This book about the hidden world where good and evil are at war is action filled and has it's moments. That said it contained LOTS of sexual innuendo, homosexual romance (more in the next books with an adult male with a teen male), some graphic violence, and the adults in the books are generally not good or iffy at best. The teens in the book are on their own to solve their problems and break rules or deceive the adults in charge to do it. The underground world is full of drinking, sex and violence for both the "good" and "evil" characters. Very little separates one group from the other in some aspects.
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City of Bones: The Mortal Instruments, Book 1
(2007, Fiction - Fantasy, Written by Cassandra Clare)
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Is it age appropriate?
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Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 12. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Exciting teen urban fantasy starts trilogy.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 12 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About City of Bones: The Mortal Instruments, Book 1
Parents need to know that there is lots of fantasy violence with swords and knives here, including some that is gory, with fountains and puddles of blood, throat stabbing and cutting, etc. Also, there is some kissing, and two characters are referred to as gay.
Read our full review by Matt Berman
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the increasing popularity of the teen urban fantasy. Why are these books becoming so popular now? What do they have in common? To whom are they meant to appeal? Why do classic creatures such as vampires and fairies so often appear in them? Why are they usually present, but hidden, in our own everyday world?
Our Members Say
See all 16 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title iffy for age 16 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
Has it's moments but not good for young teens
- I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
Didn't like it
It was good but really im not going to bother reading the others as the whole story is let down by the end part of the book, the twist wouldnt be bad if it were written better. The plot of the book is similar to many others and the twist seems like a desperate way to make it stand out. Very sudden.
- I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Excessive consumerism
i loved this book so much!!!!!! The father is evil so it might not be o.k. for 11 and younger.
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
this book is nothing less than brillaint! lovable characters and a excting plan line. the 1st books just leaves u graving for the next then the next.
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
Perfect for 10+
stolen from my eleven year old brother and i was completely engulfed in them. very good.
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Ratings at a Glance
| 67% | of parents say it's too violent |
| 67% | of parents say it has language their kids can't use |
| 67% | of parents say the sexual behavior isn't age appropriate |
| 33% | of parents don't feel there are good role models |
| 33% | of parents say there's too much drinking, drugs, or smoking |
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