Reviews: City of Bones, House of Stairs

Another two books being reviewed today. Writing reviews, or writing anything really except essays, is pretty relaxing for me, hence why I’m writing so many right now.

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

This author has two main series that deal with demons, werewolves, vampires, and the like: one set in modern times, the other set in Victorian England. This is the modern one.

The plot is that seemingly-normal Clary begins to see strange events and encounters a boy named Jace who is a Shadowhunter, a warrior aiming to rid the earth of demons. Soon here mother disappears and she is thrust into the world of Shadowhunters to try to find her.

So this is obviously fantasy, and it’s YA, so you can accurately assume there will be a romantic subplot. I take well to both plots and the characters are certainly enjoyable. I mentioned earlier the authors other series because I prefer the Victorian setting over the modern one, but that’s a small detail. The world building of what sort of creatures and people are part of this fantasy is well thought out, I feel. The story is good and that’s the most important bit to me. I enjoy a book with extra meanings and messages &c, but there’s nothing super apparent in this (except the standard good vs. evil. That being said, the characters are well done and one can always learn from well done characters. As usual with trilogies, the ending leaves much yet to happen, but it’s a good start. Bottom line - if you enjoy a good fantasy with a little romance, this won’t disappoint.

House of Stairs by William Sleator

I remember my sister first mentioning this book to me after she read “The Maze Runner” by James Dashner. There are some similarities between the two, but this book is much more concise and to the point.

The basic plot of this book is that five teenagers, for no reason they can remember, have been placed in a seemingly endless white room with endless stairs. There is a red light that will give them food only under certain conditions that they have to guess at first. Why are they there? What will the light make them do? And will they ever be able to leave?

That should be a good hook, eh? And the book delivers. In a semi-dystopia such as this book that seeks to single out the best and worst characteristics of people and contrast them, it does a wonderful job of showing us what can go right and what can go wrong in society. The ending drives home its thoughtful message, which you will have to read to get.

I thoroughly enjoyed this short read. It doesn’t take long to get through, but it’s every bit worth it, more so than many long books.