Clare, Cassandra - City of Bones (Mortal Instruments #1) "revisit" - Buddy Read - Start Date (December 2, 2014) - December 24, 2015

[Renee]

As I have been reading, I thought that this would make a good movie. I had heard that it was a movie, but I haven't seen it. Might have to check it out sometime.

[Tara]

Renee wrote: "As I have been reading, I thought that this would make a good movie. I had heard that it was a movie, but I haven't seen it. Might have to check it out sometime."

I agree, Renee....now that I've read it, I am interested to watch it. I don't read a lot of Paranormal like this, so I was struggling at times to picture certain things. I'd be curious to see how a movie handle certain parts.

So I am definitely planning to read the next book...need to see where this goes. I probably won't jump right into it, but won't wait too long either! Overall, glad I read it!

[Renee]

Finished. I enjoyed it, but maybe I wasn't really in the right mood for it. 3 stars, no immediate plans to continue with the series.

[Tara]

Renee wrote: "Finished. I enjoyed it, but maybe I wasn't really in the right mood for it. 3 stars, no immediate plans to continue with the series."

Did I see you did the audio book? How did that work for you? I wonder if I'd prefer next time to do audio...there were times I found myself skimming a bit and wanting to get to the next action! It seems for me, doing audio helps me slow down, but I also can more easily tune out if it's not keeping my attention.

[RachelvlehcaR]

Renee wrote: "Just finished part 1 (chapter 9)
It is very fast paced and lots going on. A nice change from the romantic chick lit I've been reading lately.
The portal travel is cool, though I guess you can't do..."

I agree, it's a very nice break from the romantic chick lit. I'm not a huge fan of that genre and I've had my fill of it this last month. I've avoiding it as much as possible.

I'm liking the style of this book. I'm only 36% into the book. I'm reading the kindle version. How was the Audiobook? I saw you liked it at first but was it good all the way through?

[RachelvlehcaR]

Kristin wrote: "I'm about 80 pages in. I am liking it so far and intrigued to find out what and who exactly Clary's parents are.

I saw the movie coming out and wanted to read the book before I saw it but never g..."

Oh, that's a shame. I'm liking the story. It's sad when they totally change the movie and then it isn't that good. :(

[RachelvlehcaR]

I finished the book. I have to say that it wasn't bad but it wasn't great either. I've found this book a good solid 3 stars.

It was a yo-yo of a book for me. The beginning was fun for me. I really liked it, then is really fizzled badly, just was spiraling downwards, then it would peak my interest again. There is a lot of twists in this book, (view spoiler)[LOL they are brother and sister! (hide spoiler)]

I'm not sure if I'd want to read the next book or not. I was told the second book is okay. The 3rd book has a real good ending. What was suggested to me was to only check them out at the library. I think that's a good idea.

[Tara]

I'm right there with ya....unsure about the next book. I didn't hate this one, but when there are so many other good books it's tough to justify struggling through a mediocre one.

[Renee]

The narrator was good. Better than the one for the book I'm listening to now, he is putting me to sleep!

I agree Tara Jo, there are so many books out there. And I seem to be reading a large chunk of them at the same time.... Team challenges! They always do this tome ;)

[Tara]

I hear ya!! Somehow I committed myself to like 3-4 BR at the beginning of January....trying to keep to all of them but will prob end up late on a couple!

[RachelvlehcaR]

I agree, I have a lot of other books to read, that have my interest, so why make work for myself. I most likely will not finish the series.

There are way too many good series out there.

[Samantha]

I just started it and am on the fence. anyone else?

[Tara]

Samantha wrote: "I just started it and am on the fence. anyone else?"

That seemed to be the general consensus of the people I saw commenting and for me as well...I finished it just to finish, but it wasn't one that grabbed me right away.

[Emma (M)]

I've just started reading this. So far it is better than I expected, but isn't really blowing me away. I'm in two minds if I like Clary and Jace much at the moment, although I am sure I will decide either way once I get to know the characters better. I hope Simon makes more of an appearance than he is so far, (view spoiler)[ and I hope he gets to spend some more time with Isabelle :). One thing that is annoying me is clary getting upset that he likes Isabelle. I have to roll my eyes when the female lead treats their male buddy as just that for years, until their buddy likes someone else,then it's all jealousy and 'I didn't realise he was handsome' ugh (hide spoiler)]

[Emma (M)]

I have read the Infernal Devices series before starting this and I was really happy to see Magnus Bane again. He's a fun character I think.

[Emma (M)]

Finished! I was hovering around a 2 star for the first half, but I think I finished at about 3 stars as I finished the book. (view spoiler)[ The twist at the end of Clary and Jace being brother and sister was great, although I bet at sometime in the future they will probably find out they aren't so that they can be together. But still, good move Ms Clare! I am still interested to see if anything ends up happening between Isabelle and Simon because I think that would be a funny pairing. Hopefully the next in the series will be a bit better than this one as usually series to get better as they go along. (hide spoiler)]

[Renee]

Emma wrote: "I've just started reading this. So far it is better than I expected, but isn't really blowing me away. I'm in two minds if I like Clary and Jace much at the moment, although I am sure I will deci..."

That's how I felt too. I enjoyed it, but I could put it down.

[Renee]

Emma wrote: "I have read the Infernal Devices series before starting this and I was really happy to see Magnus Bane again. He's a fun character I think."

I haven't read the Infernal Devices yet. Would you recommend them?

[Renee]

Emma wrote: "Finished! I was hovering around a 2 star for the first half, but I think I finished at about 3 stars as I finished the book. [spoilers removed]"

I settled on 3 stars too. (view spoiler)[ I liked that twist as well. I wasn't drawn in enough to keep going with the series though. Maybe later. (hide spoiler)]

[Emma (M)]

Renee wrote: "Emma wrote: "I have read the Infernal Devices series before starting this and I was really happy to see Magnus Bane again. He's a fun character I think."

I haven't read the Infernal Devices yet. W..."

They are sort of similar. Same sort of story although the love triangle is a lot heavier in Infernal Devices and I think better done, although I am not a fan of the love triangle really. Also, the steampunk vibe is good, which made the story a bit more interesting I think. So, I think they are slightly better, but definately put downable - I have only read the first two about a year ago and haven't got around to the third yet.

[❀Tea❀]

Rebooting this thread to start a new buddy read on December 24 2015

[Drishti]

Thanks, Tea!

I've been wanting to read the series for a long time. Now, it looks like the opportunity has finally been thrown my way! :-)

[Drishti]

Suggested Reading Schedule....

December 24 : chapters 1-3
December 25 : chapters 4-6
December 26 : chapters 7-9
December 27 : chapters 10 & 11
December 28 : chapters 12-14
December 29 : chapters 15-18
December 30 : chapters 19-21
December 31 : chapter 22-end

[Allison]

This will be my first buddy reading, but I can't wait since I've been dying to read this series.

Will we read the following books in the series after this one?

[Drishti]

No worries, Allison. I'm very sure you'll have fun in this first buddy read of yours. :D

That depends. If the rest don't like the book, they may not continue with the series. But, I surely will read every part.

[Allison]

Drishti wrote: "No worries, Allison. I'm very sure you'll have fun in this first buddy read of yours. :D

That depends. If the rest don't like the book, they may not continue with the series. But, I surely will re..."

Thanks, Drishti.

I hear it's a good series and the schedule will help me read it in a timely manner since I tend to stray away from reading if I don't make a schedule.

[Drishti]

Same here! I usually read at least three books at the same time. So, sometimes, I may take ages to complete a book if there's no schedule.

BTW have you seen the City of Bones movie?

[Allison]

Yeah, I have and I thought it was actually good and was mad that they didn't continue the series. At that time I was too lazy to read the book having to much on my TBR list.

[Drishti]

I saw a bit of the movie and loved it, too. :D

[Drishti]

Lisa, I love BRs, too. They are easily the best thing in Goodreads. :D

[♛primadonna♛]

I'd love to join! This will be my first buddy read as well :) Can't wait.!

[Drishti]

Great! The more, the merrier. :-)

[Drishti]

Great, Shalin! I guess we have a lot of first buddy readers here. LOL! =)

[Natalia]

I'd like to join in too! This'll be my first BR.
Do I have to introduce myself? I think I haven't done that.

[Drishti]

There's no compulsion like introducing yourself, Natalia. But, it's suggested that you introduce yourself in the "Introduce Yourself" thread. I hope I have made myself clear. =)

[Samantha]

this will kind of be my first as well. I hope I can remember lol

[Drishti]

It would be great to have you, Samantha. If all of us turn up, I guess we'll be having a total of five first buddy readers here. =)

[Natalia]

Thanks Drishti! I totally understand

[Drishti]

Up to chapter 3

The author has created a mysterious atmosphere right in the beginning. And, I love books which start off like this. I saw a bit of the movie once, so I know the basic things, but I'm still enjoying the book. A lot. Desperate to read more. :p

[Natalia]

Heading to chapter 2

I'm a chilean reader, so I had the book in spanish. But I bought the original english version and I'm enjoying the reading so very much!

I'm very intrigued by all the story, I didn't read or watch anything about the serie, so I'm enjoying the discovery.

[Natalia]

Ended Chapter 3

Wow! I'm very thrilled the way this story is developing! I knew something was gonna happen to Clary's mom...book is a little predictable right now, but I'm enjoying the reading anyway.

There will be questions to comment this reading?

[Drishti]

Merry Christmas, Natalia! :-)

I was little busy at that moment, but I'm gonna re-post the questions on the first chance I get.

[Drishti]

December 24 Chapters 1-3

1. Lots of action in the first few chapters and new words! Mudies, shadowhunters, infernal worlds, "Hodge" and "The Institute", the night children.... Thoughts on the book so far?

2.Do you think Clary's mum is (was?) a shadowhunter based on the clues given so far (no family history, no background prior to Clary, scars on her arms the same as Jace, her drawings, Luke's reactions)? Any guesses on why/how she can be seen by "mundies" if that is the case? Who has found her?

3. Clary is described as slender, 5ft tall, "carotty" hair, freckles and clumsy. She also seems a bit clueless about the world around her! Do you like Clary so far? And her relationship with Simon? I smell a YA love triangle on the horizon! ;)

[Natalia]

Merry Christmas Drishti!

1. I think that this book is intended to YA readers, so altough it will be spectacular that the "underworld" topic were adding some terror to the story, I think is gonna be just a way to get us hooked with the book. I really hope I'll be wrong about this.

2. I do believe it! My theory is that Jonathan (Clary's father) used to be a Shadowhunter too, but he died and then Clary's mom resigned to be a Shadowhunter. I think that when she resigned all her powers were erased, so that way she is a normal person but with some hidden power. I think that the person that found her was an "underground" character, maybe a Demon with whom she made a pact to be able to keep her daughter away from this world?....many possibilities.

3. I like Clary's character, she's a tough young woman, and she seems to be the arquetip of the normal teenager who discovers an inner power that was hidden to her. And I agree that a romance is on the horizon, altough it may not be with Simon...

[Drishti]

IDecember 24 Chapters 1-3

1. Lots of action in the first few chapters and new words! Mudies, shadowhunters, infernal worlds, "Hodge" and "The Institute", the night children.... Thoughts on the book so far?
Like I said, the author has created a mysterious atmosphere in the beginning. And, I absolutely love books which start off like this.

2.Do you think Clary's mum is (was?) a shadowhunter based on the clues given so far (no family history, no background prior to Clary, scars on her arms the same as Jace, her drawings, Luke's reactions)? Any guesses on why/how she can be seen by "mundies" if that is the case? Who has found her?
I think Clary's mom could be a shadowhunter. But, I'm not sure about how mundanes can see her. Maybe, she was related to the shadow hunters in some way. Maybe, Valentine has found her. (He seems to be the bad guy, doesn't he?)

3. Clary is described as slender, 5ft tall, "carotty" hair, freckles and clumsy. She also seems a bit clueless about the world around her! Do you like Clary so far? And her relationship with Simon? I smell a YA love triangle on the horizon! ;)
I don't exactly know what to think of Clary so far. We haven't seen much of her yet. But, I feel sort of predisposed to like her. As for the love triangle thingie, very few YA Books go without one. So, yes I "smell" that too.

[Drishti]

December 25 Chapters 4-6

4.Did you agree with Clary's decision to go back to her house after her mother called her begging her not to go?

5.The Ravenor Demon said to itself "Valentine will never know". This is the second time we have heard of Valentine now. I do feel like there are alot of Harry Potter similarities (mundies v muggles ; valentine v voldermort ; The Institute v Hogwarts). Have you noticed that? Does it impact your feelings towards the book?

6. I was surprised with Luke's reaction when Clary called him. Do you think he is just trying to protect her (or himself?) by not helping her? Or is he just a jerk?

7. Valentine "died" 15 years ago along with his wife and child.... hmmm... sounds like he could be Clary's father and is actually still alive... Thoughts?

8. The descritions of the Institute were interesting - I always love it when authors describe libraries! What did you think of the Institute and it's inhabitants?

9. Another horrible creature tries to kill Clary and it seems there is more than meets the eye with Dorothea! We hit another cliff hanger for a stopping point! Guesses on Dorothea's story? It seems to be too much of a coincidence that she was living in the same building as Clary and her mum.

[Drishti]

Natalia wrote: I do believe it! My theory is that Jonathan (Clary's father) used to be a Shadowhunter too, but he died and then Clary's mom resigned to be a Shadowhunter. I think that when she resigned all her powers were erased, so that way she is a normal person but with some hidden power. I think that the person that found her was an "underground" character, maybe a Demon with whom she made a pact to be able to keep her daughter away from this world?....many possibilities.

My theory is much like yours. But, I think that the person who found her was someone with a connection to Valentine. He seems to be the bad guy to me. And, what I feel is maybe she was into hiding or something so that she could protect Clary. But then, the bad guys found her.

[Drishti]

December 25 Chapters 4-6

4.Did you agree with Clary's decision to go back to her house after her mother called her begging her not to go?
For a moment there, I felt that it was one of the stupidest decisions she can ever take. But, then, I tried to place myself in her position and I thought that that's what I would have done. What other choice did she even have? So yes, I agree.

5.The Ravenor Demon said to itself "Valentine will never know". This is the second time we have heard of Valentine now. I do feel like there are alot of Harry Potter similarities (mundies v muggles ; valentine v voldermort ; The Institute v Hogwarts). Have you noticed that? Does it impact your feelings towards the book?
I hadn't thought about it while reading. But, now, I can point some myself. Dumbledore v Hodge, Clave/ Silent Brothers v Ministry of Magic.......

6. I was surprised with Luke's reaction when Clary called him. Do you think he is just trying to protect her (or himself?) by not helping her? Or is he just a jerk?
It feels like Luke did that to protect himself. It is clear that he always knew about the Shadowhunters. And now, when Valentine found Jocylen (Clary's mom), he thought about his safety. If he was a jerk, why would Clary's mom even be friends with him for so long?

7. Valentine "died" 15 years ago along with his wife and child.... hmmm... sounds like he could be Clary's father and is actually still alive... Thoughts?
YES! I THOUGHT THE SAME! After all, it could be possible. And when Clary told her age to Alec and then, Hodge told Clary about Valentine, I found myself comparing the two time periods. And guess what? Clary is fifteen years old.

8. The descpritions of the Institute were interesting - I always love it when authors describe libraries! What did you think of the Institute and it's inhabitants?
I loved the library description! And when Hodge guessed that Clary was a booklover, I found myself wondering if he would have guessed the same for me. I feel predisposed to like Hodge. And Jace, too. Alec hasn't been likable till now, but I think he is good. And Alec's sister (Yes, I forgot her name!)... I don't know what to think of her yet.

9. Another horrible creature tries to kill Clary and it seems there is more than meets the eye with Dorothea! We hit another cliff hanger for a stopping point! Guesses on Dorothea's story? It seems to be too much of a coincidence that she was living in the same building as Clary and her mum.
There is a lot to know about Dorothea yet. And surprisingly, I don't have many guesses about her story. I think she might be a witch or something, the Fair ones. Maybe? And yes, it's too much of a coincidence that she was living in the same building as Clary and her mom. Feels like they deliberately settled together.

[Allison]

I'm sorry to say guys that I did not realize how busy this holiday season was going to be so I am not going to be able to participate in this read. I haven't even had time to pick up the book, but I hope that you guys enjoy reading it.

[Drishti]

No problem, Allison! No worries! :-)