City of Bones

CITY OF BONES

THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS 1

By:  Cassandra Clare

FIRST SENTENCE

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” the bouncer said,

folding his arms across his massive chest.”

SUMMARY
from goodreads

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

City of Bones is simply brilliant.  Clare’s take on paranormal is impressive as she tackles Shadowhunters – the warriors who protect the Earth from all sorts of demons.  The idea of Shadowhunters is fascinating to me.  So original.

Let’s talk characters.  Clary was the perfect main character – heroine.  She was brave, strong, sassy, and likeable.  I loved that she was confident in her decisions, allowing her to set the tone for her interactions with the other characters.  Sometimes female main characters are too timid or naive, but not Clary.

Jace was the mysterious and handsome tough boy who softened up a bit once Clary entered the picture.  I really liked how Jace was a bit of bad boy and good boy rolled into one.  And there’s a plot twist involving Jace that you will NOT see coming.

The various paranormal beings were intriguing and I loved how the Shadowhunters were portrayed.  Clare has a way with words that just makes these magical scenes spring to life.  The way she presents the underworld of New York City is genius. 

The plot itself was nothing short of amazing.  Between the main action and the various sub plots, everything flowed together perfectly.  I was not overwhelmed, but instead I found myself completely and utterly drawn in.

RATING

5        Plot

5        Characters

5        Attention Grabbing

4        Girlie Meter

5        Ending

24      TOTAL

5        STARS