The Mortal Instruments

The Mortal Instrument Series by Cassandra Clare

What are they about? 

Well, there is this group of people called "Shadowhunters" who without our ever knowing it are saving the world from demons every day.  They were given this power by an archangel in the beginning of mankind it seems.  With special tools they can draw a sort of tattoo on themselves to make them more powerful, strong...

The main character, Clary, is a girl who has no idea of her shadow-hunting family's past.   She unknowingly stumbles into their world when at a nightclub (Pandemonium Club) that is also frequented by many supernaturals.  It all gets crazy from there.

Jace, the cool yet tortured teen shadowhunter...
Simon, the best friend/ boy-next door...
tattoos, rock music and leather outfits.

What is a girl to do?

Okay, THIS is why I screen my daughter's reading list...

The Mortal Instruments series is so popular, sort of the new "Twilight" thing it seems.   They are recommended for 9th grade and up, and I would say I probably agree (maybe even older depending on the kid.)


My reasons? 
(Let's see...incestuous thoughts between supposed siblings, seduction, demons everywhere, angels and fairies being tortured... in other words pretty graphic stuff for those not able to handle it.)  They make the Twilight books look really tame.



All that being said I still really enjoyed reading the first three books in this series.   I thought the characters were very interesting and believe me there was never a dull moment.  I am anxiously awaiting the next books! 

Like Clockwork

I love this cover!

Tessa is a sixteen year old orphan who is going to London to search for her missing older brother. On her arrival she is promptly kidnapped by a nefarious secret club called "The Pandemonium Club" because of some secret powers even she didn't know she possessed. Tessa soon finds there are demons, vampires, warlocks and more (oh my!)

Of course she is rescued by "The Institute" a group of Shadowhunters, sworn to kill demons. A love triangle (sort of) ensues where she is torn for feelings between two steamy teens, Will and James.


I'd seen so much hype on this book that I felt like I had to read it.
I must admit I did enjoy it...  But this is a very scary book (at least to me) with people being murdered for body parts, monsters everywhere, and horrible clockwork robot people trying to kill everyone while their masters take over the world. In other words- I would NOT recommend this for young teens or tweens. Probably at least 9th grade and up would be okay. (I'm not letting my 13 yr old read it yet...)

Now, for myself I can't wait for the next one to come out!  :)


*I read all of Cassandra Clare's other books after reading this one (sort of out of order I found out because this is the prequel series to the Mortal Instrument series) and really enjoyed this book the most.   I am a sucker for a good series.  I think you get hooked on learning more about characters you really like, don't  you?