Amber H. (TenDigitCreations) reviewed City of Bones (Mortal Instruments, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 12
If you would have told me two weeks ago that I would love a series involving demons, wizards, and the like, I would have told you that you were nuts. In fact, I thought I'd never find books that I would love again after finishing the Twilight saga.
From beginning to end, I was hooked on this series! Love, Love, Love the characters...especially Jace! His sarcasm had me laughing out loud on several times.
In my opinion, this book is filled with the perfect amount of action, violence, and romance. I've read all three, and I plan to read them again in the near future. Looking forward to reading other books in the future from this author.
From beginning to end, I was hooked on this series! Love, Love, Love the characters...especially Jace! His sarcasm had me laughing out loud on several times.
In my opinion, this book is filled with the perfect amount of action, violence, and romance. I've read all three, and I plan to read them again in the near future. Looking forward to reading other books in the future from this author.
Helpful Score: 6
I really enjoyed this book until about 3/4 of the way through when I realized it was taking a Star Wars twist. Quite a letdown.
Stephanie S. (skywriter319) -
Helpful Score: 4
Up until a few days before her sixteenth birthday, Clary Fray could tell you with certainty that she is a normal human being. Then she witnesses an odd murder when she goes to a club one night with her best friend, Simon. Three warrior teenagers, their skin inked all over with tattoos, kill a blue-haired boy whom they claim to be a demon. In the midst of Clary's protestations, the dead body vanishes before her very eyes. Clary can't believe it. What is going on here?
Unwillingly Clary is forced to acknowledge the existence of Shadowhunters when her mother is kidnapped and she is attacked by demons. Shadowhunters dedicate their lives to destroying demons who try to exist in the mortal world. They also happen to be very interested in Clary, who is not who she think she is. In fact, her mind, blocked by a powerful spell, may reveal important information about her past and her true identity.
The Shadowhunters decide to keep an eye on Clary, and Jace, a tawny-haired pretentious jerk, sticks close to her. Jace is a gifted Shadowhunter with a troubled past and a penchant for acting...well, like a jerk, and Clary isn't sure how she feels about him...until the secrets of their past are revealed with a vengeance.
CITY OF BONES is, simply put, amazing. The characters are engrossing, the dialogue intriguing and oftentimes funny. This is a book with everything: love, war, secrets, mythical creatures. It will draw you in and leave you impatiently waiting for the next installment, as I am.
Unwillingly Clary is forced to acknowledge the existence of Shadowhunters when her mother is kidnapped and she is attacked by demons. Shadowhunters dedicate their lives to destroying demons who try to exist in the mortal world. They also happen to be very interested in Clary, who is not who she think she is. In fact, her mind, blocked by a powerful spell, may reveal important information about her past and her true identity.
The Shadowhunters decide to keep an eye on Clary, and Jace, a tawny-haired pretentious jerk, sticks close to her. Jace is a gifted Shadowhunter with a troubled past and a penchant for acting...well, like a jerk, and Clary isn't sure how she feels about him...until the secrets of their past are revealed with a vengeance.
CITY OF BONES is, simply put, amazing. The characters are engrossing, the dialogue intriguing and oftentimes funny. This is a book with everything: love, war, secrets, mythical creatures. It will draw you in and leave you impatiently waiting for the next installment, as I am.
Jennifer W. (GeniusJen) reviewed City of Bones (Mortal Instruments, Bk 1) on + 5322 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Reviewed by Jocelyn Pearce for TeensReadToo.com
Clary Fray thinks she's a fairly ordinary fifteen-year-old girl--until the world as she knows it falls apart, all starting the night she and her best friend, Simon, visit the Pandemonium Club. Sure, in a city the size of New York, a lot of weird things happen; Clary didn't expect to witness one of the weirdest.
What she sees that night is a murder, a murder committed by tattoo-covered teenagers no one else can see--a murder with no body left behind. That's certainly a sign that Clary's life is about to get a little farther away from normal, and it certainly does so.
Clary's life is falling to pieces. Her mother goes missing. Clary is attacked by a creature - a demon. She's seeing things no one else can--including the Shadowhunters, demon hunters whose world is hidden within Clary's own. She meets three young Shadowhunters - Jace, Alec, and Isabelle - and is quickly sucked into their world, searching for her mother, trying to protect herself, trying to sort out what's real, what's true, and what's not. It is, obviously, a bit much for anyone to handle, but Clary's got no choice. Along the way, she's discovering her past, herself, and just who the Shadowhunters really are.
This debut novel from a brilliant, smart new voice in young adult literature is a marvelous adventure, full of fantastic twists and turns just when they're least expected. The complexity of the story, the threads from the past and present intertwined, is reminiscent of the Harry Potter series--and that's high praise!
The writing of this magical story is excellent, and I was very impressed with the wonderfully lifelike characters and amazing magical world hidden within our own. I was reminded of Holly Black's mastery of the urban fantasy genre. The captivating story told by the very talented Cassandra Clare in CITY OF BONES is surely the start of a brilliant series--I can't wait for the next MORTAL INSTRUMENTS book. This paranormal fantasy is truly unforgettable.
Clary Fray thinks she's a fairly ordinary fifteen-year-old girl--until the world as she knows it falls apart, all starting the night she and her best friend, Simon, visit the Pandemonium Club. Sure, in a city the size of New York, a lot of weird things happen; Clary didn't expect to witness one of the weirdest.
What she sees that night is a murder, a murder committed by tattoo-covered teenagers no one else can see--a murder with no body left behind. That's certainly a sign that Clary's life is about to get a little farther away from normal, and it certainly does so.
Clary's life is falling to pieces. Her mother goes missing. Clary is attacked by a creature - a demon. She's seeing things no one else can--including the Shadowhunters, demon hunters whose world is hidden within Clary's own. She meets three young Shadowhunters - Jace, Alec, and Isabelle - and is quickly sucked into their world, searching for her mother, trying to protect herself, trying to sort out what's real, what's true, and what's not. It is, obviously, a bit much for anyone to handle, but Clary's got no choice. Along the way, she's discovering her past, herself, and just who the Shadowhunters really are.
This debut novel from a brilliant, smart new voice in young adult literature is a marvelous adventure, full of fantastic twists and turns just when they're least expected. The complexity of the story, the threads from the past and present intertwined, is reminiscent of the Harry Potter series--and that's high praise!
The writing of this magical story is excellent, and I was very impressed with the wonderfully lifelike characters and amazing magical world hidden within our own. I was reminded of Holly Black's mastery of the urban fantasy genre. The captivating story told by the very talented Cassandra Clare in CITY OF BONES is surely the start of a brilliant series--I can't wait for the next MORTAL INSTRUMENTS book. This paranormal fantasy is truly unforgettable.
Helpful Score: 3
I reallllyy reallllyyyy liked this book. to be honest i liked the last book the most thoughh. theres a lot of twists and turns. if you like being shocked this is a book for you!
Helpful Score: 2
This book is the first in the Mortal Instruments series. It is about the shadow world which lives among us but only people born of the shadow world can see it. There are warriors that are half human and half angel that protect the mundanes (normal humans) from demons. A teenage girl falls into the shadow world when she sees the warriors kill a demon and then her mother is attacked. The girl w/ the warriors help, has to find out her mothers past and secrets in order to save her.
I could not put this book down and the end is shocking. I already bought the second book if that tells you anything. I think this is a great change in series compared to all the more popular ones out there.
I could not put this book down and the end is shocking. I already bought the second book if that tells you anything. I think this is a great change in series compared to all the more popular ones out there.
Helpful Score: 2
A very good, strong YA book. There were a few times when it started to drag but just when it started to slow something else intriguing or surprising would happen and brought me right back into it. There was a twist at the end that I didn't see coming!
My 13 yo daughter read it too and loved it!
My 13 yo daughter read it too and loved it!
Helpful Score: 1
This book had mixed reviews, but I decided to give it a try anyway. I'm glad I did, because it was a great read. I think it was kind of a mix between Libba Bray (Gemma Doyle) and Stephenie Meyer (Twilight). It was a quick read even thought it was well over 400 pgs. The author has a great writing style. Without spoiling the book... the only thing I did not like was the relationship between Jace and Clary. It left me wanting at first, but later disgusted.
Helpful Score: 1
Warning: Spoilers and Ethical Dilemmas Ahead!
I had a really hard ethical dilemma about reading this work. I was familiar with Cassandra Clare when she was writing Harry Potter fanfiction focused around Draco Malfoy under the name Cassandra Claire. Years later, I went back to read some old stories in the fandom at large and discovered that Id apparently missed out on a whole plagiarism debacle. After reading the extensive evidence by Avocado at http://www.journalfen.net/community/bad_penny/8985.html (you can also check out fanlores page on Cassandra Claire), I had serious doubts and concerns about reading a series that Id otherwise had on my radar to check out. I also read several Amazon reviews, both the negative and positive, and came away with the idea that her published works are strongly influenced by Harry Potter but are generally well-received. Id hope plagiarism would be harder to squeak by in a published work, but who knows? So, not wanting to assist the career of someone who had plagiarized extensively in the HP fandom and prevaricated about it, I decided I would ban myself from reading, and thus supporting, her books.
That lasted about a couple of months. The thing about having a book banned from you, even if it is self-inflicted, is that it looms ever larger in your mind like you crave chocolate cake when you are on a diet. Plus, I had an inkling that, having borrowed extensively from J.K. Rowlings Harry Potter and fandom Harry Potter, even if her work was hardly original, Id still probably like it. I have a thing for Draco Malfoy and I know that Cassandra Claire did too, and was known for writing and shaping the way he was perceived by fandom. Plus, I wasnt sure how fair it is to judge her current work on past foibles. Its possible that she could be a changed and better person. I have no illusions that she didnt plagiarize her HP fanfiction from several sci/fi and fantasy sources as the evidence is pretty damning if you take a look at it. However, I thought maybe shed learned from that experience and evolved past the point of using the works of others as a template for her own writing. I decided to eventually read at least the first book in the series but only if I could find it at the library or otherwise get it without directly benefiting the author, because the plagiarism aspect still bothered me. If I found it original and well-written then I wouldnt worry about buying the rest of the books. And Id finally be informed about whether the new books were just poor copies of Harry Potter.
Well, I must have been even more curious about these books than I thought because the Universe quickly made available to me all three books in the series in ways that I found palatable from an ethical standpoint and from the standpoint of a curious, hopeful reader.
Ive only read City of Bones so far, but I think its safe to say that Cassandra Clare was and is still very much influenced by J.K. Rowling. I both hate and like this. Mostly I dont like it because I keep getting jarred out of the story because something feels just a little too familiar about different scenarios, dialogue, and characters. Valentine is a poor mans Voldemort who is collecting the three immortal instruments (Deathly Hallows anyone?), the Circle is a combination of the Order of the Phoenix and the Deatheaters, Lucian reminds me way too much of Lupin with a sprinkling of Snapes unrequited love for the main characters red-haired Mom, Jocelyn is a Lily who didnt die but otherwise sacrifices everything for her child, mundanes are muggles, and the concept of the evil dark lord who comes back from the (not really) dead is an important plot point, even the flying motorcycle has been done in Harry Potter. The demonology of the world is hardly new either. Ive read several paranormal romance and science fiction/ fantasy books that depict a similar world right down to the same utilization of runes and Latin and the wars between werewolves and vampires. Even the religious aspect of demons vs. angels is done better, more extensively, and first by Meljean Brook. So yes, I dont think Cassandra Clare is ever going to be a truly groundbreaking or original writer. Her gift seems to be to synthesize and borrow from many works to create something that is very indicative and hot for the times. Her writing still seems a bit unfinished or unpolished. There were moments when I read voraciously, mostly when she was writing just the interactions between the kids, i.e. Jace, Clary, Simon, Alec, or Isabelle. But there were moments when I found myself discomfited by the incompleteness of characters like Valentine or Hodge.
What I really liked were her characterizations of and interactions between the aforementioned kids and Lucian. At first Jace and Clarys relationship felt forced and I was more a fan of her and Simon, but it actually progressed to a point of believability and even eloquence. There were several little touches in some of the lesser characters, such as the flaming Magnus Bane, that were endearing and something I never would have felt was lifted from Harry Potter. Most importantly, despite initially finding his character annoying and forced I grew to like Jace. He is totally a version of wise-cracking, sarcastic fandom Draco, but I was expecting and hoping for this. There were a couple of lines of dialogue between him and Clary that I would swear Ive read before, probably in fanfiction, so I wonder if she took some of her dialogue from her earlier works and put it into her published works. I dont have proof of this, just a strong sense that Ive read some of this before. It is very prevalent in fandom to have Draco be witty, sarcastic, and striving for aloofness so its not necessarily an indication of wrong-doing on anyones part.
I will continue to read the series as I think it has potential to grow into its own. I hope it sheds more of the Harry Potter trappings to focus on Cassandra Clares own unique voice, if she has one. But, I will always acquire the books through PBS, the library, or used because I think the author still gets away with just a little too much borrowing.
I had a really hard ethical dilemma about reading this work. I was familiar with Cassandra Clare when she was writing Harry Potter fanfiction focused around Draco Malfoy under the name Cassandra Claire. Years later, I went back to read some old stories in the fandom at large and discovered that Id apparently missed out on a whole plagiarism debacle. After reading the extensive evidence by Avocado at http://www.journalfen.net/community/bad_penny/8985.html (you can also check out fanlores page on Cassandra Claire), I had serious doubts and concerns about reading a series that Id otherwise had on my radar to check out. I also read several Amazon reviews, both the negative and positive, and came away with the idea that her published works are strongly influenced by Harry Potter but are generally well-received. Id hope plagiarism would be harder to squeak by in a published work, but who knows? So, not wanting to assist the career of someone who had plagiarized extensively in the HP fandom and prevaricated about it, I decided I would ban myself from reading, and thus supporting, her books.
That lasted about a couple of months. The thing about having a book banned from you, even if it is self-inflicted, is that it looms ever larger in your mind like you crave chocolate cake when you are on a diet. Plus, I had an inkling that, having borrowed extensively from J.K. Rowlings Harry Potter and fandom Harry Potter, even if her work was hardly original, Id still probably like it. I have a thing for Draco Malfoy and I know that Cassandra Claire did too, and was known for writing and shaping the way he was perceived by fandom. Plus, I wasnt sure how fair it is to judge her current work on past foibles. Its possible that she could be a changed and better person. I have no illusions that she didnt plagiarize her HP fanfiction from several sci/fi and fantasy sources as the evidence is pretty damning if you take a look at it. However, I thought maybe shed learned from that experience and evolved past the point of using the works of others as a template for her own writing. I decided to eventually read at least the first book in the series but only if I could find it at the library or otherwise get it without directly benefiting the author, because the plagiarism aspect still bothered me. If I found it original and well-written then I wouldnt worry about buying the rest of the books. And Id finally be informed about whether the new books were just poor copies of Harry Potter.
Well, I must have been even more curious about these books than I thought because the Universe quickly made available to me all three books in the series in ways that I found palatable from an ethical standpoint and from the standpoint of a curious, hopeful reader.
Ive only read City of Bones so far, but I think its safe to say that Cassandra Clare was and is still very much influenced by J.K. Rowling. I both hate and like this. Mostly I dont like it because I keep getting jarred out of the story because something feels just a little too familiar about different scenarios, dialogue, and characters. Valentine is a poor mans Voldemort who is collecting the three immortal instruments (Deathly Hallows anyone?), the Circle is a combination of the Order of the Phoenix and the Deatheaters, Lucian reminds me way too much of Lupin with a sprinkling of Snapes unrequited love for the main characters red-haired Mom, Jocelyn is a Lily who didnt die but otherwise sacrifices everything for her child, mundanes are muggles, and the concept of the evil dark lord who comes back from the (not really) dead is an important plot point, even the flying motorcycle has been done in Harry Potter. The demonology of the world is hardly new either. Ive read several paranormal romance and science fiction/ fantasy books that depict a similar world right down to the same utilization of runes and Latin and the wars between werewolves and vampires. Even the religious aspect of demons vs. angels is done better, more extensively, and first by Meljean Brook. So yes, I dont think Cassandra Clare is ever going to be a truly groundbreaking or original writer. Her gift seems to be to synthesize and borrow from many works to create something that is very indicative and hot for the times. Her writing still seems a bit unfinished or unpolished. There were moments when I read voraciously, mostly when she was writing just the interactions between the kids, i.e. Jace, Clary, Simon, Alec, or Isabelle. But there were moments when I found myself discomfited by the incompleteness of characters like Valentine or Hodge.
What I really liked were her characterizations of and interactions between the aforementioned kids and Lucian. At first Jace and Clarys relationship felt forced and I was more a fan of her and Simon, but it actually progressed to a point of believability and even eloquence. There were several little touches in some of the lesser characters, such as the flaming Magnus Bane, that were endearing and something I never would have felt was lifted from Harry Potter. Most importantly, despite initially finding his character annoying and forced I grew to like Jace. He is totally a version of wise-cracking, sarcastic fandom Draco, but I was expecting and hoping for this. There were a couple of lines of dialogue between him and Clary that I would swear Ive read before, probably in fanfiction, so I wonder if she took some of her dialogue from her earlier works and put it into her published works. I dont have proof of this, just a strong sense that Ive read some of this before. It is very prevalent in fandom to have Draco be witty, sarcastic, and striving for aloofness so its not necessarily an indication of wrong-doing on anyones part.
I will continue to read the series as I think it has potential to grow into its own. I hope it sheds more of the Harry Potter trappings to focus on Cassandra Clares own unique voice, if she has one. But, I will always acquire the books through PBS, the library, or used because I think the author still gets away with just a little too much borrowing.
Casey L. (casey-sue) -
Helpful Score: 1
I was apprehensive to read this book, since I usually don't find demons and witches a great read. But I Loved this book! I will say that there is an... interesting ending. One of those times that makes you throw the book across the room, and then hurry and go pick it up so you can see how it ends. One of those. Prepare yourself!
Helpful Score: 1
"City of Bones" is a YA urban fantasy that is delightfully creative while (just barely) hanging in the realm of reality. Clare uses the backdrop of modern day New York City to introduce us to all kinds of fantastic beings, from the run of the mill vampire to squishy, wormy demons. The main characters are written true to life and with love ( translation: they are teenagers, ya have to love 'em or they would drive you to ripping pages.) I tend to steer clear of YA because of that very problem. This story is so well written, however, that even adults forget the age issues - with one major glitch: The relationship between the 15 year old heroine and the 17 year old Hero. For an adult, no matter how compelling the feelings of the characters are, the fact that they are so young just keeps niggling in the back of the brain when trying to imagine an HEA.
Overall, and even with the hesitancies, this is a great book - especially for the young, but not ONLY for that group. Anyone of any age who enjoys a good, clean get-away from reality will absolutely love this story.
*Warning* It is a serious cliff-hanger, so if one doesn't want to invest in the next two in the trilogy, beware
Overall, and even with the hesitancies, this is a great book - especially for the young, but not ONLY for that group. Anyone of any age who enjoys a good, clean get-away from reality will absolutely love this story.
*Warning* It is a serious cliff-hanger, so if one doesn't want to invest in the next two in the trilogy, beware
Shannon M. (confuzzledbooks) reviewed City of Bones (Mortal Instruments, Bk 1) on + 482 more book reviews
Clary and Simon are best friends. They go to the latest club and coffee houses. At one club Clary sees something that no one else can see. She sees people known as Shadowhunters killing demons. No one else sees the two mystical beings. One of the Shadowhunters, Jace, finds himself attracted to Clary and wonders how she can see him and his family. Suddenly Clarys mom goes missing. Then Clary and Simon get caught up in the Shadowhunters life.
Usually when I read books with a triangle romances my vote goes to the first love interest, But this time I landed on the side of the of bad boy. Of course the end of the book ruined that for me and suppose Clary as well. Grrr....
A lot of the story is pretty typical for a Fantasy YA read. Young girl in lead, her best friend is in love with her and she does not know, she sees things others can not, a new love interest introduced ..etc I could go on. That said it is still a fun read and I am glad I read it before the movie. I can tell from movie trailer there is already some differences. Frankly I believe the book will probably be better.
I really did like (almost love) the story and even though some of was expected I feel I am emotionally invested in the series. I will be continuing to read the rest of the series.
Usually when I read books with a triangle romances my vote goes to the first love interest, But this time I landed on the side of the of bad boy. Of course the end of the book ruined that for me and suppose Clary as well. Grrr....
A lot of the story is pretty typical for a Fantasy YA read. Young girl in lead, her best friend is in love with her and she does not know, she sees things others can not, a new love interest introduced ..etc I could go on. That said it is still a fun read and I am glad I read it before the movie. I can tell from movie trailer there is already some differences. Frankly I believe the book will probably be better.
I really did like (almost love) the story and even though some of was expected I feel I am emotionally invested in the series. I will be continuing to read the rest of the series.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Start to finish, I was intrigued by the characters. I think that had I not read the back of the second book before finishing this one, I would have been very surprised with the twist. As I did read ahead, I was kind of weirded out by where the story was going. But I got past that and still enjoyed the book. I am always hesitant to read books in a series because I like each book to have its own story with a start and stop, and if that doesn't happen, there isn't a clear ending to the book, I get frustrated. But this book ended well and with what I assume are minor stories that will continue. I think this is the first book that I've read since I finished Harry Potter, that I feel completely satisfied with the book. It is now among my favorites, I hope the rest of the series continues the same way.
Amanda H. (steelplace632) reviewed City of Bones (Mortal Instruments, Bk 1) on + 60 more book reviews
I enjoyed this book and read it very fast. Its an easy read the pulls you in from the first chapter. It has action, mystery and the supernatural with a twist in the end that leaves you thinking "wow". I am really glad I had the next book in the series so I could start it right away!
I admit, I just picked this up from the library 'cause I was going on a long road trip, it was big and my friends said it was great. At first, I thought it was 'meh', good, but not great. Then the ball got rolling. I was blown away.
-Clary is a damsel in distress, which I usually hate, but she had the perfect attitude- tough, not whiny.
-Simon is like my own best friend. I was rooting for him the whole time. He's a super smart alec and hilarious.
-Jace can be a little bit of a jerk sometimes, but all great men are. He's a dashing, charming, funny as heck prince charming.
-Clary is a damsel in distress, which I usually hate, but she had the perfect attitude- tough, not whiny.
-Simon is like my own best friend. I was rooting for him the whole time. He's a super smart alec and hilarious.
-Jace can be a little bit of a jerk sometimes, but all great men are. He's a dashing, charming, funny as heck prince charming.
Danielle R. (danielleraybuck) reviewed City of Bones (Mortal Instruments, Bk 1) on + 76 more book reviews
I wasn't in love with this one. I kept waiting for something more exciting to happen...and exactly what you think is going to happen, does happen...it just takes 300+ pages to get there.
Jessica L. (jessicajoyce) reviewed City of Bones (Mortal Instruments, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
I was a little afraid of this book at first because the characters are pretty young and deal with "teen" issues. The more i read the better book got and i really liked it I'll be reading the rest of the books.
Addicted to her books. Wonderful characters and tales.
I absolutely LOVED this book.
If you enjoyed the Twilight books, you will probably enjoy this series as well.
I'm definitely a Cassandra Clare fan now.
If you enjoyed the Twilight books, you will probably enjoy this series as well.
I'm definitely a Cassandra Clare fan now.
My favorite series!! I never heard about the series until I read somewhere that Twilight author Stephanie Meyer recommended this series. From the start of the book I was hooked, now I'm dying for book 5 to come out!!
The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, tells of a story about a young girl named Clary Fray who embarks on her summer in NYC, living in Brooklyn, and ends up with a life that is far from what she calls "normal". Along the way with her best friend Simon, her mother Jocyln, and an old family friend named Luke, they meet some interesting people. Some of these people include Jace, Isabelle, Alec, and Hodge. Things get complicated when Clary finds out about the world of the Shadowhunters and their ways of living. The end result is an epic journey into the unknown and the ability to not only trust herself, but that of others as she beings self rediscover of her past that makes her finally feel like she belongs in the sea of 1.8 billon people.
I'm not sure who has read the book, but I'll try to keep spoilers to a minimum.
My only issue with the story was how the characters Clary and Jace turned out in the end. It felt like a true greek tragedy to the point of how they found out a missing link between them: Valentine. That in itself kind of rubbed me wrong on a few levels, I mean if they were "cousins" then thats a different story and I would have been chill with but they are not. Kind of takes it to a whole new ice factor level.
Anyway, the story itself was great! I loved how there was a whole back history to so many well known mythology of werewolves, faeries, vampires, warlocks, and more! It made you feel as though you had another piece to the puzzle of this story come alive.
I did enjoy the descriptions of the landscape, because of my own adventures in Manhattan over the years. I could picture the driving along the hudson river past the building on the west side, the imagery of the village with the cobble stone on the ground, the grand cathedrals standing tall in downtown, and the way it was when you get to the subways. Everything was perfectly described and I have to thank Cassandra for adding that amazing touch to the story!
I do however found it to be slow twice in the book, but that's because sometimes a first novel has that happen. The need to get out certain details and making the reader understand the world that which these characters come from too.
Lastly, I feel like there was something missing in regards to some more backstory about the characters. I can't put my finger on it, but something felt left out. I'm hoping it's in the sequel because it's the reason I couldn't give it 5 stars and the way things played out with Clary and Jace too is the other.
Overall this is a good book for those that have an obsession with YA paranormal mythology/folklore based in werewolves, vampires, faeries, etc...
I'm not sure who has read the book, but I'll try to keep spoilers to a minimum.
My only issue with the story was how the characters Clary and Jace turned out in the end. It felt like a true greek tragedy to the point of how they found out a missing link between them: Valentine. That in itself kind of rubbed me wrong on a few levels, I mean if they were "cousins" then thats a different story and I would have been chill with but they are not. Kind of takes it to a whole new ice factor level.
Anyway, the story itself was great! I loved how there was a whole back history to so many well known mythology of werewolves, faeries, vampires, warlocks, and more! It made you feel as though you had another piece to the puzzle of this story come alive.
I did enjoy the descriptions of the landscape, because of my own adventures in Manhattan over the years. I could picture the driving along the hudson river past the building on the west side, the imagery of the village with the cobble stone on the ground, the grand cathedrals standing tall in downtown, and the way it was when you get to the subways. Everything was perfectly described and I have to thank Cassandra for adding that amazing touch to the story!
I do however found it to be slow twice in the book, but that's because sometimes a first novel has that happen. The need to get out certain details and making the reader understand the world that which these characters come from too.
Lastly, I feel like there was something missing in regards to some more backstory about the characters. I can't put my finger on it, but something felt left out. I'm hoping it's in the sequel because it's the reason I couldn't give it 5 stars and the way things played out with Clary and Jace too is the other.
Overall this is a good book for those that have an obsession with YA paranormal mythology/folklore based in werewolves, vampires, faeries, etc...
At first I wasn't sure about this book but once I got about 100 pages in I was hooked. I just couldn't believe the turn of events around the end of the story though...I'm not sure I really do believe now that I've finished this book. I'm already excited to read the second book in this series.
While I enjoyed this book, it was not my favorite. The writing was a little juvenile, and I could not put my finger on the style until the author mentioned that she used to write fanfiction. Yes, this is written in a very fanfiction-esque style that kind of jolted me a bit.
I very much dislike Jace. He has that whole bad boy thing going in a way I do not like. Though I understand where he is coming from, it is just no. And the ending with Clary and Jace? No, what. I understand that topic is controversial and sticks out, but really? Star Wars anyone? Though I do understand the two boys fighting over one girl is a real thing that happens to real teenagers, it is very overdone. Simon's infatuation with Clary was predictable from the first page, as well as any of his future actions. Valentine was evil to be evil, basically, and lacked anything to strike a cord with me.
However, I am going to read the second book because the concept interests me.
I very much dislike Jace. He has that whole bad boy thing going in a way I do not like. Though I understand where he is coming from, it is just no. And the ending with Clary and Jace? No, what. I understand that topic is controversial and sticks out, but really? Star Wars anyone? Though I do understand the two boys fighting over one girl is a real thing that happens to real teenagers, it is very overdone. Simon's infatuation with Clary was predictable from the first page, as well as any of his future actions. Valentine was evil to be evil, basically, and lacked anything to strike a cord with me.
However, I am going to read the second book because the concept interests me.
it was a great book!! with love,passion,adventure,and secrets.oh when Cassandra tells the biggest secret at the end you are gonna flip.if you love fiction this book is for you.
Carolina C. (carolinachapa) -
I absolutely loved this book! The characters were memorable and the story was great. I finished it in a few days. I cannot wait to get the rest of the books.
At first this book was merely "okay" to me. I wasn't overly impressed but it did the job well enough for me to continue reading the series. Now that I've read every book in the series so far, I realize that this one was vital to beginning the story of these amazing characters. Cassandra Clare has put together the most unique world that I have yet to read in any book. Her imagination must be so much fun to have. She pays such close attention to detail that absolutely nothing is left out. This book set the stage for the entire series which has become one of my favorites.
Clary Fray is just another teenager going to the club with her best friend Simon. While there, she seems something strange and horrifying that she was never meant to see. Enter Jace. When he realizes that Clary has witnessed the incident at the club, he has to know why. Mundanes are not supposed to be able to see Shadowhunters. How can this random human girl see behind the curtain? Then Clary's mother disappears, and everything she thought she knew is taken away from her. What exactly is going on? Could this other world possibly be real? And why was Clary thrown right smack in the middle of what seems like a war between creatures she never knew existed?
This book is captivating. It sucks you in and takes you for such a thrilling ride that you never want it to end. Clary is such a strong character and you can't help but love her. Jace is a bad ass with a bad attitude but he's so funny and charismatic that you have to like him. There isn't a character in this book that I didn't like except of course the villain, but even he had his strong points. In the end, I sided with team Simon, but everyone would have my vote in an awesome contest. I'm really glad I listened to a good friend of mine and started reading this book. It has opened my eyes to a new genre of books that I hadn't come across otherwise. I am now a huge fan of Cassandra Clare and I encourage any and every one out there to at least try this series out. I haven't met anyone who didn't like it. That should say something!
Clary Fray is just another teenager going to the club with her best friend Simon. While there, she seems something strange and horrifying that she was never meant to see. Enter Jace. When he realizes that Clary has witnessed the incident at the club, he has to know why. Mundanes are not supposed to be able to see Shadowhunters. How can this random human girl see behind the curtain? Then Clary's mother disappears, and everything she thought she knew is taken away from her. What exactly is going on? Could this other world possibly be real? And why was Clary thrown right smack in the middle of what seems like a war between creatures she never knew existed?
This book is captivating. It sucks you in and takes you for such a thrilling ride that you never want it to end. Clary is such a strong character and you can't help but love her. Jace is a bad ass with a bad attitude but he's so funny and charismatic that you have to like him. There isn't a character in this book that I didn't like except of course the villain, but even he had his strong points. In the end, I sided with team Simon, but everyone would have my vote in an awesome contest. I'm really glad I listened to a good friend of mine and started reading this book. It has opened my eyes to a new genre of books that I hadn't come across otherwise. I am now a huge fan of Cassandra Clare and I encourage any and every one out there to at least try this series out. I haven't met anyone who didn't like it. That should say something!
This is a great series to get into if you love fantasy and action. I really enjoyed it and found myself hooked after the first book and finished the series in three months. They are coming out with a movie for this book next year so start reading now if you don't want to be completly confused because I saw the trailor and can already tell that it's not going to be as great as the book.
Great Book must read
Christine H. (solarawynn) reviewed City of Bones (Mortal Instruments, Bk 1) on + 724 more book reviews
Was good,have put City of Ashes on hold.
SUSAN S. (susieqmillsacoustics) -
I really liked this first in the series. It has a little of everything; demons, witches, warlocks, werewolves and vampires. Quite a bit of action, a touch of romance and a few twists (some I saw coming and some not). Loose ends at the end so I guess I will have to read the next.
After getting through the beginning, which I feared was heading down a very formulaic road, it managed to hold my interests. What was appealing was the side characters, an advantage that many fail to capitalize on. When readers are more invested those associated with the main characters, it makes them still likable even when the story takes them to a place the reader may not want.
Because of this, the author was allowed to make twist in the book that I had briefly suspected but thought she wouldn't risk. I applaud her chancy move despite the fact that I believe she recants the twist - turns the 180 to a full 360, if you will - based on the some of the synopses I've read of the next three in the series.
Because of this, the author was allowed to make twist in the book that I had briefly suspected but thought she wouldn't risk. I applaud her chancy move despite the fact that I believe she recants the twist - turns the 180 to a full 360, if you will - based on the some of the synopses I've read of the next three in the series.
I really enjoyed this book. I love the supernatural books like this. It has all vampires werewolves faeries and shadowhunters etc... I really wanted Clary to fall in love with Jace but in a sense he has. Then they sprung on me that Jace is her brother. :( So now I guess I am going for Simon and Clary. Maybe that will grow on me in the next book. Hodge is gone the curse is lifted. But Clary's mom is still in a coma under a spell. So I dunno what is going on there.
I do like the blatant lessons for kids in this book: It's okay to be different. Everyone gets their heat broken. Sometimes parents seem mean but they're just trying to protect you, etc. What I didn't like was how much the story dragged on and the Princess Leia/Luke Skywalker family revelation. Doesn't stack up against the other YA fantasy novels out there so far but I'm in for the second book just in case it gets better.
Michelle M. (jade19721) reviewed City of Bones (Mortal Instruments, Bk 1) on + 115 more book reviews
Ok I admit it, I drank the City of Bones Kool-Aid and I liked it.
Is this book the most outstanding piece of literature to cross my path in all my years? Hell no
Has the concept of the story been done before? Why yes, yes it has. A young teen all of a sudden discovers that they are something they did not know they were before..Can you say Buffy, Twillight, Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, and a bout a hundred others.
Did I like the writing? Not really. I almost gave up within the first 20 pages because it sounded like it had been written by a 12 year old.
So why you ask am do I like it ( or not asked, but I'm going to tell you anyways)?
Despite all the issues I found with the book, I did find the book enjoyable. It was an easy read, I like the concept of the main character discovering something very different about themselves, and I like how it played out. It really was not boring, it had a lot of action, and the characters spoke like their age. There was even a little bit of some angsty teenage romance that reminded me of myself when I was that age.
My favorite character out of the story...Jace. Yes folks i very much liked him. I never thought he was an ass or a jerk. A smart ass perhaps, but so am I and I have always loved other smart asses as well. I feel kinda sorry for the poor guy. He did'nt have the most normal childhood. So I kinda have to give him some slack for some of his attitude. hey it could be worse, he could have turned out like Jeffrey Dahmer.
So..I can't wait to read the other books in this series. Yes I know, roll your eyes & shake your head at me. I can deal with it!
Is this book the most outstanding piece of literature to cross my path in all my years? Hell no
Has the concept of the story been done before? Why yes, yes it has. A young teen all of a sudden discovers that they are something they did not know they were before..Can you say Buffy, Twillight, Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, and a bout a hundred others.
Did I like the writing? Not really. I almost gave up within the first 20 pages because it sounded like it had been written by a 12 year old.
So why you ask am do I like it ( or not asked, but I'm going to tell you anyways)?
Despite all the issues I found with the book, I did find the book enjoyable. It was an easy read, I like the concept of the main character discovering something very different about themselves, and I like how it played out. It really was not boring, it had a lot of action, and the characters spoke like their age. There was even a little bit of some angsty teenage romance that reminded me of myself when I was that age.
My favorite character out of the story...Jace. Yes folks i very much liked him. I never thought he was an ass or a jerk. A smart ass perhaps, but so am I and I have always loved other smart asses as well. I feel kinda sorry for the poor guy. He did'nt have the most normal childhood. So I kinda have to give him some slack for some of his attitude. hey it could be worse, he could have turned out like Jeffrey Dahmer.
So..I can't wait to read the other books in this series. Yes I know, roll your eyes & shake your head at me. I can deal with it!
Shannon M. (confuzzledbooks) reviewed City of Bones (Mortal Instruments, Bk 1) on + 482 more book reviews
Clary and Simon are best friends. They go to the latest club and coffee houses. At one club Clary sees something that no one else can see. She sees people known as Shadowhunters killing demons. No one else sees the two mystical beings. One of the Shadowhunters, Jace, finds himself attracted to Clary and wonders how she can see him and his family. Suddenly Clary's mom goes missing. Then Clary and Simon get caught up in the Shadowhunter's life.
Usually when I read books with a triangle romances my vote goes to the first love interest, But this time I landed on the side of the of bad boy. Of course the end of the book ruined that for me and suppose Clary as well. Grrr....
A lot of the story is pretty typical for a Fantasy YA read. Young girl in lead, her best friend is in love with her and she does not know, she sees things others can not, a new love interest introduced ..etc I could go on. That said it is still a fun read and I am glad I read it before the movie. I can tell from movie trailer there is already some differences. Frankly I believe the book will probably be better.
I really did like (almost love) the story and even though some of was expected I feel I am emotionally invested in the series. I will be continuing to read the rest of the series.
Usually when I read books with a triangle romances my vote goes to the first love interest, But this time I landed on the side of the of bad boy. Of course the end of the book ruined that for me and suppose Clary as well. Grrr....
A lot of the story is pretty typical for a Fantasy YA read. Young girl in lead, her best friend is in love with her and she does not know, she sees things others can not, a new love interest introduced ..etc I could go on. That said it is still a fun read and I am glad I read it before the movie. I can tell from movie trailer there is already some differences. Frankly I believe the book will probably be better.
I really did like (almost love) the story and even though some of was expected I feel I am emotionally invested in the series. I will be continuing to read the rest of the series.
Barbara H. (barbaralois) reviewed City of Bones (Mortal Instruments, Bk 1) on + 84 more book reviews
GREAT SERIES!!!!
First, let me start off by saying that as with any piece of literature, it's a matter of taste. And the tastes expressed here are... well, widely ranged.
Yet, I do NOT believe that this book deserves less than 2 stars, that would be just someone's biased pet peeves.
The book opens with a girl, Clary, whose discovers rather suddenly that she's different from an ordinary teenager girl. And once she does, a cascade of events whirls her into the world that she, or anyone else like her for that matter, did not know existed.
As a character, I thought Clary made a fine heroine. She was believable. Yes, sometimes she acted stupidly, she required protection, she craved comfort and attention, but those are the things that make a teenage girl real, don't they? At the end, she showed that she was brave, loyal and moral.
The hero of the book was remarkable. There are just so many things that make him stand out. Jace is insanely witty and sarcastic, courageous to the point of being fearless, strong and abashing, unapologetic and unconforming. His upbringing is his strength and his weakness. He's such a complex character, and the first book only lets a glimpse into this soul.
The love story is..., well, unique. Unlike most reviews, I didn't find it disgusting. The story was meant to be a forbidden love, and it sure was. The attraction between the two main characters began innocently and it evolved to a natural point. Of course, how it will proceed is what raises our eyebrows.
The writing was good, not excellent though. Some of the description was dragged on for a bit longer than necessary. Not always describing the room, clothing, surroundings in full detail is the best of ideas. Sometimes, it has to be pertinent to the story, which is in this case there was half a chance that it was. I do believe that this can be fixed in the future and overlooked in the meantime.
DO READ this book, and then judge yourself.
Yet, I do NOT believe that this book deserves less than 2 stars, that would be just someone's biased pet peeves.
The book opens with a girl, Clary, whose discovers rather suddenly that she's different from an ordinary teenager girl. And once she does, a cascade of events whirls her into the world that she, or anyone else like her for that matter, did not know existed.
As a character, I thought Clary made a fine heroine. She was believable. Yes, sometimes she acted stupidly, she required protection, she craved comfort and attention, but those are the things that make a teenage girl real, don't they? At the end, she showed that she was brave, loyal and moral.
The hero of the book was remarkable. There are just so many things that make him stand out. Jace is insanely witty and sarcastic, courageous to the point of being fearless, strong and abashing, unapologetic and unconforming. His upbringing is his strength and his weakness. He's such a complex character, and the first book only lets a glimpse into this soul.
The love story is..., well, unique. Unlike most reviews, I didn't find it disgusting. The story was meant to be a forbidden love, and it sure was. The attraction between the two main characters began innocently and it evolved to a natural point. Of course, how it will proceed is what raises our eyebrows.
The writing was good, not excellent though. Some of the description was dragged on for a bit longer than necessary. Not always describing the room, clothing, surroundings in full detail is the best of ideas. Sometimes, it has to be pertinent to the story, which is in this case there was half a chance that it was. I do believe that this can be fixed in the future and overlooked in the meantime.
DO READ this book, and then judge yourself.
This book was good. It took some concentration to actually get through. Not one of my favorites.
Barbara S. (barbsis) -
A strong exciting beginning with interesting characters that immediately draw you into the action. Fifteen year old Clarissa Fray (Clary) and her best friend Simon get sucked into an adventure beyond imagining when her mother, Jocelyn, disappears from their apartment. In their quest to find Jocelyn Clary finds out many things about her heritage that she was totally clueless about. She meets Jace, Alec, Isabelle and Hodge at the Institute. She will meet werewolves, demons and warriors. This is urban fantasy at it's best. Very enjoyable and keeps you turning pages.
my coworker's 12 yr old niece recommended this bk to her aunt and she told me about it. the idea behind the story was so interesting, I immediately bought the series.
the writing is excellent. I am a very imaginative person and the writer describes scenes in such a detailed manner, that I could actually see the "movie" rolling in my mind.
this story has a little bit of everything which was a surprise since the lead characters are so young. you will find topics ranging from child abuse, incest, homosexuality, coming of age and falling in love -- all in a mythical setting that could very well be real life...
book one introduces the main characters who are all interesting in their own respect. the heroin is a 16 yr girl discovering unbelieveable things about her mom, herself and her world beyond her wildest imaginations.
the writing is excellent. I am a very imaginative person and the writer describes scenes in such a detailed manner, that I could actually see the "movie" rolling in my mind.
this story has a little bit of everything which was a surprise since the lead characters are so young. you will find topics ranging from child abuse, incest, homosexuality, coming of age and falling in love -- all in a mythical setting that could very well be real life...
book one introduces the main characters who are all interesting in their own respect. the heroin is a 16 yr girl discovering unbelieveable things about her mom, herself and her world beyond her wildest imaginations.
A must read!
Well I honestly don't know what to say for once. I guess I'll start by saying it was definitely an interesting read! There was a whole lot of stuff going on in this book. I'm actually still trying to wrap my mind around it. Story flow reminded me of the original Vampire Diaries books. With just about any and everything thrown into the story. It was enough to keep me reading though. I will probably read book 2 and then hopefully I will have a better feel for this series. I will say the revelation at the end of the book left me thinking wtf???? If you've read it you know what I'm talking about. Still confused!!! Why build it up one way for it to turn out, um bizarre?
decent read. took me awhile to really get into the groove of this story, but in the end I did like it and will continue with the series. I would recommend.
Allison Clark (alliekitty85) -
I normally don't read books like this, but having heard from friends about how the series was great I just had to try it. I'm glad I did because it was an amazing book. The characters are real and the pictures you form in your mind from the authors imagery makes you feel like you are right there with the characters. Great book and I can't wait to read the rest and want the 4th to hurry up and be published.
Overall this book is good. The storyline is different and the world created is very interesting. I am not too sure that I like the twist at the end of the book, however, I will wait for the next one to make up my mind about the series.
Clary Frey gets thrown into a world of demons, magic, and murder when her mother is kidnapped from her home. She soon learns startling and some disturbing things about herself and the new friends who helped her.
I wanted to like this book, I continued to read it because I wanted to like it and the series, but I just don't. I read the entire thing, there was some humorous parts, the usual teen angst, love, betrayal, all that, but the story line was kind of slow for me, and the plot twist at the end...that you do not see coming, left me feeling a bit disturbed. It reminded me of the Connolly books by Charlaine Harris, if you know what I mean. The world just wasn't real for me, maybe because I am not a teenager. I don't know, but I won't read the rest of the series....just doesn't seem worth it.
Also Posted: http://nexttimesaymyname.blogspot.com/2009/09/book-review-city-of-bones-by-cassandra.html
I wanted to like this book, I continued to read it because I wanted to like it and the series, but I just don't. I read the entire thing, there was some humorous parts, the usual teen angst, love, betrayal, all that, but the story line was kind of slow for me, and the plot twist at the end...that you do not see coming, left me feeling a bit disturbed. It reminded me of the Connolly books by Charlaine Harris, if you know what I mean. The world just wasn't real for me, maybe because I am not a teenager. I don't know, but I won't read the rest of the series....just doesn't seem worth it.
Also Posted: http://nexttimesaymyname.blogspot.com/2009/09/book-review-city-of-bones-by-cassandra.html
While this book was written for pre-teen and young adults I found the story a great escape. The characters were engaging, the story line moved well and the whole experience made for a good read.
Ashley (ashleyhoffenberg) -
** spoiler alert **
I didn't know what to expect with this series, honestly, and the first chapter didn't grab me. The plot of this series isn't completely unique but the world is really interesting and cool. Angels, Demons, Downworlders, Shadowhunters. Needless to say, after Jace showed up at the poetry reading though, everything changed.
Jace. *dreamy eyes* I will be honest. I can't stand pompous, conceited, asshats. However, it is quite obvious that Jace acts this way to hide his true emotion. He wants to belong. I do believe he thinks he is hot shit (and, he is), but it is a complete defense mechanism IMO. He softens up after he becomes comfortable with Clary, and finds himself feeling an new emotion. Anyway, his witty banter about himself were some of the best lines of the book!
Clary didn't strike me as a very interesting character, but obviously her past is uncovered and she begins to grow on you, and grow herself. However, she takes her "real" existence like it was another day in the office. I wanted more shock and awe, more reality there. Her mother DID pound into her head that fairy tales aren't real. And then she finds out that all the stories are true, and she takes it like a champ. Really?
And while Valentine is a mean SOB, he wasn't dirty enough for me. Maybe we haven't seen his best work yet? I am having a REALLY hard time dealing with the ugly twist that was thrown into the mix at the end, and I hope that Valentine is truly a lying SOB on that one.
Lots of drama and action, some tension between characters, a possible love triangle, and a devastating twist at the end that may send your heart into palpitations. Now I have to wait to find out what happens with said twist and PRAY that is isn't true
I didn't know what to expect with this series, honestly, and the first chapter didn't grab me. The plot of this series isn't completely unique but the world is really interesting and cool. Angels, Demons, Downworlders, Shadowhunters. Needless to say, after Jace showed up at the poetry reading though, everything changed.
Jace. *dreamy eyes* I will be honest. I can't stand pompous, conceited, asshats. However, it is quite obvious that Jace acts this way to hide his true emotion. He wants to belong. I do believe he thinks he is hot shit (and, he is), but it is a complete defense mechanism IMO. He softens up after he becomes comfortable with Clary, and finds himself feeling an new emotion. Anyway, his witty banter about himself were some of the best lines of the book!
Clary didn't strike me as a very interesting character, but obviously her past is uncovered and she begins to grow on you, and grow herself. However, she takes her "real" existence like it was another day in the office. I wanted more shock and awe, more reality there. Her mother DID pound into her head that fairy tales aren't real. And then she finds out that all the stories are true, and she takes it like a champ. Really?
And while Valentine is a mean SOB, he wasn't dirty enough for me. Maybe we haven't seen his best work yet? I am having a REALLY hard time dealing with the ugly twist that was thrown into the mix at the end, and I hope that Valentine is truly a lying SOB on that one.
Lots of drama and action, some tension between characters, a possible love triangle, and a devastating twist at the end that may send your heart into palpitations. Now I have to wait to find out what happens with said twist and PRAY that is isn't true
After I finished City of Bones, I went right out and bought the next book. City of Ashes was a great second to the three part series. I went back to my local Barnes&Noble two days after finishing City of Ashes to buy City of Glass and they didn't have it. I found it elsewhere later that day. This series is one I can't put down.
Will probably get the 2nd and 3rd book to read. Found this
book to be interesting.
book to be interesting.
Diana C. (princessdiana34691) reviewed City of Bones (Mortal Instruments, Bk 1) on + 361 more book reviews
descent read. i personally did not seek out book 2 and three, but would read if they dropped in my lap.
Loved the entire series.
Michelle P. (plattfamily) reviewed City of Bones (Mortal Instruments, Bk 1) on + 37 more book reviews
Mom Review: This is a GREAT teen trilogy. It was well written and engaging. Of all the other teen series I have read lately, I have the least reservations handing this one over to my tween/teen. It was a bit gory in the battle scenes but that is to be expected from a fantasy novel. The thing that really impressed me was the romantic elements didn't go further than kissing, in fact it didn't even discuss the desire to go further than that. All without detracting from the romantic relationships between the characters. Thank you Cassandra!
Kristine S. (NHBookLover) reviewed City of Bones (Mortal Instruments, Bk 1) on + 293 more book reviews
I really liked this one. I have always enjoyed reading science fiction and fantasy and now it seems everyone is either writing it or reading it! A very well written book. I have the next 2 of my wish list.
This is the first of a trilogy including City of Bones, City of Ashes and City of Glass. It's a very good read. I liked the tale enough to put the second and third of the series on my TBR list. This is the story of an unusual young woman, Clarissa Fray, her mother, Jocelyn, an artist who she discovers has a life she never dreamed she had, her brother, Jonathan, known as Jace, and her father who wishes to change the world for his own purposes and needs. There are many surprises in this novel as people uncover secrets and discover who they really are. It's an outstanding beginning to a fine fantasy series.
I liked this book more than I expected to! I was a bit perplexed at the twists at the end but I can deal with that. The action towards the end was especially great, kept me reading the last bunch of pages util I was done! I am def moving on to the next one!
Tracy S. (mickeycat) -
I began reading the Mortal Instrument books because I wanted to give them to my 15 year old daughter (I wanted to know what she would be reading). Overall, I found the author to be...confused by her own writing. First - she cannot seem to decide what type of book to write, so she gives up and writes a story that includes ALL types of supernatural beings. Give me a break, please find one group you like and stick with it. It was probably a brilliant marketing strategy; people who enjoy vampire, werewolf, angels/demons, fairies...you name it -it is here.
It was predictable (and I am now into the 3rd book, it STILL is predictable). I have not been surprised yet. Several people have commented on the dialog. If this weak dialog and the rare occasional witty quip is what people consider great dialog - they are reading the wrong books. Read Diana Gabaldon, THEN decide if this dialog it good.
The parents are sorely missing until the middle of the 2nd book. This leaves the kids running amuck with no supervision. As a parent, this bothered me; but I think teenagers will appreciate the autonomy the characters have.
Overall, I will be happy to give this to my 15 year old daughter. It is age appropriate and we all read books like this at this age.
It was predictable (and I am now into the 3rd book, it STILL is predictable). I have not been surprised yet. Several people have commented on the dialog. If this weak dialog and the rare occasional witty quip is what people consider great dialog - they are reading the wrong books. Read Diana Gabaldon, THEN decide if this dialog it good.
The parents are sorely missing until the middle of the 2nd book. This leaves the kids running amuck with no supervision. As a parent, this bothered me; but I think teenagers will appreciate the autonomy the characters have.
Overall, I will be happy to give this to my 15 year old daughter. It is age appropriate and we all read books like this at this age.
Tedious reading. Not sure worth the effort.
Fast reading YA/teen urban fantasy. A bit derivative, but then an awful lot of books in this genre share too many of the same concepts. This one's got nice characterization and good imagery, Clare ends it at a good spot to leave the reader wanting more. Which is good, since it looks like there's six of them.
Possible Spoilers:
I don't know why some people hated this book. I thought it was good. The concepts were different from anything else I've read. It had some of the same themes, but it wasn't the same regurgitated story. Or at least not to me.
Sadly I saw the movie first and I have to say it wasn't the best representation of the original text. I like it a lot less now that I've read this book. It wasn't completely horrible, but there were changes they made that I think were unnecessarily.
For example it was pretty much implied that Valentine had completely lied about Jace being his son, while in the book it seems as though it was the absolute truth. Now of course I have to read the rest of the series to find out what's truth and what are lies. I just feel like if they lied in the movie just to get Jace and Clary together that just dumb. If there HAS to be romance (because that has to be a plot device of everything these days, even if it wasn't meant to be) they already have Simon. And in the book it seems like Clary has some not-quite-friend-like feelings for Simon, so there's your romance right there.
No matter which way it goes, the small bit of question of whether or not they're truly related makes for great angst. I kind of hope they are siblings just because I'm sure most people to think it'll turn out that they're not and get to live happily ever after. I think a different kind of happily ever after will be refreshing. Anyway I liked it and will definitely continue with the rest of the series.
I don't know why some people hated this book. I thought it was good. The concepts were different from anything else I've read. It had some of the same themes, but it wasn't the same regurgitated story. Or at least not to me.
Sadly I saw the movie first and I have to say it wasn't the best representation of the original text. I like it a lot less now that I've read this book. It wasn't completely horrible, but there were changes they made that I think were unnecessarily.
For example it was pretty much implied that Valentine had completely lied about Jace being his son, while in the book it seems as though it was the absolute truth. Now of course I have to read the rest of the series to find out what's truth and what are lies. I just feel like if they lied in the movie just to get Jace and Clary together that just dumb. If there HAS to be romance (because that has to be a plot device of everything these days, even if it wasn't meant to be) they already have Simon. And in the book it seems like Clary has some not-quite-friend-like feelings for Simon, so there's your romance right there.
No matter which way it goes, the small bit of question of whether or not they're truly related makes for great angst. I kind of hope they are siblings just because I'm sure most people to think it'll turn out that they're not and get to live happily ever after. I think a different kind of happily ever after will be refreshing. Anyway I liked it and will definitely continue with the rest of the series.
It was an ok read.. Something to pass the time. I'm plan on finishing the series mostly because I want to see how some of the twists were addressed...
Allison B. (allisonbaker) reviewed City of Bones (Mortal Instruments, Bk 1) on + 48 more book reviews
Let me start by saying somewhere I read reviews that compared these books to Twilight, so there is where my let down lies I'm sure.
This was a fairly entertaining book although it did take me a while to get into it. There wasn't a whole lot of action for demon fighters they did surprisingly little fighting. There were some touching scenes between Jace and Clary but, not the full on love story you get with Twilight.
I was wrapped up in the story line by the time I got to the end. I was not surprised, however to find the twist the plot took. I was invested enough feel compelled to google the series to find out how that twist resloved (I know thats cheating but, I'm an instant gratification kind of girl). I liked it well enough to continue with the series, but I won't be reserving shelf space for it as a keeper.
This was a fairly entertaining book although it did take me a while to get into it. There wasn't a whole lot of action for demon fighters they did surprisingly little fighting. There were some touching scenes between Jace and Clary but, not the full on love story you get with Twilight.
I was wrapped up in the story line by the time I got to the end. I was not surprised, however to find the twist the plot took. I was invested enough feel compelled to google the series to find out how that twist resloved (I know thats cheating but, I'm an instant gratification kind of girl). I liked it well enough to continue with the series, but I won't be reserving shelf space for it as a keeper.
Melissa B. (dragoneyes) -
This was a fun read! Mixed with vampires, werewolves, witches, warlocks and many others that you could probably imagine. This is the story of Clary. A normal girl with a normal life whose world turns upside down in the blink of an eye. She finds that the stories that she's heard through her life are all true. There really are supernatural creatures out there. Not only that but there are people called Shadowhunters that are there to keep things in order and people safe. When Clary's mom ends up missing and Clary herself is attacked by a creature, she is taken into the Shadowhunter's realm where she learns more that she could ever expect.
I found this book very entertaining and the world inside was interesting. I enjoyed the characters, setting and bits of humor throughout the book. Look forward to reading the rest of the series.
I found this book very entertaining and the world inside was interesting. I enjoyed the characters, setting and bits of humor throughout the book. Look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Amazing! I hope that the movie does the book justice.
Love it!
This was a very mild book. Good for young teens.
Clary is suddenly thrust into the world of shadowhunters, people who hunt demons and other downworlders, when one day she realizes she can see things that others cannot. Now she must try to save her mother who has been kidnapped and discover who she really is.
Definitely hooked on this series. If you enjoy books about the paranormal then I recommend this series. There is a twist in this first book that i'm not crazy about, but I can't help but keep reading to see what happens.
Definitely hooked on this series. If you enjoy books about the paranormal then I recommend this series. There is a twist in this first book that i'm not crazy about, but I can't help but keep reading to see what happens.
Cheryl C. (moondance120) reviewed City of Bones (Mortal Instruments, Bk 1) on + 422 more book reviews
Good book that pits good against evil. Interesting take on the realms of the world and underworld.
I enjoyed reading this book. This book does an excellent job of joining demons, Shadowhunters, werewolves, vampires, etc together. This is a book that will appeal to both young adults and adults alike. Cassandra Clare is an excellent author and I look forward to reading the sequels to this book. And anything else she writes. You won't be disappointed with this book.
Love it, Couldn't put is down nor could I put down City of Glass, Ashes, and Fallen Angles. Can Not wait until the others come out.
Love it!
I had heard so many great reviews about Cassandra Clare's City of Bones that I felt I just had to read it. Sadly, however, this book failed to meet my expectations by a longshot. There were so many errors in the writing, plot, and characterization!It seems like City of Bones is a book you either love or hate, and I seem to be one of the few people who didn't enjoy it very much. Actually, scratch that, I was one of the people who didn't enjoy it at all.My reaction after finishing it was probably something like this:
One of the reasons I hated strongly disliked City of Bones was because of the stereotypical and underdeveloped characters. I never felt any emotional connection to any of Clare's characters whatsoever - in fact most of the characters (cough * Clary * cough) seemed quite annoying and self-centered. Most of the supporting characters not only felt underdeveloped but stereotypical as well. (And our villian, Valentine, does not even come across to me as the least bit frightening!) My main concern, however, was the weak writing, uncreative plot, and lack of editing. Cassandra Clare does not have "natural eloquence." Besides the fact that the entire story is written in short, choppy sentences with a limited vocabulary, Clare uses A LOT of unnecessary similes that don't even make since OR contribute to the plot in any way. And the lack of editing...UGH! Honestly, I'm not even sure this book was edited. It constantly jumps from 1st to 3rd person narration-wise, has misspelled words, unnecessary scenes...the list could go on and on! It's actually almost depressing how many errors there are in terms of editing. The lack of originality in the plot also bugged me. It is quite obvious that Clare borrowed some ideas from J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. There are so many comparisons - both character-wise and plot-wise - that it's almost impossible not to see the connection. This lack of originality bugs me personally because I've already read these books; I don't need to read another worse version of them! Being an author is about being creative; coming up with new, fresh ideas that people will enjoy. Apparently Cassandra Clare doesn't know that! The ending was horribly good. It was written significantly better than the rest of the book, yet I didn't like it. However, I did enjoy how Clare fixed her writing - even if it was for the last 10 pages. Despite this, at the end my reaction was simply: All in all, I think there are some people who will enjoy The City of Bones. I'm just not one of those people. I'd highly recommend it to fans of Twilight.
