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City of Bones: The Official Illustrated Movie Companion

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When Clary Fray heads out to a New York nightclub with her best friend Simon, she isn't expecting to witness a murder, much less one committed by three teenagers bedecked with odd tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. And she's more than a little startled when the body disappears into thin air. Soon Clary is introduced to the world of the Shadowhunters, a secret army of warriors dedicated to driving demons out of our world and back to their own. And she's introduced with a vengeance, when Clary's mother disappears and Clary herself is almost killed by a grotesque monster. How could a mere human survive such an attack and kill a demon? The Shadowhunters would like to know...Get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones movie with this official companion book. This fan favourite features full-colour photos from the set, designers' sketches, interviews with the cast and crew, and more! From the screenwriting process to the casting decisions to the director's vision, this definitive book is a must-have for fans of the blockbuster film!

122 pages, Paperback

First published July 9, 2013

86 people are currently reading
14074 people want to read

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Mimi O'Connor

5 books17 followers

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5 stars
28,561 (61%)
4 stars
10,595 (22%)
3 stars
5,236 (11%)
2 stars
1,125 (2%)
1 star
580 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
Profile Image for Mundie Moms & Mundie Kids.
1,957 reviews207 followers
July 23, 2013
I LOVED this book! I love getting behind the scenes glimpses and finding out the little details that go along with bringing a YA book to life, and this movie companion definitely has it all. Cast pictures, set pictures, quotes, behind the scenes notes, interviews with Cassie, and the brilliances that goes into creating a world that always has a huge, and extremely loyal fan base.

I felt like I was getting a backstage pass to the actual set while reading this book. Having been on the movie set for TMI, it was so awesome to see images of scenes they filmed when I was there, and other images for scenes they were putting together.

This book doesn't just feature a variety of movie set pictures, it also includes notes from the movie's director, Harald Zwart, how the movie came about, and an awesome in depth look into the making of a movie this caliber. I loved that the book also gives fans Cassie's story into what inspired her to write the story, and seeing from her point of view what it's like seeing her characters and world come to life.

Everything fans wanted to know about The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones movie is included in this book. Speaking of fans, I love how much the studio paid attention to what the fans loved. They even mentioned it in this book. The only compliant I have, is it's too big of a book to sit on the shelf next to my other TMI books. Because I am one of those readers who likes to fit all my books on the shelf, I usually end up reading through movie companions at the store or library vs buying them, but I could not pass this one up. I HIGHLY recommend this book to fans of The Mortal Instruments City of Bones.
Profile Image for Billie.
174 reviews5 followers
April 24, 2018
I am a fan of shadowhunter book and I am kind to the movie of city of bones even though I do not like it as much as I love the books of the mortal instrument series but JAMIE PLAYS JACE REALLY WELL ON THE MOVIE THAT'S WHY I LIKE IT AND THAT'S WHY I READ THIS BOOK AND THAT'S WHY I GIVE IT 5 OUT OF 5 STARS FOR THIS BOOK.

Well, if you do not like the movie or you do not agree with me that Jamie played Jace well on the movie then do not read this book or even buy it because this book is all about the movie
214 reviews26 followers
October 4, 2023
Dieses Buch schildert die Hintergründe zur Entstehung des City of Bones Kinofilms.
Insgesamt hat mir dieses Buch zum Film richtig gut gefallen. Für mich als Hardcore-Schattenjäger-Fan gehörte es einfach mit dazu und war eine schöne Ergänzung zu der Welt die ich sowieso schon so liebe. Ich habe einiges Neues erfahren und werde den Film beim nächsten Schauen bestimmt mit anderen Augen sehen. Sei es der Aufwand der bei den Kostümen und bei den Dreharbeiten betrieben wurde. Oder die Auswahl der Schauspieler für die wichtigsten Rollen. Aber auch die Effekte im Film und die Requisiten wurden super erklärt. Nicht zuletzt gab es auch noch ein paar zusätzliche Infos zur Entstehung der Geschichte und Interviews mit der Autorin. Untermalt wurde das Ganze durch viele Fotos des Films und der Dreharbeiten. Für jeden der die Schattenjäger so mag wie ich ist das eine tolle Ergänzung. Der normale Leser der Bücher kann sich diesen Zusatzband aber sparen.
Profile Image for SeaBook.
251 reviews8 followers
August 13, 2016
Kniha, která mě ještě více utvrdila v tom, že Nástroje smrti jsou prostě DOKONALÉ nic je nepřekoná :3
Díky tomuhle průvodci jsem se dozvěděla a došlo mi, jak moc je tento čtivý příběh výjimečný <3 Dozvídáme se, jak Cassandra získala srdce milionů fanoušků, jak se svět Lovců stínu přenášel do reality.... dozvídáme se každý detail a já mohu na nekonečno procent říci, že jedno ze srdcí, které Cassandra touto sérii získala je moje <3 <3
Profile Image for Zuzia♡.
3 reviews
May 2, 2024
Bardzo ciekawa książka dla fanów Nocnych Łowców. Dużo ciekawostek z planu, komentarze reżysera, aktorów i samej Cassandry Clare.

Największym minusem tej książki jest to, że niestety powinna przejść jeszcze jedną korektę – już na początku natknęłam się na literówki. Tekst został ułożony w kolumny, które przerywane są ramkami z cytatami, znajdującymi się dwa zdania niżej – w efekcie wychodzi na to, że odbiorca czyta dwa razy to samo zdanie nim może przejść dalej. Zdania urywają się w połowie na końcu kolumy, następnie są trzy strony zdjęć z kadrami z filmu i dopiero skończenie myśli. To niestety może rozpraszać czytelnika.

Treść świetna, jednak wydanie mogłoby mieć trochę poprawek.
Profile Image for Maria Grazia.
196 reviews62 followers
July 10, 2013
I loved reading about the making of this incredible movie, step by step. It's been a full immersion in the enormous amount of work, energies and talent which was required to bring the world of the Shadowhunters to life.
The Official Illustrated Movie Companion, with detailed descriptions, interviews and beautiful pictures, helps readers and fans of the books to appreciate the efforts and the dedication that director, production, cast and crew provided to the project of bringing such a beloved tale to the screen. Stunning sets and impressive locations, brilliant make-up and cool costumes, breathtaking stunts and dangerous fighting scenes - which really involved the lead actors - didn't overshadow what director Zwart decided was the real focus of the story: the emotions and feelings of the protagonists in their journey of self-discovery. He wanted it to be a love story more than a horror film. Romance wins over demon - hunting? Looking forward to seeing it in theatres.
Profile Image for Sara Santana.
Author 7 books180 followers
July 16, 2013
I love movie companions :D I am just warning all of you who HAVEN'T read the books yet, don't read this haha. Major spoilers if you haven't read City of Bones book yet
Profile Image for Cait.
194 reviews1 follower
July 11, 2013
So cool! The pictures are awesome and there's so much info. If you love TMI and film go get it! :)
Profile Image for Ben Alderson.
Author 32 books14.4k followers
July 30, 2013
THIS WAS AN AMAZING AND INTERESTING BOOK!!!
Profile Image for Drasevia.
190 reviews4 followers
August 15, 2024
I will never stop being angry(and sad at the same time)that they didn't make(at least) a second movie too.
Profile Image for Scarlett Valencia.
33 reviews33 followers
July 11, 2013
This made me even more excited for the movie. Only one thing prevented me from giving it 5 stars, though, and that is the complete omission of one of the more important characters in the story- Luke Garroway. There isn't mention of him in the entire book, especially in the cast chapter, and it is supremely disappointing.
Profile Image for Falyn Owens.
193 reviews15 followers
December 17, 2020
Nice book to go with the film. We just don't talk about this movie.


Ever.


It didn't do the book justice.
Profile Image for Zoe ♡ .
14 reviews
January 15, 2024
saw the movie first, read the movie illustrated book second! people don’t make them like this anymore
Profile Image for Donna.
1,058 reviews582 followers
August 30, 2013
City of Bones: The Official Illustrated Movie Companion is definitely a must read for any fan of this series. This is only my second ever illustrated movie companion - the first being Twilight. I'm one of them people who will watch the commentaries on a DVD and this is very similar to that because of how much insight to everything that happens behind the scenes.

We see how the film comes together, we get quotes from the cast and even their thoughts on the movie and books. We all see notes from the directors and there's just so much more goodness that comes from this book. It's full of fun and interesting facts, and the pictures are fab too. It will definitely get any fan excited to see the movie after reading this.

What I loved about this book is how much is looks like the writers, director and actors have worked so hard to deliver us fans a movie that will not let us book fans down.There's so much pressure on these people to create the best movie and I'm really hoping it reflects on screen because, otherwise fans, and probably myself included will be disappointed. And I seriously don't want to be disappointed!

In all, highly recommended to any fans who wants a glimpse behind the scenes into one of the most anticipated movies of the year.
Profile Image for Kate.
533 reviews37 followers
July 24, 2013
The prose in this movie companion is dreadful, and to read it, you'd think Cassandra Clare was worthy of sainthood ("and the fates shined down on Clare again" is just one of the eye-roll inducing passages from the first few pages). What's more, for any teen who has already read the Mortal Instruments series (and that is who I mostly see being interested in this), it doesn't contain much they won't already know or that isn't already available from other sources. But that's not why any target-aged reluctant reader is going to pick it up; it's all about the behind-the-scenes set photos, and there are plenty of those.

As a collection of photographs meant to sell a movie, it is a great book. As an actual book... it's not so great. Hence, it evens out to two Goodreads stars ("it was okay"). I do see this being very popular upon the release of the film, as similar "guides" have been.
Profile Image for Brianna.
1,086 reviews70 followers
December 29, 2014
This book was alright. It didn't really grab my attention, although it was really insightful and made me feel more hope for the movie (no, I haven't seen it yet). If you liked the book you might as well give it a shot. You never know, maybe I'm just being weird...
Profile Image for almera.
228 reviews145 followers
July 21, 2013
I love the photos. The amount of detail that went into everything is just amazing and brilliant. I cannot wait for the movie!
Profile Image for Ashley.
82 reviews
June 30, 2013
Definitely recommend getting it so worth it :) I love the casts, the director and the crews dedication to the movie and I cannot wait to see this movie, I know it's going to epic & amazing :D
Profile Image for ANA.
27 reviews
Read
August 10, 2020
IS THE BEST SAGA OF BOOKS IN THIS WORLD!!!
I have nothing more to say
Profile Image for Cloaky.
9 reviews
February 9, 2023
I watched the movie way before reading the book and although I absolutely love the movie, (mostly because it stars my favourite actor) I do have to say I prefer the book. It may be long, and I understand the frustration of that, but it's well worth it. The characters have depth and aren't boring by any means. As far as fantasy goes, I'd rank this book very high. You're definitely bound to relate to one or more characters in this, they have a real feel to them. Perspective is an important topic as well throughout, as you get to watch Clary's perspective shift as she progresses through the plot. Settings and emotions are described well and pulls you in to what's happening.
Profile Image for Luna.
279 reviews36 followers
October 20, 2019
Una lectura súper rápida que corre el telón y nos lleva al detrás de escena de una película que ame (a pesar de sus fallas). Complementada con fotos y hasta páginas del guión, este libro nos cuenta más de cómo fue todo el proceso de filmación, desde que se compraron los derechos del libro, pasando por la elección de los actores y la filmación en sí misma, hasta la post producción y todo lo demás. Una joyita para aquellos que en su momento, al igual que yo, estuvieron súper emocionados y esperanzados por esta película, y son fieles fans del mundo de Cazadores de Sombras.
Profile Image for mysilicielka.
771 reviews7 followers
January 29, 2025
Nieważne, czy film ci się nie podobał, nie wywołał żadnych reakcji czy zakochałxś się na zabój, ta książka to i tak będzie ciekawy kawałek lektury dla fanów twórczości Clare. Pozwala zajrzeć za kulisy produkcji, zrozumieć jak powstały dekoracje do filmu, czym kierowała się kostiumografka przy wyborze strojów, jak i gdzie pracowali aktorzy itd. Treść uzupełniają duże fotosy z planu. Fajna ciekawostka.
1 review
February 17, 2021
Como cualquier lector esté libro me tenía llena de espectativas al ser uno de los que llego de una manera tan explosiva a la pantalla grande, ciencia ficción, amor y fantasía dentro de un todo, un libro totalmente atrapante que deja con ganas de más, lleno totalmente mis expectativas y más.
Profile Image for Yz.
793 reviews3 followers
March 25, 2021
I found it really fascinating to discover behind the scenes information on the making of the movies. It was like once I started I had to get more informations. I thought it was especially cool to hear about how they chose each actor, making the scenes, and the blades.
Profile Image for Diana.
37 reviews
August 29, 2023
Lubię losy bohaterów oraz ich przygody z wampirami, i innymi nocnymi łowcami. Uważam że książka jak i film są ciekawe i pełne napięcia. Aczkolwiek niektóre momenty były dla mnie przewidywalne i nudne ale to tylko moja opinia.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Emilka.
76 reviews
February 6, 2025
Nie jestem zbytnio fanką, czułam że się męczę jak czytałam tą książkę. Dla mnie taki gorszy zmierzch więc no nie zbyt warte polecenia XDD. A cały obraz książki mi zniszczył fakt że są rodzeństwem, to mnie zabiło
Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews