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svtplaylist's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
radioactivechick's review against another edition
3.0
This definately didn't end the way I thought it would. Needless to say I am a little frustrated but already bought the second book in the series so I guess I'll start it and see if I can't get past my disapointment.
thereadandseek's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
faridanaggar's review against another edition
4.0
This series is probably one of the most talked about, so I just had to read it and I don't regret it one bit, from the characters actually acting their age which is rare to see, to the amazing plot and finally the great build-up to the rest of the series! I cannot wait to continue on and see where it goes.
britleaf's review against another edition
4.0
I didn't sleep or go out or talk to many people while reading this book because it was so addicting!
adoereading's review against another edition
2.0
First off, it is a known fact I do not like Cassandra Clare. I do not like the things she has done. It is a fact and I will not lie it was hard to push that aside when reading this book then thinking of how I would write the review. I have done it though.
“City of Bones” was a difficult read because of the bits of good to it that would be instantly erased by other parts.
It was an interesting story of Clary discovering what she really is and having to find a way to stop an event repeating itself. It had noteworthy characters (i.e. Jack, Simon) that added to Clary’s personality and the plot. IT had an exciting world built for it of a land where mundanes, regular mortals unable to see demons, could never visit and never be part of it. There were suitable portions to the tale that kept it going.
However for every piece of good it was immediately erased by another action. For every bit of Clary or Jace you may like you will realize there is always something overused about them. It is not I expect original ideas to the point no one can be like anyone else in this world, but it felt as if they were copies of something else and could have been so much more. On that note every exciting character there were ones who felt they were simply there for the sake of being there (i.e. Alex) instead of aiding the progress of the plot or adding more development to a character. Also there is lack of development for characters and if there is even a tiny bit it is rushed or pushed. Even the world built for the story lacks luster as every line dedicated to painting the life of a Shadowhunter or the homeland of Idris is glanced over as if one lines are enough to capture their realm.
The writing itself was wishy-washy. Clare had this setup for the perfect formula to create this excellent story and it felt like she threw it away to with no thought on how to ensure the audience would stay engaged. The exchange between characters were forced at times and others hasty done to have a “romantic” moment or to press the plot on even if you are not sure why it is being pressed on. The chapters felt forevermore long. I am not talking about chapters committed to a single event. Some were written with four events occurring in one chapter and it was possible none of them had anything to do with one another. In short, there could have been better planning when piecing this story together. Do I along blame Clare? No, as whoever had the job of being her book editor and publisher should have guaranteed there would be a flow to her style before ever allowing the book on the market. Even if it sold well it would never be something I would model my own book after.
My rating is a ★★✩✩✩ because of the fractions of decent parts in this book that kept me absorbed, even if it did not last. I found Clary’s life not being what she had thought it to be exciting. I suppose I liked the variables to the formula, but detested the result. If you have yet read the first book to The Mortal Interment series then I suggest to give the book a try when you have nothing else to read at the moment.
“City of Bones” was a difficult read because of the bits of good to it that would be instantly erased by other parts.
It was an interesting story of Clary discovering what she really is and having to find a way to stop an event repeating itself. It had noteworthy characters (i.e. Jack, Simon) that added to Clary’s personality and the plot. IT had an exciting world built for it of a land where mundanes, regular mortals unable to see demons, could never visit and never be part of it. There were suitable portions to the tale that kept it going.
However for every piece of good it was immediately erased by another action. For every bit of Clary or Jace you may like you will realize there is always something overused about them. It is not I expect original ideas to the point no one can be like anyone else in this world, but it felt as if they were copies of something else and could have been so much more. On that note every exciting character there were ones who felt they were simply there for the sake of being there (i.e. Alex) instead of aiding the progress of the plot or adding more development to a character. Also there is lack of development for characters and if there is even a tiny bit it is rushed or pushed. Even the world built for the story lacks luster as every line dedicated to painting the life of a Shadowhunter or the homeland of Idris is glanced over as if one lines are enough to capture their realm.
The writing itself was wishy-washy. Clare had this setup for the perfect formula to create this excellent story and it felt like she threw it away to with no thought on how to ensure the audience would stay engaged. The exchange between characters were forced at times and others hasty done to have a “romantic” moment or to press the plot on even if you are not sure why it is being pressed on. The chapters felt forevermore long. I am not talking about chapters committed to a single event. Some were written with four events occurring in one chapter and it was possible none of them had anything to do with one another. In short, there could have been better planning when piecing this story together. Do I along blame Clare? No, as whoever had the job of being her book editor and publisher should have guaranteed there would be a flow to her style before ever allowing the book on the market. Even if it sold well it would never be something I would model my own book after.
My rating is a ★★✩✩✩ because of the fractions of decent parts in this book that kept me absorbed, even if it did not last. I found Clary’s life not being what she had thought it to be exciting. I suppose I liked the variables to the formula, but detested the result. If you have yet read the first book to The Mortal Interment series then I suggest to give the book a try when you have nothing else to read at the moment.
booklover_17's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
onesmallenby's review against another edition
3.0
it’s not good but god my little 10 year old brain ate it up
megancperry's review against another edition
4.0
*4.5 stars
PROS:
1. COOL WORLD + MAGIC STUFF
2. DIALOGUE - JACE
3. ACTION PACKED
CONS:
1. LOVE TRIANGLE - ISH
2. ISABELLE/CLARY RELATIONSHIP
3. 'BEAUTIFUL BUT DOESN'T KNOW IT' TROPE
So, I've read some poor reviews on this novel and they seem to be saying similar things: [b:City of Bones|256683|City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments, #1)|Cassandra Clare|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1432730315s/256683.jpg|2267189] is just a Harry Potter ripoff (ie. Clary = Ginny, Jace = Malfoy, etc.) Of course, before writing the Shadowhunter Chronicles, [a:Cassandra Clare|150038|Cassandra Clare|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1270502031p2/150038.jpg] was a fanfiction author for HP, but personally I've never read any of hers, and i don't think her previous writings should influence opinions on this series. I've nothing against Harry Potter, but these generic character personalities are just that, generic. 'The hero', 'the foil'; these character tropes have been around since the beginning of time, so they're not exactly mutually exclusive to Harry Potter. Therefore, I have to disagree with these reviewers' ideas.
On a more positive note, I loved the Shadowhunter world. Also this is urban fantasy, so the characters never actually go to the fantasy world, Idris, it was fascinating being introduced to the 'magic' systems and the history of the society. Separately, the dialogue was SO GOOD!! There were parts where I found myself chuckling at the snide remarks between the characters, especially Jace.
However, there were a few things that bugged me. I'll start off with a minor annoyance: the love triangle. This didn't frustrate me too much because it wasn't that prevalent in [b:City of Bones|256683|City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments, #1)|Cassandra Clare|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1432730315s/256683.jpg|2267189], but I fear it will become fully functioning by the sequel. Also, the relationship between Isabelle and Clary was slightly aggravating; I just wanted a nice, happy friendship, but for some unbeknownst reason they can't seem to get along (I understand the ''new girl' in the Institute = competition' idea but come on, why the girl hate?). One final, minor thing was just the trope-ness of how Clary is 'beautiful but she doesn't know it'. Like every other girl in YA literature. Ugh.
Admittedly, I've been really pernickety throughout this review, but overall [b:City of Bones|256683|City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments, #1)|Cassandra Clare|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1432730315s/256683.jpg|2267189] is a great, action-packed fantasy with funny dialogue!
PROS:
1. COOL WORLD + MAGIC STUFF
2. DIALOGUE - JACE
3. ACTION PACKED
CONS:
1. LOVE TRIANGLE - ISH
2. ISABELLE/CLARY RELATIONSHIP
3. 'BEAUTIFUL BUT DOESN'T KNOW IT' TROPE
So, I've read some poor reviews on this novel and they seem to be saying similar things: [b:City of Bones|256683|City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments, #1)|Cassandra Clare|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1432730315s/256683.jpg|2267189] is just a Harry Potter ripoff (ie. Clary = Ginny, Jace = Malfoy, etc.) Of course, before writing the Shadowhunter Chronicles, [a:Cassandra Clare|150038|Cassandra Clare|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1270502031p2/150038.jpg] was a fanfiction author for HP, but personally I've never read any of hers, and i don't think her previous writings should influence opinions on this series. I've nothing against Harry Potter, but these generic character personalities are just that, generic. 'The hero', 'the foil'; these character tropes have been around since the beginning of time, so they're not exactly mutually exclusive to Harry Potter. Therefore, I have to disagree with these reviewers' ideas.
On a more positive note, I loved the Shadowhunter world. Also this is urban fantasy, so the characters never actually go to the fantasy world, Idris, it was fascinating being introduced to the 'magic' systems and the history of the society. Separately, the dialogue was SO GOOD!! There were parts where I found myself chuckling at the snide remarks between the characters, especially Jace.
However, there were a few things that bugged me. I'll start off with a minor annoyance: the love triangle. This didn't frustrate me too much because it wasn't that prevalent in [b:City of Bones|256683|City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments, #1)|Cassandra Clare|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1432730315s/256683.jpg|2267189], but I fear it will become fully functioning by the sequel. Also, the relationship between Isabelle and Clary was slightly aggravating; I just wanted a nice, happy friendship, but for some unbeknownst reason they can't seem to get along (I understand the ''new girl' in the Institute = competition' idea but come on, why the girl hate?). One final, minor thing was just the trope-ness of how Clary is 'beautiful but she doesn't know it'. Like every other girl in YA literature. Ugh.
Admittedly, I've been really pernickety throughout this review, but overall [b:City of Bones|256683|City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments, #1)|Cassandra Clare|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1432730315s/256683.jpg|2267189] is a great, action-packed fantasy with funny dialogue!
cala_p's review against another edition
5.0
I liked it. It would have been a nice start to the story.