Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Walker Books Ltd, 442 pages (March 27, 2007)
From: Prize from a giveaway
Format: Paperback
Add to: Goodreads
Synopsis: When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder - much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It’s hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing—not even a smear of blood—to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?
This is Clary’s first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It’s also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace’s world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know. . .
Review: 4 stars - City of Bones is the first book in Cassandra Clare’s much talked about The Mortal Instruments series. Including parts of traditional mythology and her own twist on the supernatural world Cassandra Clare brings to life the hidden world of the Shadowhunters and the supernatural within the bustling New York streets.
When Clarissa ‘Clary’ Fray witnesses a murder in Pandemonium night club, her world is pretty much turned upside down in a matter of hours. The story follows her as she enters a world of secrets and surprises that keep the reader wanting more.
Within the grand surroundings of the Institute, with its awesome library, Clary learns about the Clave, the history of the Shadowhunters, Downworlders and the mysterious land of Idris.
The varied characters are easily relatable, despite their supernatural origins, and it is easy to find yourself fully immersed in Cassandra Clare’s world because of them. Clary who is not only a strong and resilient teenager on the cusp of finding herself, but who is also, unbeknownst to her, a Shadowhunter; geeky best friend Simon who has kept secret his true feelings for Clary for longer than he’d like to admit; Jace, who despite having the face of an angel, has a slight (albeit charming) attitude problem and healthy ego to match; and siblings Isabelle and Alec, who are fiercely loyal and determind, and who complete the powerful group of soon to be friends, which the story revolves around.
The addition of slightly eccentric warlock Magnus Bane, Hodge Starkweather- tutor at the Institute and Church the Persian cat only serve to enhance the ensemble cast of diverse and enchanting characters.
As we go through the book the relationship between Clary and Jace develops into something promising- that is until a surprise announcement leaves everything hanging in the balance.
I enjoyed reading City of Bones. There’s suspense, drama, romance, unrequited love and a few unexpected events along the way. It’s everything you’d expect in a Y.A. novel but with its own special twist.
The only reason this book didn’t get 5 stars was because of the ending. I have a feeling other readers out there will feel the same about it as me. But I am looking forward to reading City of Ashes (book 2 in The Mortal Instruments series) to see how the story progresses.
I have to say that I did enjoy reading City of Bones, mostly because of the characters. It was always interesting what they said and did, and you can find out more about why I enjoyed City of Bones on Reading Shy With Aly
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