Quick Book Review: City of Bones

Book: City of Bones

Author: Cassandra Clare

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Genre: YA Fantasy

Synopsis: City of Bones is the first in Cassandra Clare’s The Mortal Instruments series. It follows 15 year old Clary who first sees Shadowhunters ( unknown to her at the time that that’s who they were) at a club where she had gone to with her best friend, Simon. The thing is, she is the only one who can see them! From then on, she begins noticing strange happenings around her. When her mom suddenly announces that they will be going away mid-summer, Clary is not impressed. She goes with Simon to a poetry reading gig where Clary once again encounters the Shadowhunters. From here, her life becomes completely changed and she is introduced to a world she never knew existed! Following a series of dramatic (and life threatening) events, Clary comes to learn that everything she knew as true to her identity is really not. She is on a journey of self discovery among some of the deadliest creatures in existence.

This book was one that had me pumped up with love-hate feelings. I was constantly exasperated by the main character of this book, Clary. In my opinion, she seemed too naive and also a bit of a Ms Know-It-All and not in a good way. I had to actively remind myself that she is 15 years old and at that age, her behavior is probably expected. That aside, the story line was interesting to follow. Just when you think you’ve gotten the hang of things, an unexpected occurrence comes along and proves you wrong. Clary’s road to finding out the truth about herself and her family will leave you loving some of the people she encounters (Jace being my favorite) and hating some of the people she encounters. The book ends in a cliffhanger, following a realization that makes things awkward for Clary and us as the readers. The only fact I had against this book is that it felt a bit familiar to me. Perhaps because I overindulged in books about the supernatural world when I was younger. Nevertheless, it was a good read and I am definitely going to be reading City of Ashes (Book 2) soon because I can’t stand not knowing what happens next!