Mortal Instruments 01 City of Bones

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Average customer rating 4.3 (23 comments)

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I reread this book after a 3 year hiatus from Cassandra Clare and fell in love all over again. Terrific book! I do wish we'd get more about the antagonists though.

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I picked this book up on a whim; I just thought the cover looked interesting. Well, let me tell you: this book rocked my world. I got totally sucked in! Fun characters, real world setting (with an extra, unseen paranormal layer), and a plot line full of surprise twists and turns. Definitely not just for teens! Highly, highly, highly recommend!!

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This book follows fairly true to the original myths of creatures (or Downworlders, as they’re called in the books), such as vampires, fairies, and werewolves, a nice change from all these Twilight-esque books that are finally falling out of popularity. Vampires in this series can’t go out in the sun and sleep during the day. Werewolves are made up of those infected with Lycanthropy and they change on the full moon. Fairies aren't the innocent creatures that Disney makes them out to be. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw these details in the book, and so I applaud Cassandra for doing her research. The thing that struck me the most out of this book was the societal aspect of it. This book was written in 2007, right around the time that people started to get riled up about the fact that gays couldn't get married. This is one of the few books that I've read that actually includes gay characters and I couldn't be happier about this (other books include Harry Potter and Perks of Being a Wallflower). The main character, Clary, is a very round, dynamic character. She starts the book as a girl who loved art and didn't always get along with her mum. She ended the book more independent and with a new perspective of the world around her. Overall, I'd give the book a 5 out of 5 rating. I like the way it was written and I love the characters.

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Meet Clary Fray. She’s 15, lives with her mom, and has a bit of a submissive streak. Simon is her best friend, and he is a bit of a wallflower. So of course Clary needs to drag him off to a nightclub, Pandemonium. In an equipment room, Clary witnesses three armed teens kill what she thinks is another teen. However, the security guard and Simon don’t see anything. Later, at a poetry reading (Simon’s idea), Clary sees one of the teens, Jace. Clary learns a little about the Shadowhunters and their never-ending quest to slay demons. Of course, she has trouble believing it, but that becomes much easier when she is attacked by a giant bug-like demon in her apartment. With her mother missing, and tons of questions, she turns to Jace and his fellow Shadowhunters for answers. Alec and Isabelle Lightwood live at the Institute with Jace, and the elderly, scholarly Hodge Starkweather. Isabelle can be a bitch, but she is always straight forward. Alec takes a huge dislike to Clary right away. So even though she is temporarily safe from demon bugs, she isn’t exactly being coddled and reassured all will be well. At that is one of the aspects I enjoyed about this book. The Shadowhunters are descendants of the first nephilim, those created from an angel mixing his blood with mortal blood. from this, they derive certain powers, such as the Sight which allows Clary to see Jace and crew at the night club. The Shadowhunters also have other magical means, such as runes they draw upon their skin and then call upon for protection or healing. Yeah, it stings a bit, but they endure. they also have years of training in more mundane defense skills; hand-to-hand combat, various weapons training. Only Isabelle cooks, and she does that badly. Other than that, these teens all seem able to clean & dress themselves and order in when hungry. The over all mystery was pretty compelling. Clary soon finds out her mother is more than she ever knew, along with he mother’s long-term boyfriend Luke. Turns out the Mortal Cup, which was used by the angel to make the first nephilim, has been missing for a generation. It disappeared when the evil warlock Valentine was destroyed. Or was he? So plenty to explore there, both in Clary’s present and also in the past. The story quickly develops a love triangle, which then becomes a quadrangle, and then a pentangle. At that point, it’s just best to call it the Love Tangle. These teens need to get out more and meet more people, period. At first I was a little annoyed at the love triangle, but by the time we got to the Love Tangle, I could only chuckle at it. I don’t think anyone’s going to get laid. While some of the plot twists were predictable, the author still executed them with drama and scenery. Yep, scenery. They were quite lovely scenes, just predictable. And Clary seemed to spend 90% of the book reacting to her surroundings or doing what someone else tells her to do. She rarely acted on her own. But other than those points, it was a fun jaunt through YA. Will I read the next book? Hmm….I don’t know. If I find it on the library shelf while browsing and queue isn’t already full, sure.

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I was pleasantly surprised by this book. At first I was worried it would be another angsty teenage romance-athon with plot interwoven purely for the sake of still being able to call it a novel. But the history and setting of the book is interesting, the dialogue is snappy and surprisingly funny, and there are a few genuine twists that definitely serve as a suitable surprise. The prose and descriptions can be a bit overtly flowery at times, but overall a very solid read.

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Love this book. I'm not in my teens anymore. But in you like paranormal this book has everything. you follow a bunch of characters so it never gets boring. Cassandra clare is a brilliant writer. She keeps you hooked all the way to the last page and then makes you beg for more.

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I started this series after reading the prequels and decided that these couldn't be any better than those; I was wrong. City of Ashes captured a modern world full of excitement, demons, and romance. It was impossible to put down and the rest of the series is just as amazing.

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Loved this book! If you enjoy a good read and a page turner, I highly recommend this novel. Non-stop action and suspense, a little love triangle and some comic relief; plus an excellent writer to top it off. When you're finished you'll want nothing more than to go buy the second book. What could be better than a story you don't want to stop reading??

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The first time I read City of Bones I was in middle school and had not yet gotten into the world of books. But after reading this book, in one day flat, I was hooked. This is the book that changed my views on reading and it will always be my favorite! I recommend this book to every person who does and doesn't enjoy reading :)<3>

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Paranormal is all the rage now and this book is all about the paranormal. Now, it may not be all that traditional, but it is a brilliant book. Not only does it have action, it has love, forbidden feelings, choices and descions. The world in the book surrounds you as you read and you almost feel as if you are in the world itself. If you want a story that leaves you amazed and a little giddy, this book is defiantly for you.

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This book kept me on my toes, left my jaw dropped, and even sent shivers down my spine! City of Bones is an intriguing, thrill ride! Not only is City of Bones a fantastic book, but so are the other books in the series. With just the turn of the front cover page, you are revealed to a roller coaster of an adventure!

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a truly wonderful book

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I love fantasy stories like Harry Potter and the Twilight series and when I heard about this series I first thought that it seemed like a rip off of those 2 stories but I was soooo wrong. City of Bones is clever, quirky and fantastical. I love the images it gives me, the descriptions of the city, the surroundings and the people. I feel like it's somewhere that exists in our own reality but once you close the book you are back in our world. It's great for teens and adults alike with a different kind of sophistication that you don't necessarily get from some of the other books. I suggest this to anyone that likes a good ride through a fun world of make believe. hard to put down.Can't wait to see this as a movie!

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Things you should probably know right off the bat: 1. This is a paranormal book series that was supposed to end as a trilogy but has been extended. 2. Character development is limited as much of it is introducing the world and revving up for the big fight scenes. 3. Young Adult novels are just all the rage now and so are paranormal young adult novels (and unfortunately, there is only so many different spins on paranormal that can happen before it is all "been there done that". The first three books are interesting and worthy of a quick read if you are just looking for pure entertainment.

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I love this series!

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Sometimes when you've read too many fantasy books jammed packed with goblins, demon's and angels you really get sick of it. But don't give up yet! Cassandra Clare has created a dazzling book that leaves you breathless with excitment. Moments where you urge Clary on, want to slap Jace's face or give Simon a big huge are moments where you realize how great this book is.

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This was a really poorly written book I didn't even finish it. I was glad I borrowed it and didn't waste good money on it. I picked it up as the author is well known in the harry potter fandom realm of Drarry fanfic. Sadly the author should have stuck to fanfic. Clary? Cassandra? Really? That is not a stretch at all it is clear that "Clary" is a poorly written character and a poor attempt to conceal the fact that it is a self insertion, too mary-sue. Save your money and get it from the library. Or try Holly Black, Sarah Rees Brennan, Scott Westerfeld, Lauren Kate or Becca Roberts Fitzpatrick.

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Having had her 'sight' taken from her every 2 years, Clarrisa (Clary) Fray never knew her mother was a Shadowhunter. She never even knew what that was or that they existed. Now Clary is thrown into the world that her mother (Jocelyn) had tried so hard to keep her away from. To get her started, she had to battle some half demons, including the type that had kidnapped her mother. Clary found herself and her new Shadowhunter friends (Jace Wayland and Isabelle and Alec Lightwood) searching for a very special cup that had been stolen many years earlier from the leaders of the Shadowhunters. In there time together (so far), they fight against the forsaken, raveners, vampires, werewolves and other demons or half demons. Book 1 ..... What a way to be introduced to this group of teens. I like the characters, the way of bringing them all together was great. I also liked the reality of the dislike that was felt with Alec and Isabelle even if the slight twist changed the way they interact with Clary. Most of this story was predictable, even the twist wasn't a complete surprise. This book is considered for young adults, it is about teens, but I have to warn about a bit (small bit) of language, and some violence (of course, they are fighting demons) and there is also a bit of alcohol, drug and sex talk (but not much). Looking forward to book 2: "City of Ashes"

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Wow! Utterly astonishing! I know you've heard it all before but Cassandra Clare's Young Adult debut City of Bones is scrumptious! City of Bones is an epic fantasy expedition that seduced me from the beginning & made me turn into something resembling Jello (the red one)! Yes, I was shivering from my Neiman Marcus Target slippers to my corkscrew curls. City of Bones was a fast-paced read that was jam-packed w/ action so dynamic I was flushed from excitement. Whew! City of Bones is not your usual young adult tale littered w/ fluff or recycled plots resembling some overdone vampire theme. Over that. City of Bones is a vivacious saga resplendent in dialogue. Cassandra Clare penned an enthralling safari & her Mortal Instruments series exhibits Clare is one exceptionally talented scribe. Clare's rendering of Clary as an unparalleled, three-dimensional, empowering heroine is simply a breath of fresh air (am I the only one who thinks Clary Fray is an uber chic rear kickin' fantasy version of Cassandra Clare). City of Bones is plush in ambiance. Clare simply excels in this gripping young adult fantasy. City of Bones is as opulent as the highest budget Hollywood production; infact, the book just seems to come to life. It was an electrifying read. Clare held nothing back when she created this mesmerizing legend. City of Bones delves in dealing w/ family secrets & coming-of-age themes w/ a deft hand. City of Bones melds humor, romance & magic into exquisite subplots that seem immeasurable. One word to describe Clare's arresting tale? Spellbinding! Clary's puzzling feelings for Jace are written w/ compassion & understanding. Kudos to Clare for handling all the perplexing emotions Clary experiences poignantly. Clare pulls you into her vibrant world of Shadowhunters, demons, faeries, humans, vampires & werewolves! Whew! Genius! I did have a few things figured out way before they were unveiled in the story, but that's because I have a vivid imagination. City of Bones was like watching a movie ~ so darn theatrical ~ it was breathtaking! What I love especially about City of Bones is the third person narration! Aahh, Clare showcases more than one character’s experiences! Love that! City of Bones is truly a jaw-dropping experience. Just in case you've missed the boat, grab a copy of City of Bones & be prepared for a thrill ride like no other.

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It's easy to like the main character, Clary, because she is down-to-earth and no matter what she always seems like a real person. This book not only has a fascinating plot, but the writing holds its own all the way. There are so many twists and turns right to the very end...and you won't see them coming. With editing help from greats like Holly Black, this book will have you reading other Cassandra Clare novels as soon as they hit the shelves.

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Saturday Night and you have nothing to do... READ this book!. I seriously spend all night reading it 8:30 P.M.- 6:11 A.M.! Just read it.

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One distressing evening in an all-ages goth club, fifteen-year-old Clary Fray is the sole witness to what at first appears to be a murder -- except the murdered boy does not seem to be entirely human, and his body disappears immediately. His murderers, two teenage boys and a girl (all extremely beautiful), seem shocked and disturbed that Clary can see them. And thus opens an entire can of worms... I don't feel it's giving away too much to give you a basic idea of the cosmology. Basically, the teens Clary meets are young Shadowhunters, otherwise known as Nephilim. They are not entirely human; legend has it that they have the blood of angels. Shadowhunters are charged with destroying demons (which both literally feed off humans and in a more general sense off of the energy of our world) and Downworlders who start preying on humans: warlocks, witches, faeries, and of course the ever-popular werewolves and vampires. Meh... This is sort of an amalgamation of Holly Black's work and some of the better supernatural romances out there. It's not bad, but it's not really that great, either. Clare manages to have eleventy-billion plot elements going at once, many of which are not fully fleshed out, and yet at the same time the book feels bloated and at least 100 pages too long. I saw most of the plot twists coming a mile away. What's frustrating for me as a reader is that a lot of these novels end up feeling like some kind of "plug in the plot elements and go" situation. The author has clearly tried to make City of Bones stand out by adding some original elements, but I felt those were overshadowed by the same old club scenes, same old vampires, etc. The werewolves are actually pretty awesome, but they're totally underused. I believe this is Clare's first novel, so I am still interested in what she does next, and I'll probably read the sequels. I mean, despite all my complaints, I DID gallop through this at an enormous pace.

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This is an excellent novel for both boys and girls ages thirteen and up. I prefer this series to the Twilight saga hands down as the main character, Clary, is much stronger and a better female role model than Stephenie Meyer's Bella was. This novel is full of action, adventure, fantasy, and romance. It's the type of book that will make you laugh out loud, gasp, and jump with fright. I would recommend this book to everyone, even if they're not a fantasy fan; because the fantasy aspect is not overbearing enough for it to be a total fantasy book.