Clary Fairchild has been living with her mother in New York City ever since she remembers. One day, like any other, she is invited to join I.N.S.A.N.E.S.(Intelligent, Noble, Stealthy, Accelerated, National, Espionage, Society) a school for extremely talented students. There she meets Jace, sarcastic, intelligent, gorgeous, and extremely cocky. Simon, nerdy, funny, and shy. Alec, protective, kind of depressed, determined, and handsome. Issabelle, stunning, sly, witty, and kind. She doesn't expect to fit in, but finds that there's more to the I.N.S.A.N.E.S. than meets the eye.