City of Lost Souls, by Cassandra Clare

Up to this book I have enjoyed the Mortal Instruments series. This particular title ended up being too much like romance fiction for me to enjoy it in the way that I had the other titles in the series.

We still have vampires, elves, werewolves, and other supernatural beings working within the mundane world. As in her other books, most of the main characters are well developed and help adolescents understand the strengths and weaknesses inherent in every individual. Unfortunately, for this reader, too much of the book was captured by romantic interludes involving several pairs of the series continuing characters. One of the things I appreciate about this series is the degree to which Clare explores friendship and family ties and responsibilities. Even in this title, with its increased amount of romance,Clare still helps teenagers explore the boundaries of these various groups in their lives.

There will be a sixth book in the series and the first book is being made into a movie. Although I was disappointed in this particular title, I will probably go ahead and read the next book as well just to see how Clare pulls it all together.

The Black Angel, by John Connolly

I managed to get out of order in my Charlie Parker series books.  Consequently, reading this book helped fill in some gaps in my knowledge. This book is more supernatural than most of the other books in the Parker series. In some ways the role of the angels and demons in the book remind me of some of Anne Rice's novels.

The book introduced me to be Sedlec monastery and Ossuary. It prompted me to do some research about the Cistercian order and this monastery in the Czech Republic. I am traveling to Paris later this summer and need to see if I can talk my friend into visiting the catacombs (including some ossuaries) which have played it important role in the plot of the Michael Scott books (The Immortal Nicholas Flamel series-for younger adolescent readers) and some of the Anne Rice's novels. An ossuary is connected to the storage or display of skeletal remains. The church at the center of this book is famous for having most of the interior decorated an ornament in with human skeleton parts. Connolly weaves this historical, religious, and artistic information throughout the book.

In The Black Angel, Connolly explorers the fallen angels and their agents on earth. Consequently, readers of James Lee Burke and Anne Rice will feel a resonance with the works of these authors. They are among the few authors, exploring the concept of evil and its work in the world, who end up simultaneously having to explore religion, angels, and demons.

As always, Connolly writes in a literary style and as a result can be challenging to readers.  Taking the time to do the background research on topics introduced and the geographical connections will enrich the reading. The book is also accompanied by a CD of music either mentioned in the book or connected to the plot and characters.  This is the first time I have played an accompanying soundtrack. It was an interesting and enjoyable collection of works.  As our writers become more technologically engaged I anticipate more media connections and additions to their works.

City of Ashes, by Cassandra Clare

Fairies, demons, werewolves, vampires, and Shadowhunters (who kill demons) in New York City. This is the second in the Mortal Instruments series. It has a strong plot and character development. Any adolescent who likes The Vampire Academy or Twilight series will feel comfortable in this series. It is also somewhat reminiscent of Holly Black's Faerie series.

It also has some plot twists reminiscent of Star Wars or Lord of the Rings. It's an engaging read and plays well with readers who enjoy the supernatural. Clare has gone beyond basic werewolf, vampire, fairy tale and included some the the double dealings and political intrigues of Tolkien's fantasies. As urban fiction it also creates a believable setting of and New York City populated with supernaturals.

City of Bones, by Cassandra Clare

Vampires, werewolves, demons, magicians--again. But, I was drawn into the story. It has a somewhat predictable plot line. Our heroine, Clary Fray discovers that she has supernatural powers, a mother with a hidden past, and something odd about her dead father. It's okay. For younger readers (I'd suggest 7th-9th grades for this) the predictable plot line helps with comprehension and fluency. What I appreciate about this book is the ambiguity and subtly shaded characterizations.

I enjoyed the reader comments on the Barnes & Noble website. It tells me my instincts about this book's attraction for kids was right. They find it a good read and will continue with the series.

I listened to this as a CD checkout from the public library. I wasn't bothered by the narration the way that Publisher's Weekly seemed to be. But, I listen to these books while walking the dog, gardening, cooking & cleaning house. It might be that if I was using it as something to read while driving that I would be annoyed.

I have the next in the series on reserve from the library. I don't think I'll buy the books--I'm running out of shelf space and want to save the available inches for books I would use for instruction. This probably isn't one I would use (I'd use the Rick Riodan Red Pyramid or Michael Scott The Alchemyst instead). But, it is one I will keep as a recommendation for kids who like the genre. A good next read for Twilight or Percy Jackson fans.