City of Bones by Cassandra Clare - ESSENTIAL

Clare, Cassandra; City of Bones: Book One of the Mortal Instruments Trilogy 496 pgs. Margaret K. McElderry

Language~PG-13; Sexual Content~PG-13; Violence~PG-13

MS, HS –ESSENTIAL 

Clarissa and her mom have your typical relationship between teen and parent. They have their arguments and misunderstandings. However, Clary’s mom has kept a secret from her daughter that will turn the world she has known upside down. It all begins when Clary sees something she shouldn’t at a nightclub. She is then plunged into a world of shadow hunters, vampires, werewolves, and other creatures that shouldn’t exist but do. This first novel grabs readers and doesn’t let go as they are taken on a ride that is full of suspense, romance, humor, and mystery. Put down that other vampire book and pick this one up, you won’t be disappointed! There is plenty of teen angst in the form of sexual innuendos but despite the claim on the front of the book of ‘Sexy’ there is not more than kissing that is actually described. The language is on the dark side but I don’t recall any ‘f’s. The violence is frequent and dark similar but par for the course in an adventure/paranormal story.

Allison Madsen~Teen Librarian-SJO Public Library