City of Bones
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to City of Bones
City of Bones is the first installment in Cassandra Clare's urban fantasy series, The Mortal Instruments. The story follows Clary Fray, a seemingly ordinary teenager in New York City, whose life is irrevocably changed when she witnesses a murder committed by mysterious, tattooed figures invisible to others. This event propels her into a hidden world of Shadowhunters—half-angel, half-human warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons—and uncovers secrets about her own lineage and the disappearance of her mother. The book blends elements of adventure, mystery, and paranormal romance, as Clary navigates a dangerous new reality populated by vampires, werewolves, warlocks, and other magical beings, all while grappling with emerging powers and complex relationships. It targets a young adult audience, exploring themes of identity, family, and the ongoing battle between good and evil in a richly imagined supernatural setting.
Things to Consider
Violence
The book contains frequent and graphically described fantasy violence involving battles between Shadowhunters and various supernatural creatures, including demons and vampires. Descriptions often include blood, injuries, and death, with threats of mass murder being central to the antagonist's plans.
Clary witnesses a demon, disguised as a teenage boy, being violently killed at the Pandemonium Club, with 'black liquid erupting from its wound' before it disappears. Later, Clary is attacked by a demon that 'whispers that it wants to kill and eat her'. The antagonist, Valentine, plans to create a new army by forcing innocent children to drink from the Mortal Cup, implying the 'murder of thousands'.
Profanity
The book's dialogue is noted for containing a significant amount of profanity, including moderate to strong curse words and instances of taking God's name in vain.
Witchcraft & Occult
Witchcraft and occult themes are central and pervasive to the narrative, forming the foundation of the 'Shadowhunter' world. The story involves angels, demons, warlocks, vampires, werewolves, and the use of magic, spells, and powerful magical artifacts.
Scary & Intense Content
The book contains frequent scary and intense content, including encounters with grotesque demons, violent attacks, disturbing imagery, and a pervasive sense of danger. The antagonist's intentions involve widespread death and destruction, contributing to a high level of suspense and frightening situations.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
Ages 14 and up. The book features graphic fantasy violence, moderate to high romance and sexual tension (including a temporary pseudo-incest plotline), frequent profanity, and pervasive occult themes. While readable by younger teens, the mature content warrants an older age recommendation.
Good to Know
The 'City of Bones' is the first book in a longer series ('The Mortal Instruments'). Many of the themes, particularly LGBTQ+ representation with Alec and Magnus, become more explicit and central in later books. The initial pseudo-incest plotline between Jace and Clary is also resolved in subsequent volumes, alleviating the concern present in this first installment.
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