclamations include "Jesus," "hell," "ass," and "for God's sake." Ableist ("insane," "lame," "lunatic") and outdated terms ("warpath," "handicap") used.

Adults and some teens drink wine and beer. Brief smoking by an adult.

Parents need to know that City of Ashes is the second book in The Mortal Instruments, an urban fantasy series about monsters and magical Shadowhunters. Violence includes stabbing, impaling, throat cutting, broken bones, many descriptions of blood (most gory scenes are between Shadowhunters and demons). There are also sexual references, and several couples navigate complicated relationships. Some characters make stereotypical comments about gay men. This installment of The Mortal Instruments series explores what binds people to each other, with positive messages about nontraditional families and less-than-positive messages about unhealthy connections. Characters continue to demonstrate jealous, rude behavior but slowly start to work as a brave team. There's more racial diversity than in the first book, but Clary is the only main woman character this time. Readers who skipped Book 1, City of Bones, will be confused by this one, so it's best to start with that one.