"City of Bones" follows the story of Clary, a teenage girl who discovers a hidden world of Shadowhunters, angels, and demons after her mother disappears. Set in New York City, the plot revolves around Clary's journey to uncover the truth about her past, her connection to the supernatural world, and her attempts to save her mother. The writing style is described as engaging, with vivid descriptions that immerse readers into the fantastical world created by the author, Cassandra Clare.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include violence, mild profanity, and themes surrounding kidnapping and trauma.
Has Romance?
There is a high level of romance in the story, primarily through the dynamics between Clary and Jace.
From The Publisher:
Discover the world of the Shadowhunters in the first installment of the internationally bestselling Mortal Instruments series and "prepare to be hooked" (Entertainment Weekly). City of Bones is a Shadowhunters novel.
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 people covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. And she's more than a little startled when the body disappears into thin air. Soon Clary is introduced to the world of the Shadowhunters, a secret cadre of warriors dedicated to driving demons out of our world and back to their own. And Clary is introduced with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is almost killed by a grotesque monster. How could a mere human survive such an attack and kill a demon? The Shadowhunters would like to know…
Ratings (526)
Incredible (65) | |
Loved It (172) | |
Liked It (142) | |
It Was OK (89) | |
Did Not Like (35) | |
Hated It (23) |
Reader Stats (865):
Read It (560) | |
Currently Reading (5) | |
Want To Read (177) | |
Did Not Finish (9) | |
Not Interested (114) |
13 comment(s)
Loved this book as a young teen... massively problematic as an adult.
Definitely could tell it was washed fanfic but it was a fun read.
It was pretty good
Love, love, love, love this book!! Jace is the sexiest blond ever described in a book. I am so excited for the movie!!
I really wasn't all too excited to read this book, but I figured I'd give it a shot and was pleasantly surprised. It was a fast, enjoyable read with loads of action and an intriguing storyline. The characters were realistic - with funny AND annoying traits. Plus, I was really engaged in the world the author created.
The downfall was the book had shades of VC Andrews running through it. But I got over it and can't wait to read Book 2!
it's a good book
Fast and fun read
I know people are hating on Cassandra Clare for this series specifically buuuuuut sorry I love her writing, I love the world she built, and I love her characters. I was obsessed with it in late middle school and early high school and it holds such a special place in my heart. But I promise it's not all nostalgia! I was surprised at how well the book held up for being something I read in middle school. You will probably know if you'll like the series by the end of the first book.
Y'all might hate me for this but Simon was AWFUL in this book. It's the classic annoying trope of the "nice guy" best friend who gets mad at the girl for not liking him (page 3) (yes literally the third page of the book and it's already a problem). Something that always bothers me is that even if Jace or the other Shadowhunters say something that is objectively right Simon will not agree because he doesn't like them. Even to the point that when they are explaining that Valentine is going to have people drink from the mortal cup, including children who cannot consent to this and adults who have the chance of dying, Simon says, "Turning a bunch of kids into warriors - I've heard of worse things happening... I don't see the big deal." WHAT! (page 170)
On the flip side, Jace is so much hotter than I remember him. I love his little snarky remarks and I love that he not only protects Clary physically but also defends her to other Shadowhunters that she should be included. I really like Clary and Jace's relationship. It's obviously in its very early stages but they have so many cute moments like when he bites into a sandwich and doesn't like it so he hands it to her to finish (page 114). And he notices when she doesn't eat (page 177). And he can tell when her sarcasm changes from playful to upset (page 240). These may seem like small things but they haven't known each other very long. It shows that he really pays attention to her (and we know she pays attention to him).
I love Clary. I love hearing the books from her point of view. At one point she notices that Jace can raise a single eyebrow and she's jealous because she can't (page 197) and then AGAIN with Hodge (page 249). I don't know, I find stuff like that really tells you about a character, as stupid as it sounds. I love that she describes things in an artist's way, like when she describes Raphael with "honey-colored skin of a Diego Rivera painting" (page 292).
And she's so nice and everyone is mean to her, even Simon! Obviously, the Shadowhunters (except Jace) don't like Clary because she wasn't raised by them, which is dumb. We all know you need more warriors and at this time Clary might not want that but did you ask? Or did you lead with hostility? Mhm, that's what I thought. They literally go out of their way to be dicks to her, especially Alec. (Just because we know why doesn't make it right!) And yes even Simon. She is going through the worst week of her life, she just lost both her mother and her stand-in father and you want to yell at her that she's stupid for thinking that you just wanted to be her friend with no ulterior motives? Right after she risked her life to save you? AND HE DOES IT ON HER BIRTHDAY (page 358)!
I like Alec but he can be annoying. But probably an appropriate amount of annoying for a closeted teenager with a crush.
Luke is EVERYTHING to me. He's not only Clary's father figure but he's MINE! He's smart, he's calm, he's a badass! Apparently, anywhere he goes he just becomes the head of the werewolf clan? He's just that strong?
Final thoughts:
The obsession is reemerging. I'm so happy this series is as good as I remember it being <3
Am I really going to go this entire review without talking about the incest? I guess so.
Re-read this book the last week after way too many years. Yes, I liked it again. But I think the younger me was too biased with this books 😂
Really? Incest? Granted they aren't, but THEY DON'T KNOW!
What can you read after
City of Bones?
About the Author:
Cassandra Clare is the author of the #1 New York Times, USA TODAY, Wall Street Journal, and Publishers Weekly bestselling Shadowhunter Chronicles. She is also the coauthor of the bestselling fantasy series Magisterium with Holly Black. The Shadowhunter Chronicles have been adapted as both a major motion picture and a television series. Her books have more than fifty million copies in print worldwide and have been translated into more than thirty-five languages. Cassandra lives in western Massachusetts with her husband and three fearsome cats. Visit her at CassandraClare.com. Learn more about the world of the Shadowhunters at Shadowhunters.com.
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