City of Bones (TMI #1) – Review

I did a buddy read for this book with Misty from Mistysbookspace. She is really sweet and friendly so go check out her blog right now. Also, it was my first buddy read and I enjoyed it 💕.

No. Of pages – 485

Published – 27th March, 2007

Author – Cassandra Clare

Goodreads Plot – 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.

Shadowhunters: Looking better in black than the widows of our enemy since 1234 .

Review : Before getting into this book, I read some reviews on Goodreads and it isn’t a surprise that either people hate it or like it. I am not ashamed to say that I belong to the later part. I didn’t hate it.

City of Bones was an enjoyable introduction to the world or Nephilim (Shadowhunters). Cassandra Clare created a vivid and parallel world that wasn’t hard to get into. It was a fantastic mix of elements like Vampires, Demons, Warlocks, Werewolves, Angels, Shadowhunters etc.

The characters are great with witty and punchy dialogue. There were some parts with humor that literally made me laugh out loud. Specially with Jace and his sarcasm.

The whole Shadowhunter thing oozes with coolness. The world was funny, dark, sleek, sexy and hopeful. There was some action and dramatic effect.

I also appreciate Cassandra Clare for writing LGBTQIAP+ characters back on 2007. It wasn’t well appreciated then, glad to see that she had the guts to write it.

The characters were well developed and I felt different way about each one of them. Let’s get into the analysis –

Clary – I didn’t have much problem with her and found her to be likeable.

Jace- I am not his biggest fangirl but I liked his sense of humor and weird personality.

Isabelle- The most likable character for me in this book. I liked how badasss and sexy she was.

Alec- I am not sure how I feel about him yet. A little dramatic for sure.

Magnus- Loved him at once.

Luke and Jocelyn- Hope to see more of their complicated history.

Valentine- Certainly needs to be more badass as a villain.

Not giving it a 5 stars because some parts were overdone and too dramatic. Overall, I enjoyed it and I am going to continue with the series hoping to like them. Oh and this was my first Cassandra Clare book.

Have you read The Mortal Instruments yet?

Do you like it?