The Mortal Instruments

Despite the fancy series title, this trilogy (as of this writing, although a 4th installment is said to be in the pipeline) by Cassandra Clare reads nothing like our regular dark sci-fi/fantasy fare. Unless, we consider a gay warlock with a demon-slaying teenage boyfriend dark. Or the sexual tension between two attractive teenagers tortured with the knowledge that they could be long-lost siblings.

Homosexuality and incest are not themes that often find their way into the young adult genre. But most of this story happens in New York, and I can imagine that being the excuse for such themes to significantly figure here. Never mind that except for the boyfriend of the gay warlock, all the other protagonists are under 18, including the whip-wielding girl-warrior with a penchant for heeled boots who dated many a Downworlder.

What I liked about it? That it read like a protracted teen-magazine story is one. Very readable. No pretensions or aspirations for the National Book Award. Just good, old storytelling.

The sexy characters is another. They kick demon ass in black, figure-hugging elastic outfits. They wear skin art, but not tattoos. They're called runes, markings burnt onto the skin with an instrument called a steele to give the warrior power. They have weapons with angel names, with which they slay demons lurking in the shadowy corners of Brooklyn. They can do all these, but they're not even legal yet.

I love that the story is supposed to happen right at the heart of New York, the gray, cynical city of corporate headquarters, and the people they employ. I love how the fantasy elements are woven into the urban texture of New York life, almost like a juxtaposition.

What I didn't like about it? Let's just say that Clare, although she is said to have written Harry Potter fanfic, is no J.K. Rowling. I'll leave it at that.