City of Bones

City of Bones is a young adult fantasy novel by Cassandra Clare, first published in 2007. It is the first book in The Mortal Instruments series, and it opens in modern-day New York City with a story that blends urban life and the hidden supernatural world. The novel follows a teenager who is pulled into the world of Shadowhunters while searching for her mother, and it sets up the larger series without giving away too much on its own.

This book suits readers who like contemporary fantasy with a fast pace, a darker mood, and a layer of thriller-style tension. It is especially good for readers who want an easy entry into a series built around secret rules, strange creatures, and an alternate world hidden inside a familiar city. If you enjoy fantasy that stays close to present-day settings and leans into atmosphere and momentum, this is a natural place to start.