I loved this book. It was a great introduction to one of my favorite series. I really liked the characters and how they interact with each other. I think it was really well written and it flowed well. Plus I love the fact that it doesn't take a long time to get into the action like some books do. Within the first chapter there was already action and it really kept me interested till the end. ( )

Review Courtesy of Allthingsurbanfantasy.blogspot.com
If Harry Potter and Wicked Lovely had a book baby it would be City of Bones. I had been looking forward to reading this book for a long time, and I really have no good reason for waiting as long as I did.

Good world building is paramount in urban fantasy, and City of Bones, if a little small feeling at times, doesn’t disappoint. In the Bible, Nephilim are the children of humans and fallen angles, but in City of Bones (COB), they are the result of the Angel Raziel mixing his own blood with human blood together in a magical Mortal Cup. Nephilim, known as Shadowhunters, are demon hunters that exist (along with angels, demons, vampires, werewolves, faeries etc.) in an alternate New York.

15 going on 16 year old Clary Fray accidentally stumbles into this world when she witnesses three teenage Shadowhunters kill a demon in human guise. Clary and her mundane (basically muggle, or human) best friend Simon are soon swept up into a race to find the Mortal Cup before it falls into the hands of the villainous former Shadowhunter Valentine.

Packed with lots of action, and young romantic angst, COB is not groundbreaking in any way, but it is a fun read for lovers of paranormal YA. There are some lengthy explanatory passages that feel out of place given the urgency of the situation in which they appear. Some of the glib/pithy dialogue falls flat, especially when uttered when other characters were near death etc. Pulled me out of the story a bit.

I’ll also admit, without revealing any spoilers, that the ending revelation made me extremely uncomfortable. I’m still kind of mad about it. I haven’t read the rest of the series yet, but I hope the author addresses the implications of that revelation, or better yet reveals something that negates that revelation. I’m not holding my breath on that one though. On her website, Cassandra Clare offers these words:

“At the risk of spoiling anyone, all I can say is that it's more than just a twist; if you're really invested in Jace and Clary, you shouldn't give up on them yet -- there's still a lot to come in their future, a lot of surprises about their history, and plenty more developments in the Jace/Clary/Simon love triangle.”

Jace was easily the most interesting character. I found his behavior, given his upbringing, to be very authentic. I also enjoyed how his character and motivations were revealed slowly throughout the story. I’ll be reading the rest of this series just to find out more about him.

Sexual Content: Some talk about about sex from minors. Kissing.

I love this series. It's fast paced and extremely in depth. The wild twists are mind teasers and although there is a lot of story line to keep up with it isn't hard. These books are complete page turners! It puts the magical worlds that most people know about and stands them on their heads. Sexy, sinful, and smart. I'd recommend these books to anyone however, just a warning, they are a little hot and heavy at times. ( )