‘The Mortal Instruments’ by Cassandra Clare

Books have always been fair game for Hollywood. It seems like it is the consensus these days, with so many comic books, fairytales and popular novels making it to the big screen. Blockbusters like “The Hunger Games,” “Gone Girl” and “Divergent” all made such an impact on the cinematic world. Many books have been up for adaptation lately, too many to name, though a good book does not solidify a great movie. 

One series in particular fits that mold. Reigning for months on The New York Times bestsellers list, “The Mortal Instruments” by Cassandra Clare, published in 2007, was made into a feature film in 2013. The film, “City of Bones,” flopped in the box office, making only $9,336,957 domestically on its opening weekend. Much to the dismay of a rather large and loyal fanbase, future films are not in the works. 

But recently, from the network that brought us “Pretty Little Liars,” ABC Family brings us a television show based off of the beloved young adult series, “Shadowhunters.” It is already in the works, with the most recent cast being chosen this past week. McG, the popular director of the CW’s “Supernatural,” will helm the first episode along with series Director Ed Dector. 

The series follows Clary Fray, played by Katherine McNamara. We find ourselves entangled in an epic fantasy of good vs. evil. Clary and her best friend, Simon, meet a group of Nephilim, half-human and half-angels, the only defense against the Downworlders, also known as demons, vampires, werewolves and malicious spirits. Nephilim are hunters and were made to protect mankind from the things that go bump in the night. 

Clary Fray has to acclimate quickly into this band of warriors. She is pulled into a world she doesn’t understand, but that she is a part of nontheless. Clary must act quickly if she is to save her mother, who has been kidnapped by the ruler of these Downworders. Clary starts to realize that she is not a normal girl, that maybe she is different. That her powers are the key to unlocking the mystery that has surrounded her life. But does Clary have the strength to see this journey through and save her mom, or is the evil too great, and too close to get away from?

This series is as addictive as it gets. I enjoyed reading it very much. I hope that the television series is as enchanting as the novels and look forward to it. Get hooked on “The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones.” You can find these books in the library at 40 Munro Place in Winsted or search the e-book catalog at www.beardsleyandmemorial.org to reserve this book or other books like it. Check out www.shadowhunters.com for more information on the series.

Clare lives in western Massachusetts. Her books have been translated into more than 35 languages.”

Talisha Blackburn is the young adult library assistant at Beardsley and Memorial Library 40 Munro Place in Winsted.