In this first book of the Mortal Instruments series, we find ourselves in modern day New York City (well, 2007 New York City anyway). Fifteen year old Clary Fray and her best friend Simon go to a club called Pandemonium for a fun night out, but what they see (or don't see as the case may be) begins a series of events in which Clary discovers the world of the Shadowhunters and Downworlders... and tries to figure out where she belongs. Her mother is kidnapped, her mother's best friend Luke abandons them and Clary has no choice by lean on Jace, Alec, Isabelle and Hodge - Shadowhunters - to help her find her mother.
While this is the first book in the series, I believe it is also the first book written and published by Cassandra Clare. It kind of shows. I'm already in love with the Shadowhunter world after reading The Infernal Devices books (set in time a hundred years or so before these books, but published more recently), and I like the modern take on it... but the mysteries aren't so mysterious if you get what I mean. I easily figured out what should have been the big shocking twists, but I'm okay with it. I have been told that the series (and writing) gets better as the series progresses, and after reading The Infernal Devices books - I believe it and look forward to more. My heart is still with Tessa, Will and Jem in jolly ol' England... but I have a feeling that Clary, Jace, Alec, Isabelle and Simon are really going to grow on me.
I must say that one of my favorite things about reading these books is talking with fans of the series. They are so passionate about this world and these characters! It is so fun - even when I had no idea what they were talking about. I'm sure the upcoming movie adaptation will provide even more topics of discussion! In fact, I've already had a very spirited conversation about casting choices....
*****
City of Bones
by Cassandra Clare
Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2007
485 pages
Series: The Mortal Instruments Book One
Source: Purchased New
*****
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4 comments:
I really enjoyed these books....looking forward to the next one but wondering if the movie will do justice to the book!
i LOVE this book and this series. Sure, it has its flaws (and a fair amount of them too), but it's fun and the characters are relatable (and hilarious). That's the important part, right?
Oh yeah... as of right now - I am actually half way through Book 5 in the series. I have become a little obsessed with this world and these characters! I love them - but I'm afraid if someone were to read just this book, they wouldn't know that it all gets significantly better with each new book. That is the point I was trying to make (maybe not all that well I guess).
I read this last year and opted to do it as part of our school summer reading program where as teachers we each 'sponsor' a book. Then we discuss book group style. My group loved the book and can't wait for the movie. Oh and I loved it too!
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