Author: Cassandra Clare
Genre: YA Fantasy
Pages: 485
Published: April 2009
Rating: 3.5/5 - amazingly, engaging story but some major plot holes
As I mentioned in my New Years post, I was looking forward to reviewing this. But I wanted to objectively review 'The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones', so I just reread it, I hope you enjoy...Summary: Clary Fray is a ordinary teenage girl who never feels like she completely belongs in our world. After seeing Jace Wayland for the first time (when no one else could), she is slowly introduced into the world of shadow hunters and everything that comes with it. But after her mum is seemingly taken, Clary realizes that she is much more involved in this new world than she first thought. In a fierce mission to find her mum, she unearths a whole lot more than she wanted.
Overall likes: What I like about this book is how engaging and interesting the story is. The plot of each character knits together with ease, creating a complex yet realistic background on which the book is based. Maybe the content is not the most unique: werewolves, vampires, magic and hot mysterious guys? We've definitely seen them before. But something about 'The Mortal Instruments' oozes coolness. There are plenty of compelling details that really pull you into the world that Cassandra has created. Is it the small details that are seamlessly slipped in without fault? Or is it the almost excitable way that the world is painted around you- discovering it as Clary does? I don't know.
But with all the points I'm going to make in an objective way- bare in mind, this is my favourite book series for a reason.
Plot: I really enjoyed the story of the first book in 'The Mortal Instrument' series. The story begins almost immediately, no dilly dallying, but without confusing the reader. However I must say that the pacing of the plot varies throughout the book, at points the action comes quick and exciting. But there are points where the activity slows right down, almost to a halt. This can be tedious, but for me, the occasional slow in pace was a much needed break so I could catch up and really imagine the world that Cassandra was creating.
There are a few plot twists and faults which are properly explained in the later books which help hold the anticipation throughout, if not maybe a little predictable. The 'I am your father' twist, did remind me of a different, rather more famous sci-fi. There are some other issues with the plot that I couldn't help notice? Clary is determined not to believe that her mother was at all involved in this magical world. Fair enough... But surely she would be a little more shocked or overwhelmed by the whole thing. Anyway, the plot was good but really develops and improves throughout the series.
Characters? You either love them or you hate them, but luckily, I loved them. Maybe they're a bit stereotypical but they are likeable and have an enticing chemistry which is endearing to read.
You have your sweet, pretty protagonist Clary. A little self conscious and feels out of place but thrives when she's pushed head first into the shadow hunters world. She's developed but maybe not quite as much as I would've liked; at first she feels just like an average soppy teenage girl, moaning about love and parents. Not to fault her, she really grew on me throughout 'The City of Bones' and the rest of the series.
Jace: your sexy, leather clad, sullen love interest. I loved his witty, arrogant personality as it was such a contrast to the sweet fluffy Clary. And I hate to say it but he also majorly contrasted Simon who was a bit if a pushover. Maybe his reserved nature prevents the reader from discovering his past, but that kind of gets in the way of loving and empathizing with him. Luckily for us, his past is revealed throughout the series and is one of the main story lines.
Simon is your typical friend zoned nerd that everyone loves. He is sweet and caring for his best friend Cary... but sometimes I'm just screaming at my kindle for him to make a bloody move already. Simon is a good backbone for the plot: stable and constant. You get a well developed character from 'The city of Bones' but trust me when I saw that his part in the plot gets a whole lot bigger in the next book.
Other notable characters are Magnus and Luke. Luke is a down to earth, sensible werewolf (and funnily enough reminds me of Lupin.) Whereas Magnus is a flamboyant, sassy and strong minded warlock. Who isn't afraid to tell either Clary, Jace or Simon what he thinks. What I like about Magnus and Luke is that they are extremely well rounded and advanced for their more minor roles. Both have a strong personalities and back stories that link (but are entirely dependent) to the main story.
I'd say that overall the characters are likeable which engages the reader and do have enough context for one stand alone book. However if you're looking to read the next, you'll be glad to know that a lot more is revealed and built upon.
However much I like the book, I must point out its faults to give you the best review possible...
Dislikes: I think that Cassandra skims over important parts of the book that needs explaining, leaving a lot unanswered. Yes, fair enough because it's part of a series. But I do remember that when reading 'City of Bones' for the first time, I was quite bamboozled by all the new names, places and words that were being flung at me from every direction.
You would probably be fine if you're an avid fantasy reader because the book does seem to use quite a lot of ideas of a traditional YA fantasy. You'll recognize some features from books such as Harry Potter, Star Wars and Twilight- including the infamous love triangle.
On a more positive note, I think that the different traditional ideas used in fantasy, work delightfully yet simply in 'The City of Bones.' Creating a marvellous concoction of imaginative characters in forms which are familiar to the reader. For example, Cassandra does not need to waste time telling us that vampires cannot stand in direct sunlight. Therefore can spend more time on developing this magically alluring world.
Conclusion- This review may of sounded a bit negative, but trust me, it's not. I just wanted to give both aspects of my opinion on this book. Overall, I loved it! I think the world and the characters that Cassandra creates works seamlessly together, drawing the reader in throughout.
Find 'City of Bones' by Cassandra Clare on amazon here
Read about the 'City of Bones' on goodreads here
I hope you enjoyed and keep reading...
Laura Stone x
I absolutely love this series. I devoured the books one after another about a year ago.
ReplyDeleteYeah same, I find them so morish... once I've started reading them I can't stop XD
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