City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1) Review

City of Bones (Immortal Instruments #1)

Cassandra Clare 

Publisher: Simon Pulse

When Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder. Much less a murder commited 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, golden-haired Jace. 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 an ordinary mundane like Clary? And how did she suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know... 

This was a good summer read. I actually read it sitting by the pool in Portugal with the sun shining and a cold Sprite nearby. I wanted to read the book before the film comes out later this summer and I sped through the pages fairly quickly and thought it was quite fun if a little predictable at times. Clary our heroine and guide to the newly discovered Shadowhunters of New York, where those with a special abilities defend humanity from demons and creatures of evil. Clary is very likeable and manages to balance confusion and bewilderment with the new world she finds herself in with feisty determination to discover the truth and find her Mom. At times I was a little annoyed that she didn’t seem to be able to anticipate what was coming – maybe I’ve just read too many book but some of the twists and turns seemed obvious to me! 

The conversations between teenagers seemed very natural and I did enjoy the banter between all the teens as it made them seem very realistic and easier to relate too. Jace was an interesting character with a tough upbringing although he mellowed as the story progressed. However, I much preferred Simon as he seemed to be braver and more willing to risk everything for Clary – having no supernatural powers but refusing to be left out! There is plenty of action in some truly spectacular locations – very cinematic so I am looking to forward to see how they transfer to film! The story is well balanced between fast action, big revelations, soul searching and unrequited romance. I can see how this series is so popular, with some great teenaged characters who drive the plot forward. However, I felt the adult were underwritten. They seemed to behave like teens themselves rather than adults and not thinking things through. That dropped me out of the story on occasion – when an adult character who has acted as a father figure to Clary for as long as she can remember tells her to stay away and not search for her mum, then pretty much abandons her with nowhere to go, it jarred me. 

Overall this was a fun, light read which I enjoyed. Although considering the size of my TBR pile, I won’t be rushing out to read the rest of the series straight away. Hopefully I will get to them before the second film is released! :)

Recommended for fans of Julie Kagawa and Richelle Mead. 7.5 out of 10

Guest Review: Clockwork Angel

Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1)
Cassandra Clark

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Magic is dangerous—but love is more dangerous still.
When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos. Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What’s more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own. Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by—and torn between—two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length . . . everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world. . . . and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

I'm never quite sure what to make of prequels. They invariably offer an interesting background to later events, and there is definitely a certain frisson to seeing the younger version of later heros/heroines, or indeed their ancestors. However, unless you have read the original series recently, or are lucky enough to have an excellent memory for book plots (like Mel!) they can often prove frustrating. There are people I know I should remember, but can't, and events happen that I know are significant to later-occurring books, but just can't remember what!

However, if I had not known that Clockwork Angel was a prequel to Cassandra Clare's highly readable Mortal Instruments series, you would be reading a review with very little negativity at all. Whilst most definitely of the YA genre, with plenty of teenage angst and belief in their own invincibility, Clockwork Angel is a rampantly engaging book. A supernatural Victorian London is always a good setting for a novel, full of soot and fog and dark street corners. Add into the mix an unknowingly supernatural heroine, two very troubled but dashing heros, some dastardly villains and an author with flair, and Clockwork Angel is easy to consume in a day.

Yes, the action sequences, whilst edged with peril and adrenaline, are not as graphic and absorbing as you are treated to by authors such as James Barclay. There are also a few storyline 'hints' that to an experienced reader are almost clangers. These don't detract from the overall readability though, and if you enjoy the YA genre, I'm sure you will enjoy Clockwork Angel too. One for fans of Becca Fitzpatrick and Jana Oliver, 7.5 out of 10