City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Pages: 485

Intended Audience: Teens

Genre: urban fantasy

Notes for parents: Some violence and mature themes

The Back Cover

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.

What the Back Cover doesn’t tell you:

This is the first book of six in the Mortal Instruments series. It’s also being made into a movie.

What’s good?

It has warlocks, vampires, werewolves, fairies, angel-empowered warriors, love triangles, betrayals, family secrets and shocking revelations – what’s not to love? The story has a quick pace, the dialogue is strong and witty, and the characters are well-drawn and likeable.

Best part: Jace.

What’s not so good?

A few things: Jace’s charisma is too often overshadowed by his arrogance; the fantasy elements were sometimes too cliché; and a few parts were so wildly predictable that it distracted from the story.

Worst part: Clary takes WAY too long to figure out who Valentine really is.

Recommendations þþþþo

I give this a four based mostly on its entertainment value. In terms of literary value, it probably rates much lower, but it really is fun, adventurous, and creative with lots of action and humour. Recommended.

Clare, Cassandra. City of Bones. New York: Simon Pulse, 2007.