City of Bones (June 2021) Buddy Read Discussion - Bopeep, Allyson, Ilse, Gaea, Elysian, Michelle, Rosina

[mina, Group/Buddy Reads Procrastinator]

Welcome to the City of Bones Buddy Read Discussion thread! This thread officially opens on June 12th and anyone can join at any time. Please keep in mind that spoilers are allowed in this thread but only up to the group's current reading place. Do not spoil the book if you've read further than the group. Any extra days can be used to catch up!

Each day we will be reading by chapters or page numbers. Page numbers are an approximation based on the hardcover or paperback that is the default on Goodreads. The suggested Buddy Read discussion schedule is as follows:

Week of 06/12
June 12: Chapters 1-4
June 13: Chapters 5-8

Week of 06/14
June 14: Chapters 9-12
June 15: Chapters 13-15
June 16:Chapters 16-18
June 17: Chapters 19-21
June 18: Chapters 21-23+Epilogue

PARTICIPANTS
~ Bopeep
~ Allyson
~ Ilse
~ Gaea
~ Elysian
~ Michelle
~ Rosina

[Ilse]

I wanted to start reading this series again for a while now, I’m excited to read this book!

[Michelle]

Would love to join in.

[Ilse]

Michelle wrote: "Would love to join in."

Welcome! We start June 12th.

[Rosina]

Id like to join as well

[Bopeep]

Hello buddies! Did you start the book? ^^

I've read the first 4 chapters and I think I like it.
There's a lot of background about demons and a lot of creatures that I want to know more about 👀 I want to see what's on the "academy", it seems interesting~ Though the excuse to get there seems a bit poor, but I don't mind.

I like Simon, and I feel bad for him because now Clary will go and probably forget about him? Well, it's not like he was her romantic interest or anything haha ^^'

What do you think about these chapters?
I think I'm going to read a bit more this weekend so I can take it easy during the week~

[Ilse]

Hi! I’m going to start it today too.

[Ilse]

@Rosina welcome!

[Elysian]

Hi! I actually started this book very early and I am multiple chapters ahead of schedule, because I actually read the audiobook and needed something to read while cooking and cleaning.

[[deleted user]]

I’ll be reading my chapters on break in about an hour!! I read about half of the series in middle school so I’m excited to read it again!!

[Bopeep]

@Elysian you could write your thoughts in a spoiler to comment the book! Haha ^^'

@Ilse @Allyson nice! I'll be waiting your comments huhuhu

[Elysian]

Ngl. I read this first time when I was like 13 and loved it and did not touch it since, but I know already how much I will hate it soooo... don't expect something else except me tearing this book to shreds.

Update: Chapter 1- 10

(view spoiler)[ Ah Clary. The wonderful female MC who is 'not like other girls' and naturally awesome at pointing out the obvious. (Honestly pay close attention when she talks to Jace bc she always rephrases what he says or drawing obivious conclusions and speaking them aloud. It makes her come accross as very dumb and feels like the author thinks the readers are very dumb and therefore clarifying obvious things. Sometimes even multiple times.) WTF CLARY IS JUST 15? SHE IS JUST A CHILD. I am questioning why her mother lets her go to a dicso in the first place. Also idc how 'caring' or 'great' her mother is supposed to be- not having a plan B in case she is found out and captured without Clary and Clary being alone makes her a horrible mother. She should have left her clues to go to the address of Magnus Bane/ the institute to get help ASAP.

Clary being jealous and judgemnetal af towards Isabelle does not sit right with me. It is the typical case of: "I want to be like her, bc she is popular and I hate her bc she is popular" and it is getting on my nerves how mean Clary is in her thoughts about her yet calling Simon out for being a dick to Jace. She is such a hypocrite and at least is Simon reasonably mean, because Jace is an asshole towards him from the start, while Isabelle is rather kind (letting Clary lend her clothes, telling her she smells bad so she does not embarass herself, offering her food etc.) It is so weird that one point why she is so jealous is Simon, while she has no romantic interest in him. Stop leading him on Clary!!

I just hate Jace with such a burning passion. The scene where Isabelle dumped Jace's whole tragic background story was so weird. I hate that every character tries to justify him being an arrogant ass bc of his tragic familystory (instead of giving him therapy). Also his jokes are so bad. It feels so funny that he seems to think he made a point or great joke, but I just completly cringe. (hide spoiler)]

[Elysian]

Elysian wrote: "Ngl. I read this first time when I was like 13 and loved it and did not touch it since, but I know already how much I will hate it soooo... don't expect something else except me tearing this book t..."

(Next is spoilerfree for chapter 1-4)

I forgot to mention this:

(view spoiler)[I feel like Clary is such a bad friend to Simon. I don't know if she ignores or forgets about Simon regluarly or in the disco she was jsut so fascinated by the Shadowhunters. Her ignoring Simon just doesn't sit right with me. Also basically embarassing him in front of the guard and promising him to hang out, but basically ghosting him for - idk how long- (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

I think my favorite line from the first four chapters is when Luke yells “Jesus!” and Simon responds with “Actually, it’s just me but I’ve been told the resemblance is startling.” Simon is easily the funniest character I SWEAR.

[Elysian]

Allyson wrote: "I think my favorite line from the first four chapters is when Luke yells “Jesus!” and Simon responds with “Actually, it’s just me but I’ve been told the resemblance is startling.” Simon is easily t..."

Agreed. I like Simon :)

[Rosina]

Ilse wrote: "@Rosina welcome!"

Thanks...looking forward to reading this one....I read it when it first came out and loved it....saw the movie and the watched some of the series....

[Rosina]

Allyson wrote: "I think my favorite line from the first four chapters is when Luke yells “Jesus!” and Simon responds with “Actually, it’s just me but I’ve been told the resemblance is startling.” Simon is easily t..."

i remember that I really enjoyed Simon and I loved Magnus....will be starting this later tonight....right now I have 3 or 4 other books on the go....
I remember this being a quick read

[Bopeep]

@Elysian
About Clary and Simon... Yes! She is saying that they are super duper best friends but she's a horrible friend? She just uses him to avoid her mother lol and the two times they are together she just ignores him?
And when she wakes up she doesn't even think about telling him she's okay.

Do we need to do a Simon fanclub? hahaha

[Ilse]

I’ve watched the movie and part of the series and I agree, Clary’s a pretty bad friend from time to time. Simon is great! And Alex and Magnus are probably my favourite characters.

[[deleted user]]

Yes to the Simon fan club!!!

[Elysian]

Bopeep wrote: "@Elysian
About Clary and Simon... Yes! She is saying that they are super duper best friends but she's a horrible friend? She just uses him to avoid her mother lol and the two times they are togethe..."

Agreed. I would understand her ignoring him like once? But I dislike the friendship so much, because she always talks about herself and how overprotective her mom is etc. and never really asks Simon how he is doing and she doesn't seem to care/ celebrate his successes that come with playing in a band.

Also you recognise that he is kinda in love with her and wants to be there for her. I feel like she is leading him on in a way :(

[[deleted user]]

I was thinking the same thing! Clary is so preoccupied with herself and always playing the victim. It makes me sad for Simon and even her mom. Clary is so dramatic for no reason. :(

[Bopeep]

Chapter 8

Oooh I'm intrigued by the plot there are a lot of characters and entwined stories here and I want to know more about them.
Luke and Jocelyn backstories are sooo interesting. (or so they seem!)
I'll keep reading a bit, because I'm enjoying this a lot!

[[deleted user]]

I don't think I remembered how quick of a read this was?? Like, I didn't think we would be that far through it but I looked down today and was SO surprised.

Also, Magnus Bane is literally my favorite person ever and I cannot wait to get into his story more!!

[Bopeep]

Chapter 10 (wow that was a long chapter haha)
(view spoiler)[I have a theory about where Jocelyn hides the mortal Cup ewe I think the Cup was the little medals that were from Clary's father. I mean, I think the cup was melted and then made onto another object.

Also I have more theories but I don't want to say them...

Oh, and if I am right, please, don't tell me! I want to get to that part and say AHA I TOLD You hahahha (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

I really like that theory! That was definitely something that I remember thinking my first time reading this. I will say, once you know where it's hidden, you'll be like OMG.

[Rosina]

I agree with you Allyson...I had thought that too...but I can't remember where it's hidden....

[Ilse]

I remember reading this book once when I was a child and I know I know where it’s hidden but I can’t remember......

[Bopeep]

Oooh it's so well hidden if you two forgot about it! :p
I'm the only one reading it for the first time? If that's so I would gladly tell my crazy theories hahaha

[Gaea]

Heyy~ sorry I'm starting this so late. It sounds like you guys have been having some fun talking about this haha. I remember reading this ageeesss ago and thinking it was okay but then giving up on the series later on for some reason...? All I know about this now is from that movie and from some fanfics I've poked at XD also pretty sure i know where the cup is?

Hopefully I'll be able to get some reading done today so I can catch up with you guys!

[Ilse]

@Bopeep do tell us your theories!
I looked up where the cup is and my instincts were right. You are going to be so surprised!!

[Ilse]

@Gaea same! I remember reading the first book and then just…. Stopping. I liked it though. Anyways, I’m excited to reread it (and if you all like, read the whole series).

[Ilse]

Also Gaea, no pressure! Just post us your thoughts as you read the book.

[[deleted user]]

Gaea, take your time!! Don’t apologize for being behind. We’re just glad you’re here :)

[Ilse]

Allyson wrote: "I don't think I remembered how quick of a read this was?? Like, I didn't think we would be that far through it but I looked down today and was SO surprised.

Also, Magnus Bane is literally my favo..."

YESYESYES Magnus Bane is awesome.

[Bopeep]

Yes, @Gaea, don't worry about it! Each one have our own pace. I didn't have time yesterday to read a lot haha Also chapter 10 was looong

Another crazy theory (view spoiler)[is that Clary's father wasn't a mundane, but Valentine himself lol. I don't think I'm wrong, but if I am, probably another of the shadowhunters we know by now is his son/daughter. (hide spoiler)]


A friend lend me the first six books, so I won't mind reading the first series with you! I'm so curious about ShadowHunters haha

I've never read the series but EVERYONE knows Magnus Bane, or at least his name haha. I think I will meet him today, finally!

[[deleted user]]

I think it would be kind of fun to do the whole series as a buddy read. What do y’all think?

[Elysian]

Okay guys. I have a lot to unpack here omg.

Update Chapter 10-16

(view spoiler)[I wish Clary would give me a break with her problematic behaviour, BUT NO. Honestly, it starts getting hard to like the story or other characters when everything revolves an annoying MC. I feel like if Clary just would not be there or be at least a kind, empathetic person I could enjoy the story.

Jace starts getting more likeable at this part and I enjoy seeing him taking accountability to his actions and taking care of others. Him sharing his childhood story to Clary was a bit weird and his view "to love means to destroy" feels so weird an akward. I mean he was abused and emotionally neglected by his father, but he got adopten by the Lightwoods so I feel he should have overcome his prior belief that love will only bring pain etc. He has a caring family and siblings now.

I feel like this will go in the direction of: "girl fixes a broken bad boy" and that is so toxic. I would have preferred: "broken CHILD got the help he needed from his family, but is still in the process of healing but suffers from PTSD" (Also I feel like his jokes get a bit better. I liked the shoulder one!)

Let's talk about Alec in a hot sec, because he finally has an active role. Firstly, him being in love with Jace is gross. They are siblings living in the SAME family dynamic. The homophobic micoaggressions from Calry are gross.

Clary irked me to wrong way when she said to Isabelle: "Being gay is not a big thing tho" She honestly strikes me like a person who would be like:" I support gay people, but Pride is useless!"
I hated her so much more now, bc of the fight with Alec. Especially, after she is self pittying herself being like "Alec will hate me forever! :(" instead of actually wanting to understand him, apologise and care about repairing the relationship they had prior. I feel like she does not undertsand how severe the situation for Alec is: If someone finds out he is gay he looses his Shadowhunter status, his family and job. Jace could have lost ALL of it too, bc of the Vampire cave incident too. Clary would not face any of those consequences as she is not offically part of the community.

During the argument Clary admits Alec is right, but all she does is attack him for "being jealous bc u are gay and cannot date Jace uwu" and lying and saying "It was Jace idea to get Simon back" instead of taking reponsibilty and understanding why Alec is furious she plays the victim. (hide spoiler)]

Bonus:

(view spoiler)[Clary calling it disgusting and makes 'ewww' noises (because Jace and Isabelle ARE SIBLINGS) when Simon asks her if Jace and Isabelle have sex. Yes? I need more of that. (hide spoiler)]

[Elysian]

Allyson wrote: "I think it would be kind of fun to do the whole series as a buddy read. What do y’all think?"

I have to say no, because Clary will drive me insane. I hope you guys have fun tho!

[Michelle]

Started last night sorry late. Got to chapter 6. Will catch up to you guys today.
My big takeaway is the mother and how bad she was. Lots of characters and creatures.

[Rosina]

Will do some catching up today.....Its been awhile since I read this ....but i find it interesting all the comments about Clary....I dont remember thinking she was so annoying....perhaps my opinion will change...

[Michelle]

Bopeep wrote: "Oooh it's so well hidden if you two forgot about it! :p
I'm the only one reading it for the first time? If that's so I would gladly tell my crazy theories hahaha"

This is my first time reading it too. Made it to chapter 16. Very action packed. Plot driven for sure! Would like more character development.

You guys are going in deep since you have read this before. I am just trying to keep the characters separate and follow the story lines. I am not annoyed by Clary, just think she is very self-centered. She is focusing on her problems when they all have them.

Can't wait to find out why you love Magnus Bane.

I am on the Simon bandwagon too!!! Love him!!!

[Rosina]

Allyson wrote: "I think it would be kind of fun to do the whole series as a buddy read. What do y’all think?"

i would be interested in doing a BR...

[[deleted user]]

Rosina wrote: "Allyson wrote: "I think it would be kind of fun to do the whole series as a buddy read. What do y’all think?"

i would be interested in doing a BR..."

YAY!! That would be so much fun!!

[Rosina]

are you thinking the mortal instruments...or do you want to throw in the other series as well....

[Ilse]

I’d love to read all of the books honestly

[Michelle]

Allyson wrote: "I think it would be kind of fun to do the whole series as a buddy read. What do y’all think?"

Would give me incentive to keep reading the series.

[Michelle]

Finished the book as I am going out of town to see family. Been 1 1/2 yrs since seen them. YAY!!

Will post thoughts on last day of reading. Enjoyed it for sure. Invested in characters after all that excitement.

[Ilse]

Have fun with seeing your family Michelle!!

[[deleted user]]

Michelle wrote: "Finished the book as I am going out of town to see family. Been 1 1/2 yrs since seen them. YAY!!

Will post thoughts on last day of reading. Enjoyed it for sure. Invested in characters after all th..."

Have fun seeing your family and thanks for being a part of the buddy read!

Rosina wrote: "are you thinking the mortal instruments...or do you want to throw in the other series as well...."

I'm down for whatever!!