i have a lot of mixed feelings on this book. i know i'm way behind the times by only just reading it for the first time now, but i am always hesitant to read overly popular books because 8/10 times i don't agree with the majority. i'm still on the fence with city of bones. i wasn't immediately ready to review it after finishing, and even now i'm still unsure. but if i leave it any longer i fear i'll forget the story! 
 here's my biggest problem with this book: i dislike the main character. 
 she is so annoying!!!!! you don't have the right to be jealous of somebody liking your best friend if you show absolutely no interest in him yourself! be happy for him, for goodness sake. 
 it took me forever to get into this book, yet i'm not sure if i ever really did get into it at all. i am very picky with my fantasy/paranormal books, and this didn't quite hit the spot. i saw the whole "who's the daddy?" story coming a mile off, which took the climax away from me. i didn't find the heart-throb charming at all, in fact the only character i cared for is isabelle... and she was barely in it! i own the next book somewhere so i'll probably continue sometime in hopes it gets better, but i'm in no immediate hurry. next month, maybe.