Amazing events unfold at a dizzying pace in a world of warlocks, vampires, werewolves, and faeries--a world that holds some dangerous surprises for Clary Fray and her friends. Cassandra Clare lures readers back into the dark grip of New York City's Downworld in this breathtaking sequel to "City of Bones." Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

Gr 9 Up-In this sequel to City of Bones (S & S, 2007), the nonstop action continues. The Shadowhunters are battling a world of demons that few people can see. Guided by the laws of the Clave, these hunters balance fighting with the other more mundane aspects of life-love, betrayal, and confusion. Jace, the fiercest teenage Shadowhunter, seems determined to make everyone around him angry, and is looked upon with suspicion because his father, Valentine, is out to rule the world. Meanwhile, love triangles abound, vampires are reborn, and general teenage angst blossoms among a group of friends and siblings. Set in an alternative present-day Manhattan, the story comes complete with Britney Spears references and even, ironically, refers to the scientific CSI. Well written in both style and language, it compares favorably to others in this genre. The human characters are well developed and quite believable. The whole book is like watching a particularly good vampire/werewolf movie, and it leaves readers waiting for the next in the series. Watch this one fly off the shelves.-Jennifer-Lynn Draper, Children's Literature Consultant, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information. From: Syndetics Solutions, Inc. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.