Synopsis: 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….
Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare’s ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.
Review: So many people had asked me if I read read this book and when I said no, I was told I “had to”. I had looked it up on Goodreads first to see what it was all about and the first thing I noticed was mixed reviews. People either loved it or they absolutely hated it, very little in between.
Personally? I loved it. The book is written in third person, but looking through the perspective of Clary. I felt the book explained itself well, it didn’t assume you already knew what nephalism was, it didn’t assume anything. But it also didn’t treat you like you were stupid. The stories the characters told about the Downworlders were detailed enough that it told you what you needed to know, but not too much that it was overwhelming.
I absolutely loved the characters Jace and Simon, I loved the sarcasm, quick wit and vulnerability at times shown by both of these guys at different times throughout the book.
I didn’t really feel the love for Clary’s character. And in hindsight I am really not sure why since the book was basically through her perspective and she seemed like sensible enough young lady. But there was not really too much of a connection built with her in this book I feel. This could perhaps change of course as the series progresses, with City of Bones being the first book in the Mortal Instruments series. If I may use a comparison…I know with Twilight, I felt like I knew Bella so well.. I just didn’t get that with Clary, but I wanted it. I am going to be patient and hope that comes.
I loved how this story progresses throughout the book and here and there little bits and pieces all come together until at the end BAM you know everything about Clary’s family. It was a bit shocking (and I don’t want to spoil, so for those of you who have read it, I am hoping you know what I am referring to).
I cannot deny this book had me drawn in, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I am definitely going to continue with the other books in the series. And I am angry with myself for not reading this earlier!
Rating: 5 out of 5
