City Of Bones (Mortal Instruments series book one) By Cassandra Clare

This review goes over the reasons it is a good book as well as the main parts and ideas (I tried for no spoilers).

The book is set in modern day New York, with a few main characters of Clary, Simon, Jace, Alec, Isabelle, Valentine, Joycelyn, and Luke. Clary a round dynamic character, struggles to come to terms with her past and who she really is. She learns Valentine is the reason her past was hidden from her, and that he meant to acquire the mortal cup. Valentine is the main antagonist in the book, and is always in the way of Clary’s needs. The inciting incident in this book was when Valentine sent a demon to Clary’s house while she is out, and took her mother as bait for Clary. Clary goes searching for answers and gets taken to the shadowhunter institute by Jace, Alec, and, Isabelle. Clary discovers she has special powers just like her mother, and uses them to help her find the mortal cup. I feel like many teens will identify with the characters extremely well as they are just like us except of course part angel. I would definitely recommend this book to any mature teens and anyone interested in fantasy mixed with the modern day world. It is quite like the Percy Jackson and Harry Potter series in that sense. The book (and series) has everything from comedy, romance, action, and drama. At the end of the story things calm down a bit, but don't worry they pick up again in book two!

… If you enjoyed the book I would strongly recommend the City of bones movie and Shadowhunters tv series. They highlight and keep important parts from the book, but also add in action, adventure and romance. Both are on Netflix!

The City of Bones book can be a little confusing at first for some readers, but I give this book a 9/10 for its tactical plot twists, and strange events that keep the reader second guessing on every turn. 

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- Jasmine Laidlaw