A Review of City Of Bones
Jennifer Feuerstein
Since
this is my first book review for Digital Digest, let me explain. I’m an
avid reader; I’ll pretty much read anything you throw at me. My friends
call me the Jester so I’ve decided to skip the boring stars and use the
jester hats for fun. I can’t wait to walk into a bookstore and hear
someone “well the Jester gave it four hats”… that’s my own ego at work.
I’m also open to reading anything you guys suggest. But, for now on to
todays book!
Never
fear, I don’t write my reviews with spoilers. First, a little
background information. The book is the first in the ongoing series The
Mortal Instruments and is listed as a young adult. It deals with
paranormal topics on all levels from the common vampire to the bizarre
Ravener Demon. It’s set in modern times and focuses mostly on the life
of plain fifteen year old Clary. Currently there are four books out in
the series with another due next May. Read on to find out what I thought
of Cassandra Clare’s first novel, City of Bones.
First
off, the concept is interesting. A lot of the book’s ideas center
around folklore and mythology. Personally, I’m a sucker for mythology – I
love it! Also, she doesn’t come right out and explain her world instead
she tosses you into it leaving you to sort it out as you go. I like
this idea in a book. I don’t like to have everything revealed at the
start. To me it ruins the fun of reading and makes me wonder if the
writer thinks I’m an idiot.
There
are a few nice twists in the plot, enough to keep you interested not
too many to overload you if you’re looking for an easy read. I believe
the fascinating theme in The Mortal Instruments series is the number of
ways to approach reading it. You can read and simply enjoy it or you can
think deeper into the clues she gives you. I read it both ways so that I
could give you a better review. You’ll definitely finish it wanting to
read the next, either way you choose to enjoy it.
Beyond
reading style, the plot is typical of young adult genre these days in
regards to a budding love story and a girl finding herself. I won’t say
the plot is entirely original by any stretch of the imagination, but it
is well done and believable. The characters have just enough clash to
keep their dynamics appealing.
The
scenes are well written and it flows well from point to point. There
are a couple areas where it seems to stall for a bit but it’s to explain
the world Cassandra Clare is introducing us to and we learn along with
Clary. In other words, they are forgivable stalls. And a personal note,
by far the most enjoyable part was reading about Jace. I am now a Jace
addict after all her books. If the books were centered on him, I’d
probably just write this review in two words: Read It.
So,
to sum up this little review, I give City of Bones 3 out of 5 jester
hats. It’s an enjoyable, worthwhile read. However it’s not a ‘drop what
you’re doing and run to the store or library trampling everyone in your
way’ read. Just add it to your reading list, that’s my say. Watch for my
review of City of Ashes next month.
~Jennifer Feuerstein~
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