Yup, take a good look at that list. I know it looks as if the cliché category vastly outnumbers the Un-Cliché category, but that's because most of the character personalities are typical, whereas the entire plot (which encompasses basically everything) and the concept of "runes" and "Shadowhunters" is entirely new and refreshing. Recently, girls who take the lead in adventure-type stories have started to evolve into a type of stereotype in itself. They're always headstrong, independent, and full of fighting-spirit. Take Katniss from The Hunger Games for example, or even Lena from Delirium; although all the stories are vastly different, each girl possesses the same determined quality. Not to mention, there always has to be a love interest. If you haven't already fallen in love with Jace Wayland, I guarantee you will...soon. In some ways, Clary is your typical frustrating high school girl, but by the end of the book, she evolves into a mature young woman. Her outlook on the situation is different and so does her relationship with other characters. Perhaps this is due to the natural progression of a storyline.

In conclusion, I'd like to ask what you think makes the City of Bones such a successful and entertaining story. Is it because you can relate to some of the characters' stereotypical qualities? Or is it the new and refreshing plot that captivates your interest? Regardless of what you decide, The Mortal Instruments Series is a phenomenal read that has whisked me away into countless adventures.