In honor of the release of the City of Bones 10th Anniversary Edition, we’ve all been sharing our favorite parts of City of Bones around the office. The conversations have been really great, so I’ve decided to compile a list to share with you guys!

1. The World

The world of the Shadowhunters is one of the coolest fictional universes I have ever read. City of Bones introduced us to the Shadowhunters (warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons) and Downworlders (vampires, warlocks, werewolves, and faeries) alongside the main character, Clary. With so many interesting parts to this universe, how could we not love it?

2. The Characters

The characters introduced in City of Bones are seriously fantastic. From our heroine Clary to everyone’s favorite Warlock, Magnus, there are so many to love.

3. The Author

CassieandAlberto

There is no doubt Cassandra Clare is amazing at what she does. And writing the books is only the beginning. I was fifteen when I went to a Cassandra Clare signing—my first author signing ever. She turned out to be absolutely lovely and took the time to ask who my favorite character was (And wrote “Team Alec!” in my book).

4. The Ships

I don’t want to spoil it too much for those who haven’t read it, but the ships in in The Mortal Instruments series are seriously swoon worthy. From first encounters to even a first kiss, City of Bones gives us the beginning of many of these relationships.

5. The Adaptations

Not only did we get the Mortal Instruments: City of Bones movie, we also got the Shadowhunters TV show! The two different approaches to the Shadowhunters world gave us so many ways to imagine our favorite characters and scenes. Whether you loved Lily Collins as Clary or prefer Katherine McNamara, I think we can all agree we are lucky to have two great adaptations to turn to when we want to see City of Bones come to life.

6. The Spin-offs


City of Bones was the OG Shadowhunter book, but since then we’ve had so many spin-offs to fall in love with. The Infernal Devices and Dark Artifices are two additional series that are just as amazing as the first. (And who isn’t eagerly anticipating the release of Lord of Shadows on May 23?!) The Bane Chronicles and Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy also expanded the original story. 

Did we miss your favorite part of City of Bones? Let me know in the comments!