City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

     A teenage friend raved about this book to me when I saw her over Thanksgiving.  I'd read lots of positive blog reviews about this series but somehow her adoration over Clare's writing and for Clary, the main character, made me take serious notice and check it out from the library.

The Mortal Instruments;

City of Bones 

Cassandra Clare

2007

485 pgs

YA Fantasy

Synopsis:  When 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 odd markings.  This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons and keeping the odd werewolves and vampires in line.  It's also her first meeting with gorgeous Jace.  Within 24 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 an ordinary mundane like Clary?  And how did she suddenly get the Sight?  The Shadowhunters would like to know...

    I loved the characters and the action.  The teenagers, including the Shadowhunters, act typically sullen and moody.  There is enough adventure, sarcastic wit and sinister details to keep me turning  pages.  I especially enjoyed Magnus Bane's character;  he's been wiping Clary's mind for years so her mom could keep Clary out of this world and here she is knee deep in it but without any memories to assist her! While there are some odd details that had me scratching my head I thought overall the tale is quite interesting. I know I will enjoy the rest of this fun series.  Does anybody know if this is Hollywood-bound?

Quote:

"Magnus? Magnus Bane?""That would be me."  The man blocking the doorway was as tall and thin as a rail, his hair a crown of dense black spikes.  Clary guessed from the curve of his sleepy eyes and the gold tone of his evenly tanned skin that he was part Asian.  He wore jeans and a black shirt covered with dozens of metal buckles.  His eyes were crusted with a raccoon mask of charcoal glitter, his lips painted a dark shade of blue.  He raked a ring-laden hand through his spiked hair and regarded them thoughtfully.  Children of the Nephilim," he said.  "Well, well. I don't recall inviting you." (218-219)

Other reviews:

Rachel Rager
Roof Beam Reader