City of Bones (Mortal Instruments, #1), by Cassandra Clare

Summary from Borders.com -

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. Clary knows she should call the police, but it's hard to explain a murder when the body disappears into thin air and the murderers are invisible to everyone but Clary.

Equally startled by her ability to see them, the murderers explain themselves as Shadowhunters: a secret tribe of warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. Within twenty-four hours, Clary's mother disappears and Clary herself is almost killed by a grotesque 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....

Rhia’s Review – One fateful day, daddy took Rhia to the mall and let her pick out a book. Rhia picked a dragon book, but while she was there spotted a book that looked interesting. She picked it up and read about it, and the more she read the more she liked, but still decided to get the dragon book she had already picked. When Rhia got home, she couldn’t remember the name or author of the book, and it started driving her crazy. So crazy the she got online and asked for help, describing what she remember about the book on a forum. They lead her to the book she had forgotten, and the next trip to Borders, Rhia got that book, called City of Bones.

In case you didn’t figure it out, I’m that Rhia. And I’ve always regretted not choosing City of Bones instead, because that dragon book kind of sucked, while City of Bones is awesomeness incarnate. I love it so much I’ve babbled about the series so much to a friend of mine that he knows more about it that someone who has never read it should.

Combining Angels, Demons, Warlocks, Werewolves and Vampires, some of my most favorite things to read about, without making any of them dull or overdone, Cassandra Clare has written a book that will always have a place in my heart. The characters and settings are vivid and real, really giving you a sense of being there. The writing is fantastic, and the story and plot really pull you in. Love the twists as well.

All in all, a simply wonderful book that I will never cease to love.

There’s also talk of a movie, which I think may be really official and underway. But I try not to get my hopes up too far when it comes to this sort of thing.

The Recommendation – This is a fantastic book, and a fantastic series, that all lovers of fantasy should try. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

The Other Books – City of Ashes  and City of Glass, the other two books in the series, have already been read and are sitting with their brother on the shelf. (Reviews coming soon.) So, obviously, I think it’s worth it. Clare has recently revealed that a surprise fourth book in the series, City of Fallen Angels will be released in early 2011. (I believe I’m right on the time. Just don’t sue if I’m wrong.) I can’t wait. There is also a prequel series in the works, called the Infernal Devices. The Clockwork Angel, first in the series, will be out later this year. Also can’t wait for that.

The Vitals* – City of Bones is available in both hardback ($17.99) and paperback ($9.99).

The Links – Official Mortal Instruments Page, Official Infernal Devices Page, Cassandra Clare's Official Website

*=All prices are from Borders.com and are subject to change without notice, and without this page reflecting those changes.