Review: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Thursday, January 6, 2011


Book: City of Bones
Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Release date: February 19, 2008
Source: Local library

Summary: (from Goodreads) When fifteen-year-old 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 teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing - not even a smear of blood - to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. 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 ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know....

Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare's ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.


First impressions: The opening nightclub scene in NYC was fun and intriguing, so I got hooked in right away. I have to admit, however, that the large Stephenie Meyer quote on the front cover of this edition was distracting. I was not a fan of this cover. It doesn't have anything to do with my experience with the book matter, but...duly noted.

Lasting impressions: I was not a big fan of the twist at the end. **SPOILER AHEAD** I didn't want Jace and Clary to be brother/sister. I wanted them to fall in love! It was Luke and Leia disappointment all over again. Sigh.

Negative impressions: I didn't have major issues with this book. Other than the twist ending and cover, I have no real complaints.

Overall impressions: I really liked this book. From the moment Clary's mom went missing, I was invested in how Clary was going to get her back. Clare does a good job of setting up some tension in the relationship between Clary, her mother and Luke. From the first scene, we know something is up in this world of the Shadowhunters, and with enough tidbits and clues thrown in along the way, we start to piece together the truth about Clary's family. I thought the pacing and flow of information to the reader were handled well.

**SPOILER AHEAD**There is also a nice dose of unrequited love thrown in between Clary and Simon, her best friend. Normally this situation is bungled by writers who can't seem to quite work out how those feelings are discussed among teenagers. Here, I felt Clare had a perfect grasp on what a boy says to his best friend who he happens to love. The scene where this is revealed had spot on dialogue that hit all the right emotions square on the head.

This was a solid book from start to finish, with lots of promise for the rest of the series. I thought Clary was a great protagonist, and her dialogue with Simon and Jace seemed honest and warm. The plot had enough mystery to keep me hooked until the end, and the final battles were well paced. I'm looking forward to the next installment.

Rating: 4/5 stars


4stars


Steampunkery & Book Reviews

8 comments:

Aylee said...

Someone spoiled the brother/sister twist for me before I even read the book so I knew what was coming and wasn't too annoyed by it. If it is any consolation, I was satisfied with the ending of the 3rd book and I think you will be, too.

Logan E. Turner said...

I'm looking forward to the next books. Bummer that somebody spoiled the book for you! I hate that. It ruined My Sister's Keeper for me when somebody let slip the ending.

Mia said...

I also included this on my YA Series book list! I need to skip some parts of your review :p But, this is a great pick for the challenge! :)

Amanda the Aspiring said...

Hmm...I've been debating about whether to read this series or not. 4 out of 5 stars? I think I will. Thanks for reviewing it. =)

brandileigh2003 said...

Thanks for the review! This is one of my fave series. That twist really got me too!
Brandi from Blkosiner’s Book Blog

Unknown said...

I just love seeing my button on the bottom. Surprisingly, it took me a while to get it just as Morbid as that. Of course, I'm not such a intelligent person when it comes to photo manipulation. Someday though.

Lovely review, Jace is something different to hit the fictional boyfriend scene. & the twist! Yes, the twist. *sigh*

I must say I also agree so much with the Meyer quote. It pulls towards his chest but completely mares it with her quote. WHY?

Mad Scientist
http://madsteampunkery.blogspot.com

Jamie said...

I haven't read this book yet. Sounds interesting!

Diana said...

I most definitely agree with you in regards to the twist at the end! I think Mrs. Clare is super cruel to have done that to us, her readers. Like you, I wanted Jace and Clary to fall in love... :( but deep down i know its a trick.... it has to be! (i know that probably sounded super lame, but that's EXACTLY what i thought to myself after I finished reading CofB). Have you started City of Ashes? I'm halfway & so far so good :) i'll be on the look out for your review!

Diana

Post a Comment

I love to hear from my readers, so please don't hesitate to comment. Good or bad, inspired reflection or spontaneous babble - I love them all!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
 
Blog Design by Use Your Imagination Designs all images from the Poet's Keepsakes kit by Lorie Davison
Related Posts with Thumbnails