Book Review: Cassandra Clare’s City of Bones

Book one in Cassandra Clare’s City of Bones (Mortal Instruments), was definitely not what I expected.   Truth be told, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect.  I’ll do my best not to mention too many spoilers but I’m won’t make any promises.

The book opened with fifteen year old Clary Fray hanging out at a club called Pandemonium in New York City where she sees things that no one else can see.  I was hooked instantly by Clare’s vivid words and artful imagination.  Clary spied the unthinkable and doesn’t know how or why.  It’s there where she meets a young pack of beings called Shadow Hunters.  She’s drawn to them, but for what reason?  These Shadow Hunters she befriended are both fierce and feared.  But how can Clary, such a young, insecure and innocent teenager, have the courage to hang with demon hunters…killers even?

In a series of events, her overprotective mother disappeared and not too long after, she’s chased by horrifying demons.  Everything that was familiar to her is now inexplicably different.  The tale then moved from one task to the next as Clary tries to find her mother, save her friend and find the mortal cup.  During her quest, she slowly discovered the truth about what she is.  And not to mention who her father is.

This book had pros and cons for me.  First pro, it was unbelievably well written.  The dark urban fantasy world Clare created was amazing and captivating.  The beginning started with a bang, but then at times, I found the book lagging.  For example, Clary and her new shadow friends did a bunch of running around which I found tiring and unnecessary.  During the last third of the book, the plot spiked and I was excited.  With all the foreshadowing, it was easy to guess who her father was so I was excited to read the outcome.  Unfortunately, the author did what I thought was a bait and switch with the plot, revealing a major character – and potential love interest – as her brother.  For me, I found that confusing and slightly disappointing.

Overall, my favorite aspect was the dark world of Shadow Hunters, Idris and the City of Bones.  I loved the characters Jace, Simon, Alec and even Luke.  I couldn’t get enough of them and wanted to read more.  For me, Cassandra Clare’s City of Bones (Mortal Instruments) was a 3.75.  If you’re looking for a unique take on dark YA urban fantasy, then this is just the book for you! 

Until next time…Mortal Instruments anyone?

Mina B.

Midsummer’s Eve Giveaway Hop: Winner

Congrats to Veronica L., the winner of the Midsummer’s Eve Giveaway Hop and the recipient of Cassandre Claire’s Book 1 in her Mortal Instruments, City of Bones. The Winner will be notified by email and will have no more than 72 hours to respond before another winner is drawn. Winners are selected by the reputable Random.org.

City of Bones (Mortal Instruments)was a completely different read for me; one I wasn’t expecting.  Stay tuned as I review it in the next couple of days.  You won’t want to miss it!

Thank you, everyone for participating.  I especially love all the wonderful comments.  They warm my heart.  And I want to give a big SHOUT OUT to my Free Sh** Fairy for delivering a great giveaway.  She’s the best, really.   In fact, she’s so good; she’s already found the giveaway for the Freedom Giveaway Hop which starts July 1^st – 7^th .

If you remember, I recently reviewed bestselling author, Lara Adrian’s Midnight Breed series, Deeper Than Midnight.  (Note:  I loved it.  See my ARC review here!)  Well, as promised for the Freedom Hop, I am giving away one copy of book, Deeper Than Midnight which is 9 in the series.  The book releases June 28th so you can enter to win the book plus I'm giving away some bookmarkers plus some book plates signed by Lara, herself! Awesome, isn't it?  I know.  The contest starts July 1st so stay tuned.

Once again, thanks minions.  I know summer can be crazy but at least we have our books.

Until next time…

Mina B.

Midsummer’s Eve Giveaway Hop

Welcome to the Midsummer’s Eve Giveaway Hop.  I don’t know about you guys, but my summer has been insane.  I’ve been so busy; I’ve barely had enough time to think about a giveaway for this hop.  Luckily I didn’t have to…thanks to you know who…. The Free Sh** Fairy.  

Thank the gods that my FS fairy had her sh** together (cuz I sure didn't.)  I gotta hand it to her.  I don’t know where she gets all this free sh**.  She could pull it out of her a** for all I know. The point is…my giveaways wouldn’t be possibly if it weren’t for her…and of course her free sh**.   

Now, let’s get down to business.  This time my giveaway is for Cassandre Claire’s Book 1 in her Mortal Instruments, City of Bones.  This New York Times Bestseller is one of the hottest YA novels out there.  And now one (1) lucky winner will win the first book of the acclaimed series.  How’s that sound for a giveaway?  Good?  Great! 

 If you haven’t read the series, check out the hit reviews on GoodReads and why not try the City of Bones excerpt here. 

The MidSummer’s Eve Blog Hop runs from 12:01 AM on Tuesday, June 21^st on thru June 24^th, midnight.

To enter…
You MUST be a follower of my blog and MUST fill out this entry form. (And yes, I do check GCF)

Extra entries…
+2 For Becoming my Fan/Like on Facebook/MinaBurrows
+2 NEW/OLD Followers on Twitter @MinaBurrows
+1 if you Retweet this (limit 1 retweet)

Again, the giveaway runs from 12:01 AM on Tuesday, June 21^st to June 24^th, midnight.  Contest is for US residents only. Want to see who else is participating? Take a look at the links here and hop on by.

Mina B.

(Note: The Winner will be notified by email and will have no more than 72 hours to respond before another winner is drawn. Winners are selected by the reputable Random.org.)