City of Bones, Cassandra Clare, published by Margaret K. McElderry, £5.19

What is the book about?

This book is a known staple of the increasingly widely populated Young Adult fantasy genre of novel. It’s the first in a series by Cassandra Clare that tells the story of a young girl living in New York named Clary who, after being introduced to a world of demon-hunters and mystery, discovers that she is connected to this world in ways she never could have expected. We follow her journey, being thrown into it and the people she meets along the way.

Who is it aimed at?

Based on the ideas and content of City Of Bones, it is best recommended to people at least the age of 13 and older.

What is your favourite part?

My very favourite aspect of reading it was the odd sense of relatability. Despite the fantastic situations they got into along the way, the characters remained familiar and almost reminiscent of close friends, which I believe to be the purest sign of great character building. This may have something to do with the fact that, unlike a lot of fantasy novels I come across, this is set in modern day.

What was your least favourite part?

Although there were certainly a few twists along the way, I found the overall plot rather predictable. This lack of wonder and excitement made me a lot less interested in reading City Of Bones and made it altogether a little too easy to put down at times.

Which character would you most like to meet?

Of the main characters I’d be most interested in talking to, would be Simon. He has a key role in the book but is, for the most part, a supporting character in the form of Clary’s best friend. I would love to hear even more about his development and feelings.

Why should someone buy this book?

I would recommend this book to anyone looking to get into a series of books they may have overlooked in the past.