Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy - Book Review

Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy
by Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brennan, Maureen Johnson, and Robin Wasserman

What is it about:
Simon Lewis has been a human and a vampire, and now he is becoming a Shadowhunter. But the events of City of Heavenly Fire left him stripped of his memories, and Simon isn’t sure who he is anymore. He knows he was friends with Clary, and that he convinced the total goddess Isabelle Lightwood to go out with him…but he doesn’t know how. And when Clary and Isabelle look at him, expecting him to be a man he doesn’t remember…Simon can’t take it.

So when the Shadowhunter Academy reopens, Simon throws himself into this new world of demon-hunting, determined to find himself again. His new self. Whomever this new Simon might be.

But the Academy is a Shadowhunter institution, which means it has some problems. Like the fact that non-Shadowhunter students have to live in the basement. And that differences—like being a former vampire—are greatly looked down upon. At least Simon is trained in weaponry—even if it’s only from hours of playing D&D.

Join Simon on his journey to become a Shadowhunter, and learn about the Academy’s illustrious history along the way, through guest lecturers such as Jace Herondale, Tessa Gray, and Magnus Bane. These ten short stories give an epilogue to the Mortal Instruments series and provide glimpses of what’s in store in the Dark Artifices.

What did I think of it:
This is probably a great book for most people who love the Shadowhunters books, but it didn't work for me.

I went into this read with two wrong assumptions: That this would be stories focused on students in a boarding school, and that I could handle a book full of Simon.

Yes, the Shadowhunter students live at the academy, but that's about where the boarding school experience ends. The academy is a mess and stays a mess. I was wondering why the students would stand for this instead of starting a rebellion. I also wondered how any of the students living in the cellars even survived for more than a week as it was a serious hazard to their health.

Then there was Simon. I didn't much care for him in the Mortal Instruments series and I can't say these stories changed my mind. There was one returning character in these stories I really liked, but we all know what happens to secondary characters who I like, so the less said about that the better.

The stories themselves were nice, but nothing special. I wanted training and boarding school stuff, but most stories used the school as a starting point for teachers and whoever else to tell stories about Shadowhunters and their past successes and failures.

This book won't be a keeper. I will try to read Lady Midnight though, to see if that one gets me back into the world of the Shadowhunters.

Why should you read it:
If you like the Shadowhunter world and Simon this book is for you.


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Geektastic - Book Review

Geektastic: Stories from the Nerd Herd
by Holly Black, (Editor), Cecil Castellucci (Editor), M.T. Anderson, Libba Bray, Cassandra Clare, John Green, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Greg Leitich Smith , David Levithan, Kelly Link, Barry Lyga, Tracy Lynn, Wendy Mass, Garth Nix, Scott Westerfeld, Lisa Yee, Sara Zarr, Hope Larson (Illustrator) and Bryan Lee O'Malley (Illustrator)

What is it about:
Acclaimed authors Holly Black (Ironside) and Cecil Castellucci (Boy Proof) have united in geekdom to edit short stories from some of the best selling and most promising geeks in young adult literature: M.T. Anderson, Libba Bray, Cassandra Clare, John Green, Tracy Lynn, Cynthia and Greg Leitich Smith, David Levithan, Kelly Link, Barry Lyga, Wendy Mass, Garth Nix, Scott Westerfield, Lisa Yee, and Sara Zarr.

With illustrated interstitials from comic book artists Hope Larson and Bryan Lee O'Malley, Geektastic covers all things geeky, from Klingons and Jedi Knights to fan fiction, theater geeks, and cosplayers. Whether you're a former, current, or future geek, or if you just want to get in touch with your inner geek, Geektastic will help you get your geek on!

What did I think of it:
When I saw this anthology I just had to get it. Being a geek myself, I was very curious about these stories.

As this is an anthology I'll give my thoughts about each story. There's also some comics between the stories, but these were all one page and entertaining filler.

Once You're a Jedi, You're a Jedi All the Way by Holly Black and Cecil Castellucci
At a gaming convention a Jedi and a Klingon wake up next to each other. Can two people from different fandoms be friends or is this a recipe for disaster? This was a really fun read. I very much enjoyed the humor and the story. I could relate with the Jedi the most, but the Klingon was a cool character as well.

One of Us by Tracy Lynn
A cheerleader wants to learn about geeky things to understand her boyfriend better.
Another fun story. The geeks (and cheerleader) in this story were a bit stereotypical, but I liked how the cheerleader and one of the geeks got more character as the story progressed.

Definitional Chaos by Scott Westerfeld
A gamer guy and his ex have to take a journey together.
This story didn't work for me at all. I didn't like either character and DNFed.

I Never by Cassandra Clare
A girl goes to a get-together to meet the guy she fell in love with online.
I very much enjoyed this story. It's both sad and sweet and touches on the problems you can encounter when people take on a different persona online.

The King of Pelinesse by M.T. Anderson
A boy goes to meet the author of his favorite Fantasy serial.
I didn't like this story. There are other reasons for wanting to meet the author than you think at first, and I didn't like some things that were implied.

The Wrath of Dawn by Cynthia and Greg Leitcich Smith
A girl is set up with a blind date by her stepsister for a Buffy Singalong.
This is a nice story. It's about feeling left out and overlooked. Very recognizable for more than just geeks.

The Quiz Bowl Antichrist by David Levithan
A group of teens is competing with other students to win the Quiz Bowl.
Another really nice story. I liked the lead character. He's struggling with who he is and where he belongs.

The Quiet Knight by Garth Nix
A teenage boy tries to find happiness in Live Action Roleplay.
I loved this story. I could really understand how the lead character feels, and I rooted for him to find a place and people to belong.

Everyone But You by Lisa Yee
A peppy girl has to move from Ohio to Hawaii.
Another really cool story. I loved reading how Felicity struggles to belong, and how she slowly starts to realize that being popular isn't the same as being happy.

Secret Identity by Kelly Link
A girl confesses to someone about a meeting in a hotel.
Both the way this was written and the story itself didn't work for me. I DNFed.

Freak the Geek by John Green
Two girls are singled out as freaks because of being geeky.
This is more about friendship and identity than the actual bullying. I enjoyed it.

The Truth About Dino Girl by Barry Lyga
A girl who's obsessed by another girl learns the truth.
Started out fun, but finally turned into something I really didn't like.

This is My Audition Monologue by Sara Zarr
See title or what it is about.
Didn't work for me because of the way it was told and because of the story.

The Stars at the Finish Line by Wendy Mass
A boy and a girl compete in being the best.
I loved this story, it's very sweet. I could really understand the boy's motivation and feelings.

It's Just a Jump to the Left by Libba Bray
Two young girls grow up in different ways.
This story was sad and I could really relate to the lead character. It's about that awkward time when you're partly still a child, but are also growing into adulthood and how you handle all the feelings that come with it.

Overall this is a really good anthology with lots of stories I could relate to. I can advice this to anyone who considers him/herself a geek.

Why should you read it:
It's a great anthology about being a geek.

City of Heavenly Fire - Book Review

City of Heavenly Fire (The Mortal Instruments #6)
by Cassandra Clare

What is it about:
In this dazzling and long-awaited conclusion to the acclaimed Mortal Instruments series, Clary and her friends fight the greatest evil they have ever faced: Clary's own brother.

Sebastian Morgenstern is on the move, systematically turning Shadowhunter against Shadowhunter. Bearing the Infernal Cup, he transforms Shadowhunters into creatures out of nightmare, tearing apart families and lovers as the ranks of his Endarkened army swell.

The embattled Shadowhunters withdraw to Idris - but not even the famed demon towers of Alicante can keep Sebastian at bay. And with the Nephilim trapped in Idris, who will guard the world against demons?

When one of the greatest betrayals the Nephilim have ever known is revealed, Clary, Jace, Isabelle, Simon, and Alec must flee - even if their journey takes them deep into the demon realms, where no Shadowhunter has set foot before, and from which no human being has ever returned...

Love will be sacrificed and lives lost in the terrible battle for the fate of the word in the thrilling final installment of the classic urban fantasy series The Mortal Instruments!

What did I think of it:
A satisfying conclusion to a very entertaining series.

I must say Clare knows how to sell books: in this last book she is already setting up her next series. The lead characters of that series are introduced, there's some heavy hinting towards the upcoming love drama in that series, and although this series has a satisfying conclusion, it does leave lots of room for more (nasty) things to come in the world of the Shadowhunters.

Not that this annoyed me. Clare also knows just how to mix those things into the story without the reader feeling cheated. I very much enjoyed the story and the action.

This time around the things that happened were back to being easy to guess. The only thing I didn't see coming is that Clare killed of a character she could have had lots more fun with if she had used that character in the right way.

Did I mind? Not one bit. These books are too entertaining to complain about predictability. I sat back and enjoyed the ride.

I was glad I read The Bane Chronicles before picking up this book, because just as there were lots of mentions of characters and events from the prequel series (even some spoilers for people who haven't read the prequel series yet), there were also several mentions of events from The Bane Chronicles. It gave just a bit more insight having read those stories, although you won't miss out if you haven't read them.

All in all I had a great time reading this series, and I will most certainly reread it. I will also keep an eye out for more books by Clare, because they might be predictable at times, they're also lots of fun.

Why should you read it:
It's a very entertaining Paranormal YA read.

The Bane Chronicles - Book Review

The Bane Chronicles (The Bane Chronicles #1-11)
by Cassandra Clare, Maureen Johnson and Sarah Rees Brennan
with illustrations by Cassandra Jean

What is it about:
Fans of The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices can get to know warlock Magnus Bane like never before in this collection of New York Times bestselling tales, in print for the first time with an exclusive new story and illustrated material.

This collection of eleven short stories illuminates the life of the enigmatic Magnus Bane, whose alluring personality, flamboyant style, and sharp wit populate the pages of the #1 New York Times bestselling series, The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices.

What did I think of it:
Magnus Bane is my favorite character in Cassandra Clare's books, so I had to get this book with short stories all about Magnus.

And I can advice this book to anyone who also loves Magnus Bane.

The stories are not brilliant I will confess. Some are cool, some didn't really float my boat, and some felt unfinished, but still I very much enjoyed this book.

The reason why I enjoyed this book so much, is that it gives lots of background information on a character I love, shows more about other characters from the books, fills in some blanks and generally lets you enjoy the world Clare build in her books some more.

The stories in this book can be read spoiler free before reading City of Heavenly Fire. There are some that might be spoiling a bit if you haven't read all the other books yet.

All in all this book is clearly for fans of Clare's books, and Magnus Bane in particular. I myself will put this book on my keeper shelves, and reread some of the stories when I'm in the mood.

Why should you read it:
It has lots and lots of Magnus Bane.

City of Lost Souls - Book Review

City of Lost Souls (The Mortal Instruments #5)
by Cassandra Clare

What is it about:
What price is too high to pay, even for love? When Jace and Clary meet again, Clary is horrified to discover that the demon Lilith’s magic has bound her beloved Jace together with her evil brother Sebastian, and that Jace has become a servant of evil. The Clave is out to destroy Sebastian, but there is no way to harm one boy without destroying the other. As Alec, Magnus, Simon, and Isabelle wheedle and bargain with Seelies, demons, and the merciless Iron Sisters to try to save Jace, Clary plays a dangerous game of her own. The price of losing is not just her own life, but Jace’s soul. She’s willing to do anything for Jace, but can she still trust him? Or is he truly lost?

What did I think of it:
This series keeps getting better in my opinion.

The first three books were very entertaining, but often very predictable as well. The fourth book was a lot better, it felt more surprising and solid. And this book is yet another step above book four. I can only hope that means book six will be absolutely amazing.

I really enjoyed this book. I will say I was happy I've read the prequel trilogy before reading this one, because that way I was treated to some fun scenes and cameos. They were small and if you haven't read the prequel trilogy you certainly aren't missing out on the main story, but those tiny 'easter eggs' were an added bonus for me.

I'm still not a Simon fan, but I will say he did have his moments in this book. Magnus was magnificent, as always, and the story line dealing with him and Alec had me worried.

There were some cool and intense scenes, Clary acting way too impulsive, and trusting too easily (nothing new there), and although the book did end pretty much as I expected, it had some surprises in the epilogue that made me eager to start on the last book in this series.

But first I grabbed The Bane Chronicles, because I wanted more Magnus Bane.

Why should you read it:
It's a very entertaining Paranormal YA with cool world building.

Clockwork Princess - Book Review

Clockwork Princess (The Infernal Devices #3)
by Cassandra Clare

What is it about:
Tessa Gray should be happy—aren't all brides happy? Yet as she prepares for her wedding, a net of shadows begins to tighten around the Shadowhunters of the London Institute. A new demon appears, one linked by blood and secrecy to Mortmain, the man who plans to use his army of pitiless automatons, the Infernal Devices, to destroy the Shadowhunters. Mortmain needs only one last item to complete his plan. He needs Tessa. And Jem and Will, the boys who lay equal claim to Tessa's heart, will do anything to save her.

What did I think of it:
Don't follow an author on Tumblr when you're not caught up with the series that author is writing. Before I started on this book I accidentally stumbled over a huge spoiler, because a question from a fan wasn't labelled with a spoiler warning.

That aside: I loved this book.

The book starts of with action, and from there it stays suspenseful and filled with action and intrigue. It finally becomes clearer who and what Tessa is, and what she can do. Other characters get more screen time as well, and I especially enjoyed the character development of Gabriel Lightwood in this book.

There are some very emotional events and scenes in this book as well, the love triangle between Tess, Will and Jem being the heart of it. And let me say it again: this love triangle is so well written. I wish more love triangles would be like this: intense, believable, and making you want to root for all the people involved.

After the action climax of this story there's a couple of chapters left to wind it down and to wrap things up. These were also very emotional and gave closure about the fate of most of the (surviving) protagonists. All in all a satisfying ending to this trilogy.

Even though in my opinion this trilogy is superior to The Mortal Instruments, I will most certainly read the remaining two books in that series. I will also get hold of The Bane Chronicles as soon as I can, because Magnus Bane is still my favorite character of both series.

Why should you read it:
It's a very enjoyable Steampunk(ish), Paranormal YA read.

Clockwork Prince - Book Review

Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices #2)
by Cassandra Clare

What is it about:
In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street—and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa’s powers for his own dark ends.

With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister’s war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move—and that one of their own has betrayed them.

Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, but her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will—the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do?

As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart.

What did I think of it:
I very much enjoyed the first book in this trilogy, so ordered the other two books not long after finishing Clockwork Angel. When Clockwork Prince arrived, I immediately started on it.

And this book is so cool.

The story is both entertaining and suspenseful. Some things I could easily figure out, but there were enough things and events that had me wondering where the story would lead to.

I love most of the characters. The love triangle between Will, Tessa and Jem is a really interesting one. For once I'm not annoyed or fearing I'm rooting for the wrong guy. I'm actually enjoying the complicated relationship Tessa has with both boys, and I'm wondering how this will end.

Of the other characters I'm still very much a fan of both Magnus and Henry. I like how Henry is not an Alpha male, but how he lets himself be led by his wife without it making him a weak personality. He's fun, intelligent and quirky. Some new characters were introduced as well, who gave extra dimension to the Shadowhunters as well as the story.

This book ends with a lot of story lines resolved, so you don't feel frustrated by the ending, but there were enough things still left open to make me eager to read the next book. And I can tell you Clockwork Princess was indeed the book I picked up right after finishing this one.

Why should you read it:
It's a very entertaining and cool Steampunkish Paranormal YA read

Clockwork Angel - Book Review

Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1)
by Cassandra Clare

What is it about:
The year is 1878. Tessa Gray descends into London’s dark supernatural underworld in search of her missing brother. She soon discovers that her only allies are the demon-slaying Shadowhunters—including Will and Jem, the mysterious boys she is attracted to. Soon they find themselves up against the Pandemonium Club, a secret organization of vampires, demons, warlocks, and humans. Equipped with a magical army of unstoppable clockwork creatures, the Club is out to rule the British Empire, and only Tessa and her allies can stop them...

What did I think of it:
I'm really enjoying the Mortal Instruments series, so decided to give this prequel series a try as well.

And this first book is awesome!

I will confess I think I like this series even better than the Mortal Instruments series. The story is suspenseful, full of mystery, and has really intriguing events and characters.

I will confess Clare still manages to make some things predictable, especially with her use of names, but I didn't mind. The lead characters were a bit too trusting and gullible at times as well, but maybe I'm just a jaded piggy.

There's an obvious love triangle forming, but to my surprise I actually got into it, and I'm curious how it will play out. I like both Will and Jem, so I might not even be let down by the outcome.

The other characters are really interesting as well. I especially liked Henry, the husband of the leader of the London Shadowhunter Institute. And Magnus Bane is in this series as well! I'm thinking of buying The Bane Chronicles, because Magnus is a very cool and fun character.

All in all I loved this book and I will certainly read the rest of the trilogy. In fact I ordered the other two books soon after finishing this one, if only to console myself because I won't be able to attend a signing of Cassandra Clare this weekend as I hoped: She'll be in Belgium instead of the Netherlands and that's too far away for me.

Why should you read it:
It's a really cool Steampunkish YA read.

The Iron Trial - Book Review

The Iron Trial (Magisterium #1)
by Cassandra Clare and Holly Black

What is it about:
Most kids would do anything to pass the Iron Trial.

Not Callum Hunt. He wants to fail.

All his life, Call has been warned by his father to stay away from magic. If he succeeds at the Iron Trial and is admitted into the Magisterium, he is sure it can only mean bad things for him.

So he tries his best to do his worst - and fails at failing.

Now the Magisterium awaits him. It's a place that's both sensational and sinister, with dark ties to his past and a twisty path to his future.

The Iron Trial is just the beginning, for the biggest test is still to come . . .

What did I think of it:
Having really enjoyed the books of both Cassandra Clare and Holly Black, I was curious if a book they wrote together would be just as enjoyable.

And I can tell you: this is a really cool read.

I love how this story plays with existing tropes and puts those up side down at times. There were several times I thought I could see where the story was going, but then Black and Clare would surprise me again.

When reading this book you can't escape comparing it to a certain other series about a boy being send to a school for magic. And there certainly are similarities, but enough differences that this book can easily step out of the shadows of that certain series and deserve a fan base all of its own.

I really liked Callum. He's sneaky, flawed and a troublemaker, but I could relate. I also liked a couple of the other students, and fell in love with a minor character I hope to see more of in upcoming books.

All in all I very much enjoyed this book and I will most certainly keep an eye out for the next book, because I want more.

Why should you read it:
It's a cool and entertaining read for Middle Grade and up

City of Fallen Angels - Book Review

City of Fallen Angels (The Mortal Instruments #4)
by Cassandra Clare

What is it about:
The Mortal War is over, and sixteen-year-old Clary Fray is back home in New York, excited about all the possibilities before her. She’s training to become a Shadowhunter and to use her unique power. Her mother is getting married to the love of her life. Downworlders and Shadowhunters are at peace at last. And—most importantly of all—she can finally call Jace her boyfriend.

But nothing comes without a price.

Someone is murdering Shadowhunters, provoking tensions between Downworlders and Shadowhunters that could lead to a second, bloody war. Clary’s best friend, Simon, can’t help her—his mother just found out that he’s a vampire, and now he’s homeless. When Jace begins to pull away from her without explaining why, Clary is forced to delve into the heart of a mystery whose solution reveals her worst nightmare: she herself has set in motion a terrible chain of events that could lead to her losing everything she loves. Even Jace.

What did I think of it:
I really enjoyed the first three books in this series, even though they're a bit predictable. The end of the third book does give enough closure that I could have stopped there, but I'm liking this series enough that I wanted to give book 4 a try.

And I think it's the best one so far.

The setting and creatures are still just as enjoyable as in the first books, and the story was less predictable. I actually wondered what was going on at times. Even Simon is starting to grow on me.

There are several things going on, and I was drawn into the story, eager to find out if they might eventually be part of one big plot, or if they were unrelated. There are some new characters introduced as well. Some I liked, others not so much. And as always there was not enough Magnus in my opinion.

Overall this was a very enjoyable read, with enough hints of what is yet to come to make me eager to pick up the next book soon, because this series is addictive.

Why should you read it:
It's a very entertaining Paranormal YA read.

City of Glass - Book Review

City of Glass (The Mortal Instruments #3)
by Cassandra Clare

What is it about:
To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters - never mind that entering the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight.

As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadowhunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadowhunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her newfound powers to help save the Glass City - whatever the cost?

Love is a mortal sin and the secrets of the past prove deadly as Clary and Jace face down Valentine in the third installment of the New York Times bestselling series The Mortal Instruments.

What did I think of it:
This series continues to entertain me.

Even though the story keeps being predictable I'm really enjoying these books. I love the setting, the characters and the action.

There are times I want to kick some sense into Clary, but that is nothing new. I feel that urge with lots of YA heroines and heroes. There also was the usual teen romance misunderstanding, angsting, and stuff like that, but not too much to get annoying.

There's lots of action, a decent amount of Magnus, my favorite character, and the introduction of some interesting new characters. I will confess there was even one event that did surprise me, and that I was a little sad about.

Lots of things I already saw coming in earlier books, happened in this book though, and although there's still a lot left to resolve, this book does tie up a lot of lose ends. There's still three books to go in this series, but for those wanting to take a break, this book is a good stopping point.

I however already have book 4 in my tbr-pile and might even give the prequel series a try as well, because predictable as this series is, it's also very entertaining and nicely written.

Why should you read it:
It's a very entertaining and enjoyable Paranormal YA read.

City of Ashes - Book Review

City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments #2)
by Cassandra Clare

What is it about:
Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who's becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn't ready to let her go — especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother, Jace. And Clary's only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil — and also her father.

To complicate matters, someone in New York City is murdering Downworlder children. Is Valentine behind the killings — and if he is, what is he trying to do? When the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, is stolen, the terrifying Inquisitor arrives to investigate and zooms right in on Jace. How can Clary stop Valentine if Jace is willing to betray everything he believes in to help their father?

What did I think of it:
Just as the first book in this series, this book is entertaining, although predictable.

But I have to say I don't mind the predictability. This is a very enjoyable read, and the characters (apart from Simon) are really starting to grow on me. I especially like Magnus, a mage who is one of the minor characters.

What I did mind is how the villain acted. Instead of just going through with his plan, (which would have made him successful) he is stalling, and even gloating. Surprise, surprise: this behavior leads to the heroes having enough time to save the day!

That annoyance aside, I enjoyed the book enough to get my trotters on book three to continue this series.

Why should you read it:
It's a very enjoyable Paranormal YA read.

City of Bones - Book Review

City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1)
by Cassandra Clare

What is it about:
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...

What did I think of it:
This is one of those series I was curious about, but that I wasn't sure enough about to pay 7 Euro for the first book, especially as there are so many other books I'm more certain about. It took finding the first two books (looking almost new) at a flea market for just 4 Euro total to give this series a try.

And this first book is a very entertaining read.

It's often very predictable, to the point that a certain event that is supposed to be a shock, didn't shock me at all, I already knew it would happen. Just as I'm pretty sure that the whole thing will turn out to be one big fat red herring in one of the upcoming books.

But predictable or not, the story is enjoyable, and I liked the world building and some of the characters, especially the three Shadowhunter teens Clary encounters. I will confess I really disliked Simon, Clary's best friend. He's too clueless and unthinking for words. Even a toddler would understand the things he can't seem to grasp. And of course: he turns into a love interest! *puke*

Still, the action, the characters I did like, and the overall story (predictability and all) made that I kept reading. I'll have to read the next book to see if I like this series enough to spend more money on it after these first two books, but all in all I'm liking it so far. I think I'll also give the movie a try on of these days.

Why should you read it:
It's an entertaining Paranormal Young Adult read.