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. Then the body disappears into thin air. It’s hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing―not even a smear of blood―to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?
This is Clary’s first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It’s also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four 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 ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know…
The City of Bones is a novel I pondered reading for a long time; I was hesitant to read this book – just like I was reluctant to read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Gone Girl – because this book had amassed a hype that was enormous. I was worried that this book would disappoint me and not live up to my expectations because this is a real possibility with ‘media frenzy books.’ However! Upon finishing the City of Bones, all I could think was “wow, now this is an incredible fantasy read!”. I loved this incredible book and it most certainly exceeded my expectations. Unlike some books, this novel was worth the hype, and so I am so proud to write that I am one of the many legions of fans of Cassandra Clare and a proud Shadowhunter! I am in awe of Clare and the beautiful world which she has created so if you like I was, are hesitant to read this book then take a chance because you will not be disappointed! For those of you that do not know I am going to write a brief synopsis of the book for you lovely readers.
City of Bones tells the tale of an ordinary teenage girl named Clary Fray (can we please appreciate how beautiful this name is?!) who suddenly has a Sight to see things that others cannot. Clary is a special woman who has been blessed – some would say cursed – with an ability to see Demons, Vampires, Werewolves, Warlocks and much more demonic creatures. Clary is a young woman who has been thrust into a world that is beyond her wildest imagination. She at first does not know what part she has to play in this mystical parallel world, but when her mother is attacked and kidnapped, Clary is forced to remember a past as well as secrets that have previously been hidden from her. This is a very brief synopsis of this extraordinary tale, but if you are a reader who loves to know more about stories, then please read further to learn more about the plot of this story!
Our novel begins with our fifteen-year-old protagonist Clary Fray as she goes to the Pandemonium Club with her best friend, Simon Lewis. Inside the club, she sees a blue-haired boy and a black haired girl sneak into a storeroom, pursued by two other boys. One of these boys is armed with what appears to be a knife and thinking something terrible is about to happen, she soon sends Simon for help. Clary, however, is an impulsive character and she can’t wait, so she follows the mysterious group into the storeroom. Once inside this storeroom, she witnesses the blue-haired ‘boy’ being attacked and then murdered, but when she observes him being killed, he seems to vanish from the room. Clary soon gets caught looking, and she is told by one of the people in the room that “demons return to their home dimensions when they die.”
Simon soon enters the storeroom with the clubs bouncer in tow, and for some unknown reason, Simon, as well as the bouncer cannot see anybody, and when Clary realizes this, she mumbles an apology and soon leaves confused and shook up.
When Clary returns home she does so to the scolding of her mother, Jocelyn. Clary shrugs this off, but the next day Jocelyn announces to Clary that they are moving away from New York City to the country for the summer where Jocelyn’s best friend, Luke, has a home. Clary is furious and upset by this unexpected move and soon confides in Simon that she is angry as well as confused by the fact that she knows nothing about her mother or her entire family, she describes how her life is almost like a mystery and that she is sick of it.
Simon consoles Clary, and soon they go to a poetry reading. However, when Clary arrives she happens to see one of the boys who were at the club – who we later find out is called Jace. Clary confronts Jace angrily but after calming down, Jace tells Clary all about demon-hunters called Shadowhunters or Nephilim. Jace has a bold claim, and this is that Clary is not a mundane (ordinary human). This is a lot to take in for Clary but to make matters worse, she gets a call from Jocelyn who is in a frantic panic who tells Clary not to come home and to let Luke know that ‘he’ has found her. Then the phone call ends abruptly and ignoring her mother’s wishes; she races home to help her mother only to find her house in disarray with her mother gone. To make matters even worse, Clary is attacked by a demon but soon kills him thanks to the use of Jace’s sensor. After this traumatic event, Jace whisks Clary off to the ‘Institute’; the local headquarters of Shadowhunters.
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At this point in my review, I think I should stop discussing the plot because I am getting carried away… this is what this novel does to you, it takes over and makes you want to talk about this book non stop! What I will tell you book lovers is that the rest of this novel becomes a thrilling adventure in which Clary must find her mother, find the mysterious Mortal Cup and discover her true self.
Personally, I do not read much Young Adult, why? I do not know but what I do know now is that I need to read more of it! If YA novels are like this, then I am missing out because this book is brilliant! I never understood the love of YA before I read it but now I understand perfectly; they make for enjoyable, light, lovely reads that readers can pick up and quickly get lost in so I will definitely be reading more Young Adult books!
It has been a long time since I have read a fantasy novel and I have to admit that I have missed the genre dearly! I absolutely loved being in this magical world full of mysterious, sometimes terrifying creatures and enchanting people. Oh, and who can forget that I loved being in a book full of incredible Shadowhunters! All of this made this fantasy read perfectly; I was I pure heaven as I read this book as the author allowed me to imagine all the wondrous things perfectly!
Cassandra Clare’s is a magnificent writer whose words were captivating as well as addictive. I was surprised by how well developed this story was, it may be a YA novel but it has mature themes. These incredible themes combined with Clare’s intelligent and savvy writing, combined again with excellent action sequences meant that I was kept on the edge of my seat from beginning to end!
The characters in this novel were superb, and it would be a crime not to write about the host of diverse, and brilliantly created characters the reader comes across in this book. Each character in this spell-binding novel had something unique and special about them, and I found this to be mesmerizing. The characters the reader comes across in this book are ambitious, and I was thrilled with this. I am thrilled that the characters are ambitious because the story is ambitious, Clare is an author who loves to take risks… this is wonderful because it shows she is brave and unafraid.
I found the protagonist of the story, Clary Fray to be an adorable, sweet girl but do not let this fool you as she is a young woman who can pack a punch! She is a character who keeps developing and evolving throughout; there were times when I was shocked by her changes of attitude. For example, Clary can in one moment be a sweet and innocent woman only to be quick-tempered, and fiery in the next and I have to say, I found myself applauding her fierceness! It was delightful to read a novel in which a strong female protagonist is prominent, plus, she is a redhead like me so how can I not love her!
The other main character in this story is Jace, Jace is a character who surprised me and delighted me. I had heard many things about Jace before I read this novel and what I heard was not great. I thought that he was going to be a jerk, but I was delighted when I found out that he was not like this at all! He is a fun character who brought some much-needed humor to the novel. Besides, he and Simon were the perfect comedy duo, and they had me laughing frequently.
Overall, the City of Bones is an enchanting fantasy novel which is full of action, adventure and sprinkles of humor. The imagery in this book is quite simply stunning, and as you read the descriptions of this mind-bending world, your brain will visualize every part because the writing is so beautiful. I adored every part of this novel, the story, the plot, the world, the characters, everything! If you have a taste for fantasy, then I would recommend this book because it is brilliant! This wonderful book gets Four Stars from me.
As always thank you so much for reading book lovers! Comment below all those wonderful thoughts of yours and let me know whether you have read the novel or if you would like to! Also, for the people who have read the novel could you please tell me whether it is worth continuing the series? I have heard that it is not so great from this point onward’s so please let me know fellow book lovers!
P.S. Here is a preview of the book for all of you lovely readers to enjoy! Please have a read of the preview and if you find that you have loved what you have read then all you need to do is click the Buy on Amazon button and it will take you straight to the book on Amazon USA! If you are in the U.K. then below I have attached a link to the book for the Amazon U.K. website. I have also attached some more links about this wonderful book! Thank you so much again for reading book lovers, I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on this book!
Amazon U.K. / Goodreads / Book Depository / Publisher; Walker
The movie adaption of this incredible book is a brilliant movie, however! I do not believe it lived up to the book. I adored the casting and thought the set design and costumes were beautiful, but for me, the directors left out too many parts of the original story. What did you think of the movie book lovers? I would love to know! Thank you so much again for reading!
Thank you so much again for reading book lovers!
What’s wrong with YA?
google that phrase, and you’ll get a lot of posts for and against.
Oh no I love YA! There is nothing wrong with it at all. All I was saying is that some people look down on adults reading it because it’s ‘for young people’ lol.
I have actually grown to love YA more and more since reading City of Bones, they just make such great light reads!
Have you read City of Bones by any chance? Also thank you for commenting I love talking with fellow book lovers!
Hi there! I have not spoken to you in a very long time, I just wanted to see how you have been and what great books you have read recently? I am in dire need of book recommendations and I know you probably have many! I am looking forward to hearing from you!
I don’t read much YA either, but this book has been on my “to read” shelf for such a long time… I enjoyed your review, and I thank you for the reminder that this book is in my queue.
Thank you so much for your comment!
This book too was in my to read pile for ages! But I was so happy when I finally picked it up, it is such a great read and perfect for something quick and easy to read!
Oh! And I am so happy I reminded you of this book! When you get a chance to read it you must come back and let me know how you found it!
Hi there! I have not spoken to you in a very long time, I just wanted to see how you have been and what great books you have read recently? I am in dire need of book recommendations and I know you probably have many! I am looking forward to hearing from you!
I have, sadly, DNF The City of Bones. I’ll try to read it again. Someday… Great review…❤
Thank you so much for your comment and kind words! Can I ask how come you never finished City of Bones? I have actually recently finished the series and as a whole I really enjoyed it. The books are filled with great amazing moments, but I do admit myself that the pacing of the books can be a little issue so I can understand if you did not finish it for this reason! ❤️
Mostly, I didn’t like the characters.. Though I got through until chapter 12. Maybe my moodnat that time was meh. I don’t know. Lol. I did a blog post for this book:
http://wp.me/p7ksIu-H
This post of yours is amazing! I loved your description of Jace by the way that really made me laugh. I do understand where you are coming from though. I found in the beginning clary to be very annoying but as I read the rest of the series I found more and more aspects in her that I liked. As for Jace I thought he was an idiot too but I actually ended up loving him the most at the end of the series! It’s funny how authors can change your mind on things. Have you seen the movie? If… Read more »
Yup. I’ve seen the movie. I really like to finish City of Bones. I don’t like putting books, or in this case book series, on my DNF pile. I’ll surely finish this one. Thanks for the comment. ❤
You’re a committed reader! I love that. Be sure to write a review on it if you ever get round to reading it because I would love to read it!
Can I ask whether you enjoyed the movie? (:
I’ll surely post a review. 😉
The movie, hmm.. I was like, why her? I thought she’s supposed to be 15? – actress portraying Clary
That is so not Jace. – actor portraying Jace
They totally got Simon. Lol.
It was okay, I guess. Fine. 👍
Hahah, yeah, I agree with you there on Jace and Clary but I thought Simons casting was perfect! (:
Hi there! I have not spoken to you in a very long time, I just wanted to see how you have been and what great books you have read recently? I am in dire need of book recommendations and I know you probably have many! I am looking forward to hearing from you!
I loved this series but I did prefer the prequel, The Infernal Devices . Have you seen the new TV show that’s coming out? I still haven’t decided if I will watch it or not because I tend to imagine the characters one way and get attached (I don’t want the show to ruin what’s already in my head ;).
I saw you’re reply to my comment and I can defintley recommend some series to you! What sort of thing do you like? YA? (:
You haven’t read Infernal Devices yet? I am extremely jealous, I wish I could read it new all over again. I personally enjoyed The Infernal Devices more but I’m sure everyone has a different opinion.
No I haven’t! Is it good!? I’ve heard mixed reviews so I am debating whether to or not.
Can I ask what you’re reading right now? I need book recommendations! (:
I’m actually reading Alexandra Ivy’s Guardians of Eternity series at the moment but I’m almost finished. I also just recently downloaded another Maya Banks series (through a Kobo sale) so I’ll let me you know. What kind of books do you enjoy? YA? I do like Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum Series (I believe that made a movie out of the first one, One For the Money). I believe there is twenty-three now in that series. Let me know what your preferences are because I have read a lot of books across a lot of genre’s 🙂
Sorry I never saw this message! Yes, I do now. Whatabookwants 🙂
Hi there! I have not spoken to you in a very long time, I just wanted to see how you have been and what great books you have read recently? I am in dire need of book recommendations and I know you probably have many! I am looking forward to hearing from you!
A friend of mine is reading the Mortal Instruments series and wants me to start reading so we can have something new to talk about. After your review, I believe I have no reason to not get started! Thanks!
Aww this makes me so happy! I always do this with my friends too! I constantly tell them to read book series so I can talk with them about it. I am so happy however that you are going to start reading the series because it is more than worth it! (:
And please tell me what you think when you finally get around to reading it!
Hi there! I have not spoken to you in a very long time, I just wanted to see how you have been and what great books you have read recently? I am in dire need of book recommendations and I know you probably have many! I am looking forward to hearing from you!
I feel the exact same way about love triangles- it really makes my blood boil that we’re supposed to like and sympathise with two-timing, selfish characters- grrr! Yeah, I agree that this book doesn’t have a love triangle. Don’t be ashamed of reading YA- I’m too old for it too (and my bosses looked at me like I was insane when I admitted to reading it the other day)- but I don’t care!
Yes exactly!!! How is it entertaining anyway? It’s a minor plot device at best and I hate the idea of it being central to any story. It makes no sense to me when there are stories out there where the world is at stake, but all we’re supposed to care about is whether some indecisive, selfish girl will just *choose* one guy over the other!! I mean, love triangles are bad enough- but c’mon, that’s ridiculous! Why do authors even do that? Good!! It’s a great genre, because (I find) authors can be so much more inventive and willing to… Read more »
What is north and south about!? I am curious. And I haven’t picked up another book yet! I can’t decide what to read next, it is always so hard!
It’s basically a love story- have you ever read Pride and Prejudice? It’s a lot like that- just with a lot more drama about mills and working class people
I have and I love it! So I need to check this out, thanks so much for the recommendation! I am reading the miniaturist right now and it is so incredible! I have a huge thing for historical fiction at the moment and I would highly recommend it to anyone!
Yes- it’ll be right up your street then 🙂 Oh wow- thanks for the recommendation- I’m really glad you said that’s good, cos I just bought that in my Black Friday book haul 🙂
Amazing! It was meant to be then (:
Exactly! Especially cos it’s always clear which one they prefer! So why are they messing the other one about? If they were real, everyone would just think they were terrible people. One day I’d like to see the girl get dumped by both guys.
Yes, me too! Glad to know I’m not the only one!
Now that’s a book I would enjoy reading!! I’d quite like it if the two guys kind of collabed and dumped her together. I can picture the conversation:
Girl: “Oh my goodness, what are you two doing here… together?”
Boy 1: “Well, we’ve decided…”
Boy 2: “… that you’re a two timing cow…”
Boy 1: “… so we’re dumping you…”
Boy 2: “See ya never!”
And there you have it- *bam!* – double dumping!! (Clearly I’ve thought this out a little too much)
haha thanks very much!! 😀 I do- I set it up pretty recently so don’t expect too much yet :p I’ll happily stalk (ahem I mean follow) you back 🙂
🙂
Followed you! (:
Followed you too 🙂
Yay!
Hi there! I have not spoken to you in a very long time, I just wanted to see how you have been and what great books you have read recently? I am in dire need of book recommendations and I know you probably have many! I am looking forward to hearing from you!
Hi!! Lovely to hear from you!! Hehe hard question, but I do have a few! If you’re looking for thrillers I recommend ice twins, for a classic Fahrenheit 451, for historical snow child, for fantasy blackwing and ya fantasy six of crows. Those are just some of my faves this year! 😀
Thank you so much for your recommendations! I have heard of Ice Twins but have no idea what it is about. Can you please tell me a little bit more? (:
You’re welcome! No problem- it’s a thriller, so I won’t say too much, but it’s about a family who had a set of twins, but one of them died, so they go off to live on a remote island in Scotland for a fresh start.
Ooo… now this sounds great! I love these kind of books.
Yes!! I thought you might like it, cos I remembered you liked gone girl
Is it quite a dark read?
Pretty dark, but more atmospheric and creepy
Also, isnt Blackwing just fantastic? I read this too and adored it!
Oh yes it really is!!
Ah that’s no problem, hope it went well!
Ah i can see why, that’s wonderful, I’ve always wanted to go there
I’m a Londoner 😉
I love your review! I read it too and fell in love with the authors’ writing! I haven’t gone onto the second book yet, but hope to soon. I love YA, and don’t care who knows… LOL
Hi Freda! Thanks so much for reading but also liking my review! And yes, you are right ! I do secretly love this book just because of the pure genius behind it, and this is of course because of the author and her writing. I think I actually need to read more YA, do you recommend any specific YA novels or series!? Thanks so much for commenting!
Hi there! I have not spoken to you in a very long time, I just wanted to see how you have been and what great books you have read recently? I am in dire need of book recommendations and I know you probably have many! I am looking forward to hearing from you!
I still need to read City of Bones. I really want to read it, but I just can’t seem to bring myself to do it. One of the reasons is the romance, I try to avoid YA novels with romance in them. I’m too old to find it thrilling and romantic, I’m 27, and most of the time I find myself rolling my eyes. I wish I could have read this series when I was a teenager, I probably would have loved it then. That being said, I’ll definitely read it eventually, hopefully sooner rather than later.
I understand completely what you mean, with everything you just wrote. Thank you so much for commenting though you seem so lovely! I would definitely recommend checking it out, it will be worth it!
Hi there! I have not spoken to you in a very long time, I just wanted to see how you have been and what great books you have read recently? I am in dire need of book recommendations and I know you probably have many! I am looking forward to hearing from you!
Hi! Actually, this year I’ve been only reading manga. I’m sort of on a very long chapter book reading slump. If you enjoy manga, then perhaps I do have some recommendations.
Hi again! I am SO sorry for my delayed reply, I messaged you but then took forever so I am so sorry!
lol No worries!
I understand the dislike with books with long chapters, I have gone off these too, I just do not have that much time!
I actually have not read much Manga though but I would love to!
Can you please let me know some recomendations? I look forward to hearing from you!
If you want something a little more “grown up” and you like a bit of mystery and Scifi I recommend “20th Century Boys” by Naoki Urasawa. Actually I recommend this series to everyone. If you want something sweet but not your typical shojo series I recommend “Otomen” by Aya Kanno and “Dengeki Daisy” by Kyousuke Motomi. I also recommend “Skip Beat” but that’s a long series and I’m not sure if you’re willing to into it. And of course the must read series is “Fruits Basket” by Natsuki Takaya.
Thank you so much for all of these amazing recommendations! These sound wonderful and I am going to investigate them more, thank you for letting me know!
Can I please ask what 20th Century Boys is about? It sounds like you really love this book so I would love to hear about it from you (:
Great review ! wow !
Thank you so much you are so kind! Are you a mortal instruments fan?
Correct me if i am wrong aint 17-24/25 is called the young adult age ? I know interests differ but YA section is my fav 😛
Thanks for commenting!
Hi there! I have not spoken to you in a very long time, I just wanted to see how you have been and what great books you have read recently? I am in dire need of book recommendations and I know you probably have many! I am looking forward to hearing from you!
Whew that as intense. I only had tie to sit down and really type a proper comment on this review. First of all I soooo agree with love triangles. I mean come on, how can too many ladies be so indecisive and coy? You can’t have two! Plus I think they over-complicate which might work if the only purpose of the author is to extend the novel. I’m in the same boat with YA. I have only started dabbling into it, and while doing my research I saw how this was super hyped up. Like it has a cult following… Read more »
Gosh I so agree with you on the writing of heavier reads! I just marvel at how eloquent and rich the descriptions are. I find myself having a more vivid picture of how things are when I read them! You write really well and I feel like we have things in common when it comes to books 🙂
You worded that perfectly, yes! I love how ‘eloquent’ and ‘rich’ the descriptions are. I find myself reading them over and over again, psyching myself up for the actual novel! And yes! More detail for your mind to work with. Your imagination goes into over drive and it is such an amazing feeling. And we do ! You’re like my soul book sister or something. Don’t be a stranger !
I sure won’t now!
Hi there! I have not spoken to you in a very long time, I just wanted to see how you have been and what great books you have read recently? I am in dire need of book recommendations and I know you probably have many! I am looking forward to hearing from you!