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

[Deceptively]

(view spoiler)[Yeah I think she might have been confused through some of the book like when she had those dreams and thought of Simon, she looked like she was considering her feelings for him but not in quite the same way he was. I think it was more that she knew Simon didn’t like Jace and so she felt guilty? I was a little annoyed at her for apologising tho! Like, she can kiss who she wants!

It was definitely different with Jace, I felt like we were watching someone under a spell. But he did just find out his dead father isn’t really dead who also tried to teach him to be obedient and unloving so..
I’m glad he chose to stay behind. If he had gone with Valentine, who knows what would have happened to him.
The fact he couldn’t kill Valentine shows his loyalty for family tho which was (in a way) nice. (hide spoiler)]

[Akshita]

(view spoiler)[

Yeah, It was actually nice to see that Jace couldn't make himself kill Valentine. That would have made him seem more like a mindless killing machine, lacking any emotions.
Now, that I think about it, this book was mostly about giving us a brief idea of this world, and not much was there plot-wise. I hope this gets better as we proceed with the series. (hide spoiler)]

[Deceptively]

(view spoiler)[Because we follow Clary, I think you’re right and it was like her introduction to the world and people in it, as well as giving us some information on histories and the general Circle/Valentine stuff.

I don’t really remember the second book beyond basics of the plot so I really hope you’re right and there is more happening! We’ll get to see Valentine more tho for sure! (hide spoiler)]

[Akshita]

(view spoiler)[
I hope so too! As far as Valentine goes, he isn't making the best villain till now. But as you say, we'll get more of him in the second book, so let's see.
(hide spoiler)]
Also I think you are reading the Clockwork Prince with someone this month? So how does that fit with this series?

[Deceptively]

(view spoiler)[Yeah he becomes better (I think??) but the villain in book 4-6 is better in my opinion. (hide spoiler)]

The series I’m reading later starts with Clockwork Angel and it’s a prequel to this one. It features some of their ancestors and is set in the late 1800s. It’s hands down my favourite Shadowhunters series.

[Akshita]

Jaxie wrote: "[spoilers removed]

The series I’m reading later starts with Clockwork Angel and it’s a prequel to this one. It features some of their ancestors and is set in the late 1800s. It’s hands down my fav..."

Ohk.. Yeah, I have heard people saying that Infernal Devices is much better than Mortal Instruments. And it's actually her later books that made me want to pick up this series in the first place.

[Deceptively]

If I’m being honest, the mortal instruments is now my least favourite of the shadowhunters series. I still think it’s good but it was the introductory series so there’s not too much of a theme other than the Valentine/war stuff and the others explore particular themes in more depth.

Which of the others have you read?

[Deceptively]

It’s funny because I’ve heard a lot of people saying that they didn’t realise until going back and reading the first ones again that the later ones are much better in comparison.

[Akshita]

Jaxie wrote: "If I’m being honest, the mortal instruments is now my least favourite of the shadowhunters series. I still think it’s good but it was the introductory series so there’s not too much of a theme othe..."

I haven't read the others yet, I WANT to read those. But decided to follow the order.

[Deceptively]

Akshita wrote: "I haven't read the others yet, I WANT to read those. But decided to follow the order."

Ah awesome. That’s a lot of books to get through haha

[Catrin]

Hi everyone, I have reached page 263 & I am on Chapter 13 in this book and I am really enjoying this book series at the moment. I love Clary & Jace.

[Deceptively]

Ah that’s really good to hear!

[Anna 'Bookbuyer']

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Date changed. Restarting September 17th 2020. Happy Reading ☺

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[Aly]

Starting now

[Aly]

ch 6 (view spoiler)[ Jace is a douche lol. And it's crazy that Clary doesn't realized that Simon is in love with her. This is going by pretty quickly (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

ch 12 (view spoiler)[ Man I love Magnus. He only gets better as the series goes. Also, big revelation that Clary's mom put a block in her mind! (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

ch 18 (view spoiler)[ I felt pretty bad for Simon in that moment and even Jace was hurt. I can't imagine how Clary was so oblivious about Simon, but she needs to make it clear how she feels. (hide spoiler)]

[Catrin]

I am on page 282 in the City of Bones, I am getting more excited for more adventures in the other world.

[Stella]

Part one
(view spoiler)[ There is a lot of information given but I have so many questions still. I feel bad for Simon who obviously likes Clary but she is clueless. I have already seen the fan art of Clary and Jace though, and I can see it happening. Why hasn't she realized that she probably did have her memory or a block in her mind or something if everything feels familiar to her?
Also, why did Hodge work for or with Valentine? Apparently, Clary's mom was married to him. So why is she in exile or whatever? (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

Finished (view spoiler)[ I'm glad Jace helped Clary. Also, they're siblings what??? LOL I remember the first time I read that part. I was so shocked (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

Stella wrote: "Part one
There is a lot of information given but I have so many questions still. I feel bad for Simon who obviously likes Clary but she is clueless. I have already seen the fan art of Clary and Ja..."

Oh so many questions! You'll get some answers soon. (view spoiler)[ Also, I feel really bad for Simon too. But maybe he should move on since he's got to know she doesn't like him that way (hide spoiler)]

[Stella]

Chapter 20
(view spoiler)[ What does he mean by Jace will be with his father? Is his father still alive? Also, I definitely think that the star-shaped scar on Clary's arm isn't normal.
The betrayal though of Hotch, I knew he wasn't that good since he said some good things about Valentine but I didn't think he would do that. (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

Stella wrote: "Chapter 20 (view spoiler)[What does he mean by Jace will be with his father? Is his father still alive? Also, I definitely think that the star-shaped scar on Clary's arm isn't normal.
The betrayal though of Hotc... (hide spoiler)]"

Yeah (view spoiler)[ I was surprised he would betray them like that (hide spoiler)]

[Stella]

Finished
(view spoiler)[ I looked at all the fan art before reading this book and knew I had to read it but SIBLINGS?! I didn't expect that but maybe this can kinda be like Clueless or Valentine was lying and Jace is actually not his child, either way, I still like their relationship.
What is wrong with Clary's Mother and why won't she wake up? (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

Stella wrote: "Finished
(view spoiler)[ I looked at all the fan art before reading this book and knew I had to read it but SIBLINGS?! I didn't expect that but maybe this can kinda be like Clueless or Valentine was lying and Jac... (hide spoiler)]"

I KNOW!! Now you have to keep going to find out!

[Catrin]

I am on Chapter 14/ Page 272. I am really enjoying this book.
catrinlawn@icloud.com

[Jenn]

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Date changed. Restarting February 11th 2021. Happy Reading ☺

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[Brinley]

Starting this one a bit early!

[Brinley]

Up to chapter 4
(view spoiler)[ I love how her mom told her to do anything but go to her house, and what does Clary do? SHE GOES HOME. This isnt going to end well at all... (hide spoiler)]

[Brinley]

Up to chapter 7

(view spoiler)[ I really want to know how none of the ndighbors are reacting to this... Like, an entire battle is being fought, and no one notices? That glamour would have to be awfully strong... (hide spoiler)]

[Brinley]

Up to chapter 8
(view spoiler)[Im already getting the feeling that a lot of this book is going to be Clary making impulsive decisions, and Jace and Alec having to chase after her. Along the way, she'll stumble onto some huge secrets, so itll all be excused. Also, theres no way this Valentine guy is actually dead (hide spoiler)]

[Brinley]

Up to page 358
(view spoiler)[ Im ready for Clary to start doing something in battle other than just standing around watching. We now know that she can throw a dagger, so can we get her some of those? Shes pretty weak right now, and quite frankly, shes a liability. (hide spoiler)]

[Brinley]

Up to page 465
(view spoiler)[ Are we really doing this whole "im too good to kill the big bad guy, so im going to let him get away to cause even more problems" character arc? Ugh. You know thats going to come back around, Valentine isnt just going to go away.

I already knew about the incest plotline, so im not too bothered by it. Part of that may be that i never really shipped Clary and Jace anyway. (hide spoiler)]

[Brinley]

Finished
(view spoiler)[ I wasnt super impressed by this one, but i cant wait to get to the next one. I had guessed the final twist quite a bit before it happened, so i wasnt super surprised. Magnus and Alec are definitely my favorite characters, and i ship them way more than Clary and Jace (even before we knew they were related) (hide spoiler)]

[Suzanne]

Here’s me thinking I might join 😂

[Brinley]

Feel free to! The more the merrier :)

[Suzanne]

I think I might! I’ve planned too many buddy reads already 😂

[Catrin]

I am on Chapter 19 page 371 in the this book.

[Catrin]

I am on Chapter 22 Page 429 in the book now, I am really enjoying reading this book and I can’t wait to carry on with this book series.

[Saar The Book owl]

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Date changed. Restarting September 9th 2021. Happy Reading ☺

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[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

30% (view spoiler)[This is a reread for me. I first read this book back in 2014 so I thought a series reread was in order. I plan to reread all of the Shadowhunter books until I get to the latest. I have been holding off on reading The Last Hours and The Eldest Curses series until I reread all of the other ones.

I didn't realize that Clary was only 15 years old. I was thinking that she was a few years older. At least, that is how I remember it, though I was obviously remembering it wrong. And I don't remember her being so short. Just over five feet? I think that watching the Shadowhunters television show has messed with my memory of the books.

God, I love Simon! He was always my favorite character in the series. I love his quips and goodhearted nature. He was always brave too, despite not being a token brave character.

Jace is a cocky asshole. I knew this already, but it really needs to be said. Though, honestly, he doesn't seem that awful. And I am finding that I was really into Jace the first time I read this but I am definitely not feeling him that strongly this time around.

Yikes! All that hostility towards Clary from Alec.

I really hate the way that Luke treated Clary on the phone. (hide spoiler)]

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

52% (view spoiler)[So werewolves and witches are the offspring of a demon and a human. And werewolves and vampires are the result of demonic diseases brought to this dimension from the demon realms that changed humans. I am curious about the fae theories though. I wonder if they are really fallen angels or if they are the offspring of angels and demons. I really like the lore that Clare is using for her Shadowhunter world.

I know that Clary is concerned about her mother and that she is overwhelmed with all the new information that she has learned about her life, but I wish that Clary was more considerate of Simon and his feelings. (hide spoiler)]

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

76% (view spoiler)[Simon and Isabelle are the cutest!

Jace really seems to care an awful lot about Clary right from the start, even though he tries to make it look like he doesn't. He always wants to go with her when she goes places and then there are the little things that he does that seem insignificant but shows that he is concerned for her. Like when she was poisoned by the demon and when she fell in the Silent City.

I kind of love the banter between Jace and Clary. Sometimes it's just so witty and spicy. (hide spoiler)]

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

86% (view spoiler)[I thought that it was really a sweet and romantic moment between Jace and Clary on the roof. It was so thoughtful of Jace to give Clary a midnight picnic for her birthday. Even though he can say some pretty irritating things and be pretty obstinate in certain regards, he cares deep down.

I know that it was a delicate moment when Simon caught Jace and Clary kissing outside the door to her room, but I was amused. Poor Jace, playing off the whole thing like it didn't matter to him in the slightest. That boy has an iron fence around his heart. And poor Simon. Seeing the girl that he is in love with kissing a guy that he hates. And poor Clary. Not realizing that her best friend was in love with her and hurting him for being so blind. And then having to deal with Jace's reaction to the whole thing. (hide spoiler)]

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

Finished! (view spoiler)[Being able to hide things inside of paintings is kind of an odd skill. It's curious that the runes that Clary needed to be able to do this just came to her without her knowing it.

Simon saving the day with the greater demon was seriously one of my favorite parts. I freaking love Simon so much. I like that even though he is a mundane and has no powers or anything special about him, he doesn't let that stop him from being brave for the people he cares about. He has the biggest heart and I adore him.

Well, Hodge is a self-centered coward.

Luke's story was really moving. He was turned into a werewolf and his whole life was turned upside down because of it. But he never stopped caring for Jocelyn so he searched for her until he found her. It's really beautiful.

Clary and Jace being siblings is kind of a shocker, am I right? And Valentine seemed like such a manipulative asshole.

I was glad that Alec and Clary cleared things up at the end. The same for Isabelle and Clary. I like that they cleared the air, so to speak.

So much unresolved at the end, but I think that it cut off at a good spot. It definitely makes me want to pick up the next book.

Overall, I really love how creative this series is. Cassandra Clare took a super common idea and made it her own. She created this entire amazing world and I just love it! (hide spoiler)]

[Ashley W]

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Date changed. Restarting June 5th 2022. Happy Reading ☺

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[✩ Kristen ✩]

Ashley and Kristen Buddy Read Update: page 56/485 (view spoiler)[ I'm REALLY hoping that her mother is not dead! Leaving so many issues unresolved could negatively impact the main character and she has been pretty likeable. Her guilt would be unbearable. Side Note: I think there may be a romance brewing between her and Jace. I'm rooting for Jace; who wouldn't want a demon hunter boyfriend? (hide spoiler)]

[Ashley W]

✩ Kristen ✩ wrote: "Ashley and Kristen Buddy Read Update: page 56/485 [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ I would hate to know that I'd dodged my mother's calls as she was attacked like that. There wasn't much she could have done, but still. Ignoring her would be so painful. I adore Simon so much! He's cute. I think he and Clary would be great together, though Jace sounds hot too. (hide spoiler)]

[Ashley W]

Chapter 6
(view spoiler)[ That was a lot of info. I really don't care for Isabelle and Alec. They are so stuck up. Hodge sounds great though. I would love to spend a day with him and just let him teach me everything. (hide spoiler)]

[Ashley W]

Chapter 14
(view spoiler)[ So much has happened in just the first half. I really can't stand Isabelle at this point. Poor little Simon. I'm so glad they got to him in time. I really don't think that Jace would have left him regardless, but I'm glad Clary insisted. Also, wolves to the rescue! That was awesome. (hide spoiler)]