Jace (Jamie Campbell Bower) tells (Lily Collins) about his childhood in The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones. Photos courtesy of Constantin Film and Unique Features.

The first movie adaptation of Cassandra Clare’s popular urban fantasy series (S & S), The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones takes the opposite approach of “The Twilight Saga.” It emphasizes action above all else, keeping the lingering close-ups of its gooey-eyed, mismatched couple, Brooklyn artsy hipster Clarissa “Clary” Fray (Lily Collins) and the pale and petulant Jace (Jamie Campbell Bower), to a clipped minimum. The producers, who previously made the “Resident Evil” action films, provide the thrill of the chase and a sprinkling of the romance.

The screenplay prowls right through Clare’s story line, covering the first 120 pages of City of Bones (2007) within a half-hour, shuffling through the chronology of events. Sixteen-year-old Clary witnesses a murder in a nightclub that no other clubbers can see, and the next day, her single mom, Jocelyn (Lena Headey, so youthful she could pass as the lead’s older sister), disappears after two thugs break into their apartment. In this knockabout sequence, Jocelyn strikes the towering men with anything she can get her hands on,

Jocelyn is a former Shadowhunter, an angel-human demon slayer, and has been protecting the Mortal Cup, which renegade Shadowhunter Valentine (the smarmy Jonathan Rhys Meyers) covets. Without it, his race is a dying breed.

Knowing that Clary’s life is in danger, Jace—a swaggering Shadowhunter—promises to protect her from Valentine’s army of shape-shifting demons, and to help her find her mom. True to his word, Jace proves to be super-acrobatic, somersaulting in the air and landing firmly on his feet, weapon in hand.

Robert Sheehan as Simon, Clary’s best friend.

So yes, the movie’s dominated by plot instead of Clary’s discovery of her lineage—she’s part-Shadowhunter, after all—with recognizable snatches of the novel heard between the crash-and-boom special effects. The framework of the author’s romantic triangle remains, with Clary’s lovestruck best friend, the nerdy Simon (Robert Sheehan) lagging behind her and her superpowered love interest. Many of the novel’s subplots have also disappeared: Simon is not turned into a rat, for one example.

As it progresses, the movie’s production design doesn’t skimp on the creepiness, and becomes full-on gothic, with scads of skeleton bones . The demonic creatures take after the viscous, multi-jawed creatures of Alien. Yet the movie has a PG-13 intensity with a light touch of camp. Jace delivers his droll putdowns as if it exhausts him, and Clary fights off vampires in a black mini-dress with thigh-high boots, making any Bond girl proud.

However, the logic of Clare’s universe becomes muddled; Valentine simply and bluntly wants to dominate all non-humans. Motivations are abridged to set the scene for the next fight, where a couple of Shadowhunters and a tag-along Clary battle hordes of villains. With the plot pruned down to its essentials, the story’s mixture of myths and legends feels formulaic. In the climactic nocturnal showdown, the editing intercuts three different to-the-death confrontations, each prolonged, with the characters repeating the same moves. The lengthy sequence might prompt viewers to think that only the inevitable daylight will end the battle with rampaging vampires.

Clary and Jace share a lovey-dovey moment.

If this movies does, in fact, launch a franchise, it will be in no small part to the casting of the cool but debonair Campbell Bower as Jace, and for the appeal of Collins as Clary (those lips, those eyes, those eyebrows). In the meantime, it’s a passable late-summer stand-in for its core audience until the new fall CW television season begins.

Directed by Harald Zwart

Rated PG-13

130 min.

Lily Collins stars as Clary Fray, an ostensibly ordinary teenager living in modern-day New York City, where suddenly, strange things begin to happen. When her mother (Lena Headey) disappears, Clary falls in with a group of young Shadowhunters, weapon-wielding, rune-wearing warriors led by the magnetic Jace Wayland (Jamie Campbell Bower). Half-angel and half-human, Shadowhunters possess the strength and abilities necessary to protect humans in an age-old war against evil. Suddenly, Clary’s eyes are opened not only to an alternate world filled with demons, warlocks, vampires, werewolves, and more, but also to her own family legacy: she is descended from an ancient line of Shadowhunters. To save her mother, Clary must quickly learn the ropes of this deadly new reality, tap into her inner fortitude and untried talents, and confront startling truths about her past.

Jonathan Rhys Meyers takes on the role of charismatic antagonist, Valentine Morgenstern; Robert Sheehan plays Simon Lewis, Clary’s “mundie” (ordinary human) best friend and would-be love interest; and her demon-slaying posse includes Jemima West and Kevin Zegers as Isabelle and Alec Lightwood. Teens can visit the movie’s official website for a video trailer, character (and species) profiles, quizzes, and more.

Movie Tie-ins

Movie viewers will clamor to read or revisit the original work, and perhaps explore the rest of the “Mortal Instruments” sequence and its spin-offs (the “Shadowhunters” website has the scoop on Clare’s deftly imagined world and various book series). City of Bones has been reissued with a movie-inspired cover: a realistic New York City skyline mirrored by a watery gothic-gray reflection subtly overlaid with Shadowhunter symbols. Written in a lively conversational tone, Mimi O’Connor’s The Official Illustrated Movie Companion provides a look at the project, from the novel’s inspiration and enthusiastic reception, to casting, locations and props, costumes and makeup, and filming. Longtime book aficionados will appreciate commentary from Clare, who was very much involved in the filmmaking process. Interviews with cast and crew, interesting insider tidbits, and fun details (the creation of durable rubber claws for fight scenes…no vampire wants to lose a fingernail) are presented along with copious full-color photos (on-set candid shots, movie stills, and sizzling portraits). Also packed with slick movie images and tantalizing character quotes, Shadowhunter’s Guide (all S & S/McElderry, 2013; Gr 8 Up) provides a brief plot summary, personnel profiles, and quick glimpses at important locales. A helpful guide to the runes with which the warriors adorn their bodies clarifies each symbol’s purpose (e.g., strength or agility), and cool close-ups of weapons are also included.

Demon Destroyers, Monster Mashers, and More

Whether the protagonists are hunting hellhounds or felling fiends, the following books feature unforgettable characters, electrifying action, and a touch of romance. Modern-day settings, plenty of teen angst, and relevant coming-of-age themes make the stories compelling and prove that navigating the complexities of high school hallways, relationships, and growing up can be just as daunting as facing off against the most ghastly supernatural creatures.

Like Clary, 16-year-old Kali D’Angelo, is a hands-on heroine…at least she is Every Other Day (Egmont USA, 2012; Gr 7 Up), when she somehow transforms from normal teenager to something…“Other”—an invincible huntress with a thirst for slaying basilisks, zombies, and all manner of monsters (in Kali’s alternate world, 37 species of preternatural fauna have been identified since Charles Darwin first unearthed the Galápagos hydra). It’s not surprising that she feels alienated from the high school crowd. When she notices a mark on the back of a popular girl at school, she knows that Bethany has been infected by a chupacabra and will be dead within hours. Though it’s Kali’s “off” day (and though she doesn’t particularly like the stuck-up cheerleader), she resolves to lure the critter into her own body, but will she survive long enough to transform and self-heal? So begins an intricately plotted adventure that soon has longtime loner Kali forging unlikely friendships, crushing on a mysterious boy with whom she can suddenly communicate telepathically, and unraveling deeply buried secrets about her family and her own past…all while taking on the occasional man-eating dragon. Narrated with delightful nonchalance and entertaining sarcasm by the no-nonsense protagonist, Jennifer Lynn Barnes’s multifaceted novel is fast-reading and fun.

Descended from a centuries-old line of monster-hunting Bannicks, 15-year-old Izzy’s career choice is a no-brainer, if only she can get used to working alone (her sister has mysteriously vanished) and convince her mother to give her some independence. A haunting at a high school in small town Mississippi seems the perfect opportunity to prove herself, and Izzy goes undercover as a new student (though the prospect of trying to fit in seems downright scary to a girl who has been homeschooled on the fly, has a basic black warrior’s wardrobe, and is innocent to the ways of teens). Soldiering on, she begins to gather intel about the ghost, but soon finds herself focusing more on friendships and a twinkle-eyed boy than on getting the job done. Before long, she is in over her head, both emotionally and professionally, and as the ghost grows more violent, she must make some tough choices, or the results will be deadly. Peopled with likable and refreshingly unique characters (including an advice- and quip-dispensing warlock who has been trapped in a mirror for over 400 years, and a love interest who has asthma and a penchant for pin-striped pants), Rachel Hawkins’s School Spirits (Hyperion, 2013; Gr 7-10) strikes the perfect balance of humor, relationship woes, and eerie action. The thrilling—and unexpected—climax will leave readers wanting more.

In Amanda Ashby’s Demonosity (Speak, 2013; Gr 7-10), quirky, kindhearted, and incredibly indecisive Cassidy is dumbfounded to discover that she has been appointed protectress of the Black Rose—an ancient force that affords immortality and unlimited power to whomsoever can harness it—now hidden away inside virginal human vessel (Cass’s vapid schoolmate). Harangued by the spirit of a 14^th-century knight, the taciturn and hunky Thomas de la Croix, Cassidy’s days are suddenly consumed by early morning sword-fighting training, slaying nasty demons at parties and the mall, and trying to guard-dog Celeste without anyone noticing. How will she find time for the new swoon-worthy guy at school with whom she has been exchanging smoldering eye-locks? As mysteries unfold and secrets are revealed, Cassidy realizes that she must determine the fate of the Black Rose, an awesome decision that will not only affect her personally (her father has fallen gravely ill), but may also impact the balance of good and evil. Ashby’s frothy romp percolates with lighthearted humor and droll dialogue, while an involving plot and themes exploring friendship and self-reliance add satisfying substance.

Rather than wielding swords or magical powers, the heroes in Kat Beyer’s novel take on their otherworldly enemies with books, silver bells, and candles. All hope seems lost when 16-year-old Mia is possessed by a formidable demon, until two long-lost cousins arrive from Italy—stolid Giuliano Della Torre and his gorgeous grandson Emilio—and perform a successful exorcism. Afterward, The Demon Catchers of Milan (Egmont USA, 2012; Gr 8 Up) insist on taking Mia home with them to better protect her. In Milan, she finds herself steeped in local history and culture, a parade of delectable foods, and the stifling good intentions of a large extended family. As she learns more about the Della Torre’s demon-hunting legacy, she becomes determined to follow in their footsteps, no matter the danger. Featuring a lushly described setting, multi-dimensional characters, and touches of romance, this beautifully written book is as much an exploration of Mia’s personal growth and burgeoning self-confidence as a supernatural adventure.

In Diana Peterfreund’s Rampant (2009; Gr 9 Up), unicorns are blood-thirsty killers that can only be slain by virgins descended from Alexander the Great and trained in the ways of the warrior. More interested in science than sword-swinging, Astrid Llewelyn, 16, reluctantly travels to Rome, Italy, to master these ancient arts and embrace her heritage as unicorn hunter. However, ferocious beasts lurk everywhere, and doubts about her vocation—and distractingly cute guys—may derail her efforts. The breathless action, philosophical quandaries, and well-wrought character development continue in Ascendant (2010, both HarperTeen).

Tera Lynn Childs’s Sweet Venom (2011; Gr 7 Up) is set across the ocean, in a San Francisco teeming with mythological creatures invisible to humans but nonetheless deadly. Luckily, the teenage descendants of a much-maligned Medusa—not a monster herself but the original monster huntress—possess the ability to dispatch these horrific hellions with one bite from their drop-down venom-dispensing fangs. Separated at birth and recently reunited, the triplets—tough-as-nails Gretchen, insecure and eco-conscious Grace, and popular and privileged Greer—must band together and embrace their destinies to save humankind from an onslaught of beasties. Filled with surprises, self-discoveries, and hot crushes, this tale ends with a cliff-hanger, so have the sequel, Sweet Shadows (2012, both HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen Bks.), available for readers.

Publication Information

CLARE, Cassandra. The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones. Movie ed. pap. $12.99. ISBN 9781442485389.

O’CONNOR, Mimi. The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones: The Official Illustrated Movie Companion. pap. $18.99. ISBN 9781442493988.

O’CONNOR, Mimi. The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones: Shadowhunter’s Guide. pap. $8.99. ISBN 9781442493995.

Each vol: S & S/McElderry. 2013.

BARNES, Jennifer Lynn. Every Other Day. Egmont USA. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-60684-169-3; pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-1-60684-415-1; ebook $9.99. ISBN 9781606842676.

HAWKINS, Rachel. School Spirits. Hyperion/Disney. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781423148494.

ASHBY, Amanda. Demonosity. Penguin/Speak. Aug. 2013. pap. $8.99. ISBN 9780142423974.

BEYER, Kat. The Demon Catchers of Milan. Egmont USA. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781606843147; ebook $16.99. ISBN 9781606843154.

PETERFREUND, Diana. Rampant. HarperCollins/HarperTeen. 2009. pap. $8.99. ISBN 978-0-06-149004-0; ebook $5.99. ISBN 9780061861475.

CHILD, Tera Lynn. Sweet Venom. HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen Bks. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-200181-8; pap. $9.99. ISBN 9780062001825; ebook $8.99. ISBN 978-0-06-209345-5.