From the shelf: City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1)

Title: City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1)
Author: Cassandra Clare
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
Date read: September 18-19, 2013
Dawn Rates: ★★★☆ (3.5/5)

Summary (cr: 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.

My Review: (also in goodreads)

Finally, after my sister constantly nagging me to read this series, I finally obliged. Shadowhunters. I must say it is a very unique description in a world often tapped by fantasy authors. Being in a world of werewolves, vampires, faeries, fey, wizards, warlocks, witches and demons isn't new to me so what could reel me in is, how would the author play with the world I'm familiar with. I've always said that the first book of the series would be the make or break point for me and I can attest that this installment did fairly well. I was a bit confused at first, yes, but the elements that could grip you are present. I was a but disappointed at Clary's cowardliness but at the same time was sympathizing with her having that knowledge all at once. Of course who would forget a character that would always be the center of humor for the group? I love Simon and Clary's friendship like it could keep her grounded with everything happening so fast. Jace is obviously going to be a big part of her life along with Alec and Isabelle. Shattering revelations are in this book and I want to now how they would act on them. I can't wait to read book 2.

Till the next read...