The Mortal Instruments

Gr 7 Up—This graphic novel version of the first volume in Clare's "Mortal Instruments" series remains true to the spirit of the original story about a teenage girl who discovers a fantastic world that's invisible to most humans. Clary is out at a club one night when she notices a strange man and woman nearby. She follows them and stumbles upon an ambush. When she cries out to stop the attack, everyone is surprised that she can see them. Clary discovers that creatures such as demons, vampires, angels, and fairies exist and that they live alongside humans, who usually can't see them. She also learns that she and her mother are inextricably linked to this fantastic world, which means that they are both in danger. Jean's artistic style makes the characters look angular and ethereal, like manga with a touch of the TV series Æon Flux, and is very well suited to the absorbing narrative.