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
One day...or just the movie instead
ReplyDeleteVacay? Why didn't I ship myself to you then? :)
ReplyDeleteOh I have this one and the next one on my tbr and so need to get to them. Might have to feature it on Throwback Thurs. :)
I enjoyed the last part of this book, but I thought the beginning was a little slow. I read it a year ago and I still haven't pick up the next book.
ReplyDeleteI will definitely have to read this series! Several people have recommended it to me and I must get through it before the movie comes out :)
ReplyDelete-Bee
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