City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
Paperback, 512 pages
2008, McElderry
ISBN: 1416955070
Series: Book 1 of The Mortal Instruments
Synopsis
Their hidden world is about to be revealed....
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. Clary knows she should call the police, but it's hard to explain a murder when the body disappears into thin air and the murderers are invisible to everyone but Clary.
Equally startled by her ability to see them, the murderers explain themselves as Shadowhunters: a secret tribe of warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. Within twenty-four hours, Clary's mother disappears and Clary herself is almost killed by a grotesque 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 an amazingly well-crafted world of Shadowhunters (demon killers), demons and halfbreeds (vampires, werewolves, warlocks, etc.) living amongst humans. Huge twists and impossible to foresee revelations matched with an excellent supernatural story line, vivid description and thrilling action make City of Bones a marvelous series starter.
There was a subtle, yet undeniable message about race relations in City of Bones. Evil shadowhunter Valentine planned long ago to kill all of the halfbreeds in order to keep humanity pure and much his attitude is reminiscent of Adolf Hitler. In present time, you see Clary trying to decide for herself if the halfbreeds are in fact lesser beings.
The characters are fleshed out nicely, with various unique traits. I absolutely love that not all the characters in City of Bones are strictly heterosexual and the point is made without involving anything sexual in nature. Sexuality is a huge factor in teenage lives and while I felt the closeted aspect was unfortunate, it lent credence to character actions. I have high hopes of this being expanded on further in future books.
I wasn't a huge fan of the weird friendship/unrequited love/inappropriate triangle between Simon, Clary and Jace. Actually, it was downright uncomfortable, but it was different and very emotionally striking.
City of Bones is a creative and captivating novel that could be complete all on its own, but I'm very glad that it's the beginning of a series. Cassandra Clare has a wonderfully creative edge which is proven completely in this book. I won't be waiting long to read City of Ashes.
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I love The Mortal Instruments :D Glad you liked it too.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I feel like the only person who has read this book who didn't completely love it. I just felt she was too wordy in parts and it could have been edited down a bit.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a book with a lot more to it than originally meets the eye. I think I will love it. I've really got to start this series!
ReplyDeleteI have been wanting to start this series for a long time! Thanks for the great review :) 2nd, thank you for stopping by Book Love!!! I am a new follower.
ReplyDeleteTo Angela: You're not alone! I mean it's a wonderful series and the story is great but I cannot stand Clary or Jace or just the huge amount of witty banter ALL THE TIME! No one is that clever 24/7!
ReplyDeleteEven though I do have issues with the books they're still worth while to read. You'll really like the rest of the series. And of course her prequel trilogy. ^.^
I really liked this series and I hope you will enjoy books two and three as well.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read these... unfortunately they keep getting moved further down my TBR pile :/
ReplyDeleteI cant wait to start reading these!
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