Book Review: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
City of Bones is the first book in the Mortal Instruments Series by Cassandra Clare. A young adult paranormal novel, it follows the journey of Clary, a teenage girl whose mother has just been kidnapped. Delving into the lives of Shadowhunters, Clary uncovers a world where all kinds of demons live side by side with humans. Vampires, werewolves, and a plethora of bad guys abound as they try to locate her mother – she alone holds the key to the location of an important artefact called the Mortal Cup, a device that can make more Shadowhunters.
Helping Clary on her mission is her charming best friend Simon and bad boy Jace. With both competing for her love and attention, Clary cannot help be distracted by them. However, as she learns more about her past and her future, the situation only gets murkier.
Facing the epitome of evil, Valentine, Clary must decide what she is prepared to risk for her new life and status amongst the Shadowhunters. With a twist that changes everything, her choices promise another exciting adventure in book two.
City of Bones is a cross between Twilight and Harry Potter yet the story is unique and intricate. Clary is a strong character that can hold her own, even if a little naïve. All the supporting characters have enough of a story to keep you interested and want to know more about them. By far, Jace is the most interesting of characters and I look forward to seeing what he does next.
Clare weaves a world that is both new and exciting, something we have yet to see in novels before. If you enjoy a good love story, some mystical forces, and an adventure, you are sure to love City of Bones.
Review done by Jamie Campbell.
