Juvenile Fiction
Margaret K. McElderry
February 19, 2008
485
When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder― much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing―not even a smear of blood―to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?
This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know...
Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare's ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.
My Review:
I read this book many years ago in High School and I loved it. I recently picked it up again after watching the TV show Shadowhunters which is based on this book series. It’s a freaking amazing TV show by the way. I can’t wait for the second season! It’s going to be based off the second book City of Ashes.
This book does a great job at drawing you in. The idea of a shadow hunter is beyond cool! Half angel, half human. This story is full of action. Demons roam the night, werewolves run a bar, vampires occupy abandoned hotels, warlocks cast spells, and the law is all upheld by the Shadowhunters. The characters really come alive and jump off the pages. You have the chance to compare other depictions of fantasy creatures. There is also the intriguing use of runes, which gives shadowhunters power.
The series explores compelling ideas, like what makes a family and whether its ok to hide a big part of yourself away from loved ones, even if it’s in the name of protecting them from harm. It tests the friendship and bravery of teens.
Clary, the main character, is very brave. She faces scary demons and truths about who she really is. Her friendship with Jace the shadowhunter and her best friend Simon strengthen her. She can sometimes be really annoying but she grows on you eventually. Jace is one sexy beast in my opinion. He is tough and always willing to fight for good. My second favorite character both in the Tv show and book is Alec the shadowhunter. He is strong and silent.
Overall, I think this a great Fantasy read! I highly recommend it if you are into this type of genre.
Watch Out For: Kissing, fantasy violence, battles, kidnapping, killings, mild language, drinking and smoking,
