City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1) by Cassandra Clare - Restarting February 29th 2024

[Jessica]

Simone and I will start reading City of Bones around April 18,2020, if anyone would like to join feel free!!!!

[Simone]

I can't wait to start reading! Does 2 chapters per day sound good to you?

[Jessica]

Yeah that sounds great! That means around 30 pages a day unless you’d want to read more. I’m so excited too I feel like I’m one of the only ones who hasn’t read the series

[Pragya]

Hi Simone, Jessica- Are you gonna read the full series? I haven't read the series and was hoping to find series buddy.

[Taya]

can't wait. I haven't read this series and am glad to have people to read it with. this might be the only way i will ever actually pick up the books. this is also the first time i've ever participated in "buddy reading"

[Simone]

Pragya wrote: "Hi Simone, Jessica- Are you gonna read the full series? I haven't read the series and was hoping to find series buddy."

I would be completely down with reading the whole series. Jessica, what about you?

[Pragya]

That's great! Simone ☺️

[Taya]

Simone wrote: "Pragya wrote: "Hi Simone, Jessica- Are you gonna read the full series? I haven't read the series and was hoping to find series buddy."

I would be completely down with reading the whole series. Jes..."
i too would love to buddy read the whole series

[Pragya]

Awesome Taya ^_^
The more the merrier ☺️
This will definitely give me the push to start this series and hopefully finishing it too.
Looking forward to buddy reading with you all.

[Taya]

Pragya wrote: "Awesome Taya ^_^
The more the merrier ☺️
This will definitely give me the push to start this series and hopefully finishing it too.
Looking forward to buddy reading with you all."

same here!

[Jessica]

I’m totally down with reading the series together it will be so fun! I was planning to read it by publication order of all her books Bc I read that’s the best way to read her book if that is ok with everyone

[Pragya]

Jessica- Totally down with. I was hoping for the same.

[Alice]

Hi, I just saw this thread, is it cool if I join too? I've been meaning to pick up City of Bones, but for me, it'll be a re-read (I don't remember a lot of it though)

[Jessica]

Ofc the more the merrier :)

[Jessica]

Is everyone ok to start on Sunday or do you guys want to wait?

[Pragya]

I am gonna start today.

[Pragya]

I am not sure if BR is planned to read specific chapters in a day or we can read on our own pace.

Till Chapter 5 (view spoiler)[ I don't understand Luke's behaviour towards Clary's when she called him after the attack. (hide spoiler)]

[Jessica]

We were planning to read at a certain pace and then discuss everyday to avoid anyone spoiling something for someone else. How much does everyone want to read a day? I know most of us are reading multiple books.

[Simone]

I think that I will read 2 chapters per day, as we had originally planned.

[Pragya]

Alright then! I will hold for now so that you all can catch up. Then read 2 chapters per day.

[Jessica]

Ok so hopefully by today everyone will have read the first 2 chapters and we can discuss :)
I'm about to start reading soon

[Simone]

Chapters 1 & 2

(view spoiler)[The book starts with Clary and Simon in Pandemonium, a club. A strange blue haired boy is lured into a closet by Isabelle, and is followed by Jace and Alec, who are then followed by Clary.
She learns that the blue haired boy was actually a demon, and the three other people are "Shadowhunters," though does not believe it. Clary reveals herself, surprising the blond Shadowhunter, Jace, and nearly getting him killed. Simon returns, and Clary passes off her earlier concerns as a mistake.

The next day, Clary finds out that Jocelyn, her mom, and Luke, her mom's best friend, are taking her to the farmhouse for the rest of the summer. Clary, furious, leaves with Simon to go to a poetry reading.

I think that Valentine (whoever he may be) is definitely back. I mean, Jace said that all of the demons keep saying that they know where he is hiding, so, maybe you should hear one of them out? I mean, I'm not a Shadowhunter, and maybe they already did hear some out, but it seems like ignoring them would be a bad idea. And also, are we all in agreement that Clary's parents were definitely Shadowhunters, and her dad died because of it, which made her mom prevent her from being a Shadowhunter? Who knows, maybe even Luke is in on it. I'm also interested in finding out who "Bane" is.

What are your guys's thoughts so far? (hide spoiler)]

[Jessica]

Simone wrote: "Chapters 1 & 2

The book starts with Clary and Simon in Pandemonium, a club. A strange blue haired boy is lured into a closet by Isabelle, and is followed by Jace and Alec, who are then followed by..."

I totally agree with you on your predictions. It was exactly where i was going with it personallyy. I'm already hooked I can't wait to read more tomorrow.
Her mom is definitely hiding something big, that is clear to see and how her father is not talked about at all. Clary is right to think its strange, plus her being able to see Jace and them at the club gives off the impression that she is special in some type of way, most likley a shadowhunter.

[Simone]

Chapters 3 & 4

(view spoiler)[Clary and Simon are at Eric's poetry reading, when she notices Jace behind her. He leaves, and she follows him out of the cafe. He tells her that she will come with him to the "Institute," whether she wants to or not. She gets a phone call from her mother in the midst of an attack, who tells her to stay with Simon, and to tell Luke that "he found her." Clary grabs Jace's phone/Sensor, and runs away to her house.

When she gets there, she is ambushed by a strange monster. She finds that the Sensor is shuddering and extremely hot. The monster lunges at Clary, and she shoves the Sensor into its mouth, which kills it. Before it dies, she is hit by it's stinger and poisoned. Jace rescues her, and brings her to the Institute to heal her.

So, now we know that Jocelyn and Luke are definitely involved with the Shadowhunters. Jace even has the same white scars that Jocelyn does. The question is, how are people able to see Jocelyn and Luke if they're Shadowhunters? Is it because of the fact that they've quit? Who is "he" (the one that found Jocelyn)? (hide spoiler)]

Wow, I have so many questions. And that cliffhanger! I had to force myself not to read on. What did you guys think of these chapters?

[Jessica]

I just finished reading and I am finding it hard to keep myself from continuing on.

Chapter 3 and 4 Comments:
The ending of chapter 4 where she passes out leaves me wonderig where Jace will take her, will we finally see the Institute? Will Luke be able to finally explain to Clary the truth like her mother says he will?Who came after her mother? I have so many questions.
The only thing clear right now is that Clary is definitely not a human. What is she though? Is it because of her mother or father, or both?

[Jessica]

Pragya wrote: "I am not sure if BR is planned to read specific chapters in a day or we can read on our own pace.

Till Chapter 5 [spoilers removed]"
I'm totally with you on this. That whole phone call left me confused. It's as if his whole personality changed from when we first met him in the book. Him saying he's not her father was so harsh.

[Jessica]

Chapter 5-6 Comments

Omg I'm already falling in love with the book and it has barely begun. We finally see what the Institute is and meet some new characters. The questions just don't stop. Clary is not human and we have seen what would have happened to her if she was and Jace used the rune.
Dorothea is not new to the things that have happened and seems to know more than she is saying. The question is how if she appears to be human?
I can't wait to continue reading I am so invested.

[Simone]

Chapter 5-6

Sorry I'm a bit late. Just got a bit caught up in stuff.

(view spoiler)[Clary is now in the infirmary at the Institute, after being taken there by Jace to heal. She stays knocked out for three days, and during those days, she has multiple dreams. She finds out that Isabelle, Alec, and Max are all siblings, and Jace's parents are dead. She also finds out that the "Shadowhunter home country" is Idris, which is where Max and Isabelle's parents are. While they are meeting Hodge, she finds out that she isn't mundane. She tries calling Luke, and he reacts coldly to her. Hodge tells her who Valentine is: an old Shadowhunter who fought against other Shadowhunters to fight the Accords. Hodge then sends a message to the Clave and the Silent Brothers.

Clary goes to the weapons room to find Jace, and tells them that she has permission from Hodge to go back to her old home to salvage anything. They go, and find nothing, except for a Forsaken, which is a human given so many Marks that they go insane from the pain. Madame Dorthea, who was discounted earlier as a regular human, comes, and mysteriously knows about the Shadowhunters and Jace's full name. She also knows about what happened to Clary's mom, and reluctantly agrees to tell her. She invites them into her room.

Wow, there was so much that happened in this segment! And omg that cliffhanger is quite literally killing me. I have so many questions. What's going on with Dorthea, and why is Luke so cold, and how is Clary a Shadowhunter? (hide spoiler)]

I have more to say, but that will be in a separate comment because this one is long enough already lol.

[Simone]

Up until chapter 6 spoilers. Pretty much me just spitting out my thoughts on Clary's dream.

(view spoiler)[Does anyone else think that those dreams were telling the future? The book cover for City of Heavenly Fire has (what I'm assuming to be Jace) with white wings sprouting out of his back. She said she saw "angels, falling and burning," and is it any coincidence that the book is literally called "Heavenly Fire" and there is fire in the background? There's also a book called "City of Fallen Angels."

And I wonder, when she saw "Luke standing atop a pile of bones," did that have anything to do with this book being called "City of Bones". It also said "Simon with crosses burned into the palms of his hand." Does that mean that he will be Marked in some way?

Did anyone else catch Hodge saying something about the "Glass City" falling apart, and that the third book is "City of Glass." (hide spoiler)]

Haha I could spend all day breaking apart this dream. What are your takes? Do you agree or disagree with anything that I said?

[Jessica]

Sorry for the late update

Chapters 7-8:

I don’t really know what to write for these chapters. We find out a lot of new information and hints to the truth but I still have so many more questions.

I feel so bad for Simon who is clearly in love with Clary but she fails to see it. Her and Jace tho, I mean with what Dorothea’s reading it seems likely.

[Jessica]

Hey guys! Hope everyone is doing well and staying safe. I was just wondering if everyone has read up to chapter 11. If not we can pause and wait for everyone to catch up. We can discuss what we’ve read so far or something :)

Sorry this is my first time really doing a buddy read with multiple people and just want everyone to be able to share their thoughts freely

[Pragya]

Jessica wrote: "Hey guys! Hope everyone is doing well and staying safe. I was just wondering if everyone has read up to chapter 11. If not we can pause and wait for everyone to catch up. We can discuss what we’ve ..."

Hi Jessica, I have read till Chapter 10 and will read till chapter 12 today.

[Pragya]

I have seen the movie and Netflix series (till fews episodes of Season 2) based on the book. I wonder if anyone else has seen any of them.

[Pragya]

Till Chapter 10
(view spoiler)[ Clary seems to have some feelings for Simon but the way he is behaving towards Isabella may push Clary away from him. (hide spoiler)]

[Pragya]

Simone wrote: "Up until chapter 6 spoilers. Pretty much me just spitting out my thoughts on Clary's dream.

Does anyone else think that those dreams were telling the future? The book cover for City of Heavenly Fi..."

I too have my suspicious about dreams. They might be connected to something.
I never really saw the covers and titles of other books so closely but I believe you are right. They are connected somehow.

[Pragya]

Till Chapter 14
(view spoiler)[ I literally thought why would they blindly follow Raphael. Jace was smart enough to notice it on time. What are werewolves doing at vampires den???

Jace seems to be a little arrogant and self obsessed to me. I like Alex the most. Clary's character needs a lot of development. What are everyone's opinions so far about characters??
(hide spoiler)]
It's getting harder to put the book down.

[Jessica]

Pragya wrote: "Till Chapter 10
[spoilers removed]"

I totally agree with you on this. The way Simon is almost obsessed with her now despite everyone saying it won't last seems to make her somewhat jealous. I mean I have a feeling Carly will get with Jace, but that's just a prediction. You never know

[Jessica]

Did anyone else catch that Hodge said Valentine had a son?Does that mean Clary has a brother? Also is her father really just a human? I have a feeling that he's not, he might even be Valentine himself but idk.

[Jessica]

Pragya wrote: "Till Chapter 14
I literally thought why would they blindly follow Raphael. Jace was smart enough to notice it on time. What are werewolves doing at vampires den???

Jace seems to be a little arro..."
I totally agree with you about the characters. Right now Clary needs more development as a character. I also don't think that the previous chapters were the last we've seen of Luke. He must be planning something, I find it hard to believe he doesn't care about Clary's mom.

We find out that Clary's mind is blocked and see the person who did it. Do you guys think she'll get her memories all at once, gradually, or not at all? Magnus keeps warning Clary not to go into deep, so we know her mom was only looking out for her, I hope Clary sees it this way and doesn't hate her mother for what she did. There must be a valid reason for sure.

I really can't put the book down. Every time one of my questions is answered, I'm left with a dozen others.

[Pragya]

Jessica wrote: "Did anyone else catch that Hodge said Valentine had a son?Does that mean Clary has a brother? Also is her father really just a human? I have a feeling that he's not, he might even be Valentine hims..."

I missed reading it!!!! In which chapter was this?
😲😲😲 I can't believe it I missed it!!
I know few spoilers because of the movie and series and probably I didn't noticed this part this much. 😣😣😣
Yup, Clary's father part is a suspense for now.

[Pragya]

Jessica wrote: "Pragya wrote: "Till Chapter 14
I literally thought why would they blindly follow Raphael. Jace was smart enough to notice it on time. What are werewolves doing at vampires den???

Jace seems to b..."

I think she may get her memories gradually in pieces.
Yup, It's getting harder and harder to put this down.

[Jessica]

Pragya wrote: "Jessica wrote: "Did anyone else catch that Hodge said Valentine had a son?Does that mean Clary has a brother? Also is her father really just a human? I have a feeling that he's not, he might even b..."

It happened in chapter 10, a couple pages in when they talk about Valentine.
Are the series and movies good?I was planning to watch them someday. I tried to hold off until I read the books though.

[Jessica]

Chapters 14-16

The whole thing of them at the party and rescuing Simon was definitely is a lot. The ending around chapter 16 left me thinking that Clary is going to be stuck in a love triangle. Simon is starting to show his feelings for Clary a bit more. I felt so bad for Alec when Clary said what she said but he was also being rude prior to that. I mean that still doesn't make what Clary said any better when she knows that Alec is not comfortable with that topic.

[Pragya]

Jessica wrote: "Pragya wrote: "Jessica wrote: "Did anyone else catch that Hodge said Valentine had a son?Does that mean Clary has a brother? Also is her father really just a human? I have a feeling that he's not, ..."

Oh! I remember it.
(view spoiler)[ Hodge said Valentine's son. So I didn't put them together as he didn't confirm if Jocelyn was the mother so. (hide spoiler)]

Movie is ok. Series is better. I'll advise against watching it as there are spoilers. Even I stopped watching the series because of it. Anyway books are always way better.

[Pragya]

Jessica wrote: "Chapters 14-16

The whole thing of them at the party and rescuing Simon was definitely is a lot. The ending around chapter 16 left me thinking that Clary is going to be stuck in a love triangle. Si..."

(view spoiler)[ I want to ride that bike. Yup, a love triangle is forming. Currently Clary seems to have feelings for Simon but not for Jace. Alex is been extremely rude.
(hide spoiler)]

[Simone]

Pragya wrote: "Jessica wrote: "Chapters 14-16

The whole thing of them at the party and rescuing Simon was definitely is a lot. The ending around chapter 16 left me thinking that Clary is going to be stuck in a l..."

Sorry I've been MIA this week lol.

(view spoiler)[Honestly, I don't blame Alec that much. Yes, he was being rude to Clary, but Clary was, arguably, ruder. Not only did she mention Jace, but also that he's never killed a demon. They seem to be sensitive topics for him, and those are some things that you should probably never bring up. Especially since one may cause him to be shunned from Shadowhunter society. Both are at fault here, though Clary did not need to get personal.

Does anyone else feel like Magnus and Alec with get together? Idk, I just get that feeling from them.

Maybe you guys mentioned this earlier, but Jace's father seems super suspicious. Hodge said that he was a part of the Circle, and I wonder exactly how much he disagreed with Valentine. His theories about love seem to be right in line with something Valentine would say. Maybe they were closer than we think? (hide spoiler)]

[Pragya]

Simone wrote: "Pragya wrote: "Jessica wrote: "Chapters 14-16

The whole thing of them at the party and rescuing Simon was definitely is a lot. The ending around chapter 16 left me thinking that Clary is going to ..."

No worries!

(view spoiler)[ I liked the fact that Alex has not killed a demon. It's makes him a kind person. I think there could be a specific reason he hadn't killed any yet.

I agree if Alex secret came out he will be in danger but Clary wasn't gonna tell about him to anyone but was only letting him know the real reason he was been rude to her.

Magnus and Alex together -- I am so ready to board this ship.

Yes, it is. Hodge even told Clary to not show the picture to Jace as that will make him sad but I think it could he totally different reason.
(hide spoiler)]

[Simone]

Pragya wrote: "Simone wrote: "Pragya wrote: "Jessica wrote: "Chapters 14-16

The whole thing of them at the party and rescuing Simon was definitely is a lot. The ending around chapter 16 left me thinking that Cla..."

*pulls out bulletin board and red string*

(view spoiler)[What if he didn't want to show him the picture because he know he wouldn't recognize him as his father? What if he would recognize someone else? Like, perhaps, Valentine?

Oh dear, that makes absolutely no sense, but they did mention that Valentine had a son, right? What if Jace is his son? Plus, Valentine would totally say that love makes you weak. Idk honestly, I'm just spitballing random theories. (hide spoiler)]

[Pragya]

Simone wrote: "Pragya wrote: "Simone wrote: "Pragya wrote: "Jessica wrote: "Chapters 14-16

The whole thing of them at the party and rescuing Simon was definitely is a lot. The ending around chapter 16 left me th..."

Oh god! I can see this happening!!!

I know few spoilers already and am trying to keep my lips shut about it. (Gonna blame all of this to the movie and series...even though it been a long time I have seen them but I still remember main stuffs.)

[Jessica]

Simone wrote: "Pragya wrote: "Simone wrote: "Pragya wrote: "Jessica wrote: "Chapters 14-16

The whole thing of them at the party and rescuing Simon was definitely is a lot. The ending around chapter 16 left me th..."

Honestly all of those theories are something I had in mind too but that leaves the question who did Jaee see get killed then, if not his father? I can't seem to put it done.

also i just assumed the son would also be Jocelyn's so there is always the possibility that it's not. I see wonder about Clary's father.

And I so want to ride those bikes too.