City of Bones
discussion
Am I the only one who couldn't stand this book?
1. They aren't really siblings and it was a clever plot device to add more tension to the series. Have you seen Star Wars? They used a reverse of the same plot device.2. I think the two series had really no similarities. Did Clary look like she was going to Hogwarts? I think it is a real stretch to compare the two, but if you would like to point out any similarities I would love to be proven wrong.
3. Clary has a lot of growing up to do yes, but I feel that a lot of YA heroines go through a similar annoying phase while they learn who they are and what their destiny is.
4. Agreed. Simon does get better with time though.
5. I really enjoy Cassandra Clare's choice of vocabulary for Clary, the shadowhunters, and most of the supporting characters. Each have their own unique voice and characteristics. While that may not be how modern day teens speak keep in mind that how teens speak on, for example, the west coast is completely different from the south. Also teen vocabulary changes ever 10 seconds so it makes no sense to use current day slang if you plan to write a book that will appeal to teens in 5 or 10 years.
6. I didn't think it was predictable at all. The shadowhunter idea is very original and I liked the incorporation of other mythical creatures like the fey and vampires. I also really love the silent brothers, which I had never encountered before and I read A LOT of YA.
So yes, I think that you are one of the few that feels this way. After all Cassie Clare is a New York Times bestselling author multiple times over and I believe all the stellar reviews speak for themselves.
Paranormal YA might just not be your thing. If you are interested in contemporary YA I would recommend
I hope that helps =)
I wouldn't say it was the worst book I've ever read but I get what you are saying and agree with a lot of your points. The incest part didn't really bother me that much because I knew from the beginning they couldn't possibly be siblings and part of what kept me reading the series was curiosity on how Cassie was going to get out of that conundrum. I must confess though that I thought it was odd for an American writer to use incest or the possibility of it as plot factor. The entire series had a feel of Star Wars to me with the whole sibling confusion (Luke and Leah), the whole "Luke, I'm your father" thing between Jace and Valentine, and also the big battle at the end of the series.
It definitely wasn't a master piece but you don't need that anymore to find success in the publishing business. I find myself much preferring her Infernal Devices series.
Regan ♥ wrote: "Please inform me about how the Mortal Instruments is like the Harry Potter series, because I do not see the similarities, honestly."They have nothing in common.... i love TMI and i kind of like HP. Give it a try just to see.
Heaven wrote: "This is honestly one of the worst, if not the worst books I've read in my entire life.And here's why:
1. Incest (Ew.) I haven't read the rest of the series but, my friend told me the she's..."
Clary and Harry does rhyme. hehe. But to be honest I don't think TMI and HP have anything in common. And the Incest thing, well, you have to read the books to know that they're not actually related to each other.
And true, Clary is really annoying but based on experience I think a lot of female protagonists tend to become annoying in YA lit at some point so I guess, I was okay with her being whatever she is. :D
You should give Simon a chance though. He is probably one of the most adorable characters in the books as the story progressed.
And the way the conversations were written wasn't really that awful in my opinion. Maybe in some states or countries people do talk that way. And you should remember the vocabulary of a teenager changes every now and then. Take it from me, I was a teenager about 4 years ago and I have cousins who are still in their early and late teens and there are times when I just want to scratch my head and not listen to them anymore because they keep on changing the names of certain things. haha.
Anyway, I think you should give TMI a chance. It's not really that unbearable. :)
I read this book about a year ago or so, and I would have to say that at the time I read it, I would agree with you 100% (except the Harry Potter thing cause I've never read or seen Harry Potter) But I continued reading the series, and although I still wouldn't say it was great, I really liked some of the side characters. (Alec and Magnus)
Regan ♥ wrote: "Please inform me about how the Mortal Instruments is like the Harry Potter series, because I do not see the similarities, honestly."Right !!!!
I thought the book was AMAZING & had a really great storyline. I dont see any simliarities bewteen this and Harry Potter. Maybe if you actually read the other book you'd know whats going on ? Im just saying..
Heaven wrote: "This is honestly one of the worst, if not the worst books I've read in my entire life.And here's why:
1. Incest (Ew.) I haven't read the rest of the series but, my friend told me the she's..."
No youre not. Still everyone is entitled to their own opinion. My most hated book of this year was "A discovery of witches" by Deborah Harkness. I gave away a copy to my friend but warned her it was horrible.
She read it...and it was one of the best books she ever read. (??????)
you people are crazy i loved this book and if you dont like this book keep your comments to yourself and dont ruin the book for others. :(
Abigail wrote: "you people are crazy i loved this book and if you dont like this book keep your comments to yourself and dont ruin the book for others. :("I enjoyed this novel too. :)
Abigail wrote: "you people are crazy i loved this book and if you dont like this book keep your comments to yourself and dont ruin the book for others. :("I think everyone is entitled to voice their opinion, regardless of if they like the book or not. Its interesting to read other peoples viewpoints, and calling people who have a different opinion to yours 'crazy' is rude.
In my opinion this book was terrible, i found it extremley boring but i still enjoying reading what people enjoyed about the book and dont feel the need to insult them for their opinions.
I actually didn't even finish this book for how much I hated it. I really disliked the whole idea of it and completely agree with Heaven about this book. This is not a very good piece of literature (though I wouldn't do better at writing a book). It rivals 'The Darkest Part Of the Woods' which I wasn't very fond of either....
Emily wrote: "1. They aren't really siblings and it was a clever plot device to add more tension to the series. Have you seen Star Wars? They used a reverse of the same plot device.2. I think the two series ha..."
I was just about to write the EXACT same thing when I realised that you already did!
you are the only one. This is my ultimate favourite book series.
Heaven wrote: "This is honestly one of the worst, if not the worst books I've read in my entire life.And here's why:
1. Incest (Ew.) I haven't read the rest of the series but, my friend told me the she's..."
I completely agree with you, because I was only able to get through the first couple of chapters...which bored me to tears.
I seriously do not understand why all my friends are all like; 'I LOVE the mortal instruments series! soooo amazing!!!'
I hated it too. Jace is a jerk, and let's face it the story orbits around him and how "hot" and "emotionally scarred" he is, and that gives him the excuse to act like a jerk. The whole cast of characters are constantly forgiving his attitude because of his past. Wolverine not this much of a jerk, and he’s been through way more screwed up things then this kid. Katniss Everdeen has been through more then him, and she’s way less brooding. I read the 2nd because I thought I needed to give this series another chance, but the sibling thing (even if it was fake) crept me out. I have nothing against the people who like this series, or anyone who likes Jace, I just don't like it. (Edit)This is my personal view on this character. I do not care how many rewards he won, I still will never understand him nor will want to. He will always be one of my least favorite characters.
Whitney wrote: "you are the only one. This is my ultimate favourite book series."Agreed. This plus the Hunger Games are my favourites.
Rin wrote: "Whitney wrote: "you are the only one. This is my ultimate favourite book series."Agreed. This plus the Hunger Games are my favourites."
HUNGER GAMES! AND YES THIS IS ALSO ONE OF MY FAVORITES! :)
Heaven wrote: "This is honestly one of the worst, if not the worst books I've read in my entire life.And here's why:
1. Incest (Ew.) I haven't read the rest of the series but, my friend told me the she's..."
Give me one example of how TMI is like Harry Potter, because I seriously see NOTHING IN COMMON! Unless you're saying that they're both awesome books.:D
Jenna wrote: "I hated it too. Jace is a jerk, and let's face it the story orbits around him and how "hot" and "emotionally scarred" he is, and that gives him the excuse to act like a jerk. The whole cast of char..."Agreed. The second book is slightly better. But no not for me though. It was just.. not for me.
1) Ever heard of Oedipus Complex or the whole thing with Star Wars? Cassie added dramatic tension and it made most of us want to keep reading. 2) I absolutely don't understand how Harry Potter is related to this, I mean do you see any wands or friendly wizards? Cause I don't I see a world of blood and demons
3)Well most teenage girls are. Clary's personality is that she is bold and witty.
4)Cassie wrote Simon as a person who if you looked at you either liked him a lot or just thought he was plain stupid. He's a mundane.
5)There are people and many authors who let their characters talk in certain ways and styles.
6)Many series are, I could always tell that Prim was going to die or that Luke from Percy Jackson would turn good at the end. Plus if you read Clockwork Prince nothing will be right it will be a hell of a ride
7) Are you ever going to respond to us? And no there are a number of people who don't prefer this book same as there are a group of people who Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter.
Chema wrote: "Jenna wrote: "I hated it too. Jace is a jerk, and let's face it the story orbits around him and how "hot" and "emotionally scarred" he is, and that gives him the excuse to act like a jerk. The whol..."Jace does only act like that because of his past and that the fact is he's a teenager.
Samantha-J wrote: "Jace does only act like that because of his past and that the fact is he's a teenager." So that gives him the right to belittle everyone around him and not get called out on it?
He's not belittling everyone. He loves his family and cares about his friends. How much of the series have you read?
oh come on guys... this book isn't the worst book, it's actually a really good if not amazing...1.i think the idea of clary and jace being siblings when they actually aren't, was a very good plot because it makes the book more interesting.
2.this book has no similarities with harry potter, not at all
3.clary wasn'r annoyiing, it was just the fact that in a young age, she learns that someone abducted her mother and she finds herself in front of a creature which is trying to kill her.she behaves like that because of the circumstances
4.i liked to punch simon in the face too but he gets better in the next books
5.i really enjoyed cassandra's writing and each of them is different and unique.
6.predictable???not at all
***if it is the worst book then why it's a bestseller?? think about it :)
Samantha-J wrote: "He's not belittling everyone. He loves his family and cares about his friends. How much of the series have you read?" I'm only on the second book, but I can’t get into the story. I know he loves his family, but it’s the way he talks about Mundane’s or when he’s talking to Simon that just tick me off. Even when he’s first getting to know Clary, I got this snarky vibe from him. But everyone has a different way of viewing a person’s actions, and for me I really have no desire to read about him anymore.
Jenna wrote: "Samantha-J wrote: "He's not belittling everyone. He loves his family and cares about his friends. How much of the series have you read?" I'm only on the second book, but I can’t get into the stor..."
Mundanes annoy and disgust Nephilim most of the time. He hates Simon well because he's dating a shadowhunter and its Clary! When he first met Clary he's very suprised by her and by that covers it up more by being more sarcastic and snappy. If you don't like this series I suggest reading the Infernal Devices. Its set back in the Victorian Era and has a whole entire different look to it due to its time frame. Cassandra did a great job with this series because there is a more focus on the bases of the Nephilim and the Downworld and yet there is still romance. And if you have or do read this series I suggest you forget all about TMI and start with a clean mind.
Samantha-J wrote: "Jenna wrote: "Samantha-J wrote: "He's not belittling everyone. He loves his family and cares about his friends. How much of the series have you read?" I'm only on the second book, but I can’t get ..."
The reason’s Jace acts the way he does, that will pretty much always annoy me no matter what the reason behind the act is, especially the attitude towards the Mundanes. I will keep The Infernal Devices on my radar when I go to the library. I’ve seen and looked at the prequels on goodreads, and people say they’re better. I have to be honest though, lately YA and I haven’t been getting along so well. But If I do read Clockwork Angel, I’ll try to keep TMI out of my mind. Thanks for the suggestion. :)
Yeah i think you are. I loved it, and my friends and sister loved it too. Actually, so did my librarian, and she barely even likes fantasy books with multiple species (angels, fey, and warlocks, etc.)
if u don't like the book that's fine but don't blame the author! she's one of the better YA authors and answers a lot of her fan's questions on her blog.
Jenna wrote: "I hated it too. Jace is a jerk, and let's face it the story orbits around him and how "hot" and "emotionally scarred" he is, and that gives him the excuse to act like a jerk. The whole cast of char..."Katniss Everdeen...less brooding?!?! she's a much darker character than Jace cuz the novel that she's in is much more darker than TMI (which isn't a bad thing, it was very interesting to read) and there's always or most of the time a character that's dark and tortured which is part of the reason why they are super "hot" and also that deep, romantic side! (BTW Jace won the Summer Crush Tournament on the YA Sisterhood website by almost 3000 more votes than the other contestant on the final round alone....that's a lot of votes ;) just saying
percabeth wrote: "Jenna wrote: "I hated it too. Jace is a jerk, and let's face it the story orbits around him and how "hot" and "emotionally scarred" he is, and that gives him the excuse to act like a jerk. The whol..."I know the Hunger Games are darker, and Katniss handles it as well as any other normal person would. So I respect her more then Jace, no matter what award he has won or how many more people like him. Maybe not to you, but to me he's annoying.
I really found these books amazing. I don't really see your reasons for not liking it, it's up to you of course. Your reasons are not covncing. I liked Clare's writing style, there's nothing here to be compared to HP, and certainly, if both Clary and Jace are not related, what is all the fuss about? They didn't know they were siblings until they were actually in love. It's a hard position it seems.
don't worry.. me too..
Kristy wrote: "Abigail wrote: "you people are crazy i loved this book and if you dont like this book keep your comments to yourself and dont ruin the book for others. :("I think everyone is entitled to voice th..."
i totally agree... you, yourself are voicing your opinion on others...
i don't think it's that bad. i did like most of it; but before it was published, i was kinda expecting a lot from Cassie Clare due to her harry potter fan-fiction (which i loved) and i ended up, a little disappointed the 1st time i read the book.i knew that Jace and Clary were not really siblings the moment it was mentioned in the book and that Cassie just added that for conflict, but i was never really into the whole "I'm in love with my brother" drama. Clearly, Cassandra Clare has no brother of her own, or she would have thought of a different conflict. Just finding out that someone you've just met and was attracted to was actually related to you (i.e. "what?! you're my 2nd cousin?!") is a natural big turn off. So for me, the conflict didn't feel real. For the most part of the series, i was thinking "will you people just get a DNA test and end your misery"
Kristy wrote: "Abigail wrote: "you people are crazy i loved this book and if you dont like this book keep your comments to yourself and dont ruin the book for others. :("I think everyone is entitled to voice th..."
it's not there opinions that bother me it just there spoiling some of the secets in the book and from what they have written it shows they have read a least the first 5 books. i mean if you hate a book you dont reads the whole series
I only liked one scene in this book. But I don't think it was that bad it just wasn't a good fit for me. And I think it would have been better if she left Jace and Clary siblings. 'Cause the second you read that you know that somewhere down the line A "big reveal" is going to tell you that their not siblings. And if they had been left siblings Clary would have gotten a new love intrest which would have made a more intresting story in my opinion.
Abigail wrote: "it's not there opinions that bother me it just there spoiling some of the secets in the book and from what they have written it shows they have read a least the first 5 books. i mean if you hate a book you dont reads the whole series"I myself could not even finish the book, i found it that bad although I purchased the three books as I was expecting it to be good. I guess sometimes people perserve with the books to see if they get any better, I know that I did that with the House of Night series. I actually read the first five books hoping the series would get better before I gave up although I didnt like it from the begining. Sometimes the plot sounds so good and you just hope a series gets better but unfortunatley it just does not.
Whitney wrote: "you are the only one. This is my ultimate favourite book series."agreed. i love this and the infernal devices
Then yeah, I guess she's the only one. haha. And I'd love to hear the similarities between TMI and HP, just for curiosity.
When is this Heaven person going to reply to any of our comments?
I haven't read all the reviews... I loved this series.. I was also kinda weirded out about the brother/sister thing.. but I felt like... noway.. they will find out they are not related.. LOLI love this series..
I love the series so much, probably because I think it would be fun to live in, just like Stephine Meyer says! I LOVE the series and Jace, even if he is a little dramatic. I also understand people have different opinions. I do NOT understand the Harry Potter thing. Will someone please explain???
~J
Emily wrote: "1. They aren't really siblings and it was a clever plot device to add more tension to the series. Have you seen Star Wars? They used a reverse of the same plot device.
2. I think the two series ha..."
I love "Keeping the Moon"! Sorry...
2. I think the two series ha..."
I love "Keeping the Moon"! Sorry...
Since my friend recommended the books to me I was like on page 20 when her sister says "Oh, is that the one where the girl and guy are brother and sister?" I was like "What???" So every time they did something and when they kissed on her birthday I was like "Ok..."
Jenna wrote: "I hated it too. Jace is a jerk, and let's face it the story orbits around him and how "hot" and "emotionally scarred" he is, and that gives him the excuse to act like a jerk. The whole cast of char..."
Maybe you should consider giving it a 3rd chance, if you paid attention why Jace acts like he does is because he doesn't like to show feelings. Just my opinion :)
Maybe you should consider giving it a 3rd chance, if you paid attention why Jace acts like he does is because he doesn't like to show feelings. Just my opinion :)
i was just gifted city of bones. i cant wait to reread it again and again and again xD
Gina wrote: "Since my friend recommended the books to me I was like on page 20 when her sister says "Oh, is that the one where the girl and guy are brother and sister?" I was like "What???" So every time they d..."yeah that happened to my friend. because i recommended the series to her and as she was ordering the next book (she ordered the whole series in one go) she read part of the blurb that said clary and jace were siblings. so she was like this book is soooooo awkward. ew. but she ended up looooving the series <3 like me
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And here's why:
1. Incest (Ew.) I haven't read the rest of the series but, my friend told me the she's finds out they aren't actually related, but still. What on earth made Cassandra Clare add that? She clearly doesn't have any siblings.
2. Hey, Clary have you ever met Harry? Don't even get me started on how she completely ripped off Harry Potter. Seriously, if you aren't creative enough to think of your own ideas, you shouldn't be an author.
3. Clary was annoying.
4. I wanted to punch Simon in the face. Repeatedly.
5. Okay, so apparently Cassandra Clare isn't around that many teenagers, but they do. not. talk. that.
6. Predictable much?
I could go on for days about how much I hate this story. My friend recommended this me this story, it's her favorite series, so I decided to give it a chance. A.K.A. I wasted $20 and 2 weeks of my life.
I was reading reviews and there are so many good reviews, I only read a couple of bad ones. So, my question is: Am I the only one the feels this way?