Edited 05-05-2020: Since I wrote this post, there have been many more books added to the series including The Dark Artifices and the Infernal Devices. Having read them all, my advice would be the same as below.
A few years ago I did a post entitled “Is Hunger Games Appropriate for Kids.” It ended up stirring up a lot of controversy. But I think it also provided a lot of good information for parents who were not sure if the books or movies were right for their kids. My commentary was not nearly as helpful as the comments my readers provided!
I’d like to do the same thing for the Mortal Instruments (written by Cassandra Clare) given that not a lot of parents have read the books but I think they are going to become pretty popular with the release of the movie. I’ve heard them tossed around with series such as Twilight, Harry Potter, and even Percy Jackson for various reasons.
I will admit that I absolutely loved the books. In fact, I would put them right behind Harry Potter as my second favorite book series. But what do I think about it for my kids?
I had not let my almost-13-year-old read the series yet. After seeing the movie, however, I figured that I might as well let her read the books because she loved the movie and I think the books are far superior to the movie. Here are some things that I think parents need to keep in mind.
- The Supernatural World. The world of the Mortal Instruments is made up of Shadowhunters, vampires, warlocks, witches, werewolves and more. Although “angels” are part of the storyline, I don’t consider it to be either religious or anti-religious in any way. But I know a lot of parents who would not let their kids read the Harry Potter books because they considered them anti-religious.
- Violence. There is definitely violence but not in the way of the Hunger Games where you have “realistic” kids killing kids. The Mortal Instruments are more about a fantasy world where the good people, on the whole, tend to win out over the bad ones. This wasn’t even a consideration for me with my daughters.
- Sexual situations/Romance. Although there are a lot of characters in different types of relationships, we’re not really talking Twilight-like romance. It’s not really the center of the story, although it definitely plays a part in it. There are some steamy versions of some of the scenes online, however, if you choose to let your kids look those up. The sexual tension and the relationships was was held me back from letting my tween read the books. She’s very hormonal right now and I don’t want to encourage that. I did take both my 12 and 10 year old daughters to see the movie and cringed a tiny bit during a kissing scene, but I think that it was well done.
- Homosexuality. Along with the sex/romance is the issue of homosexuality. The further you get into the books, the more it comes into play. The movie touches on it a little bit. This wasn’t a concern for me with my kids because we consider homosexual and heterosexual relationships to be the same in our house. But I know this is not the case for all households.
- Drinking and drugs. There are definitely references to “clubbing” and other underage issues. However, it’s a different world than ours, which somehow makes it feel different to me when I read it than just kids drinking. It’s in there, but it didn’t really bother me.
The Mortal Instruments books are “Young Adult” for sure. Which means they are not written for “kids.” The movie is rated PG-13 for “intense sequences of fantasy violence and action, and some suggestive content.”
Overall, I am comfortable with my soon-to-be-13-year-old reading all of the books in The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices. I am actually anxious to see how she likes them because I have just recently started turning her into a dedicated reader by allowing her to read some Young Adult Books with my permission. I do not intend to let my 10-year-old read them yet because she is a little more prone to nightmares and I just don’t think is mature enough to appreciate them yet.
Edited: Years after I wrote this post, my daughter actually created her own Mortal Instruments Fan Site called NotSoMundane!
What are your thoughts? Should kids read The Mortal Instruments? Should the see the movie(s)?
I ‘m 12 and loved these books! I think kids should be allowed to read these books and any other books like hunger games and all that which I have also read. I don’t see a problem with them!
Tricia,
Thanks for your detailed review. It helped. I let my 12 yr old read the series without reading it myself but then thought was it appropriate.
My 12 yr old is hooked and seems to enjoy it. Your feedback certainly helped ease my mind. She has read the entire harry potter series. Tried the percy jackson and didnt really enjoy and now on Cassandra Clare.
I am 13, and I read the books, watched the movie, and the tv show at the age of 12. I think its alright. Kids above the age of 11 or 12 should totally be allowed to read it(’cause I did!).
I think it sort of depends on the kid. I read them about a month after I turned 11, but that was me.
Emily (12 ), Arielle and I saw the movie. We loved it! I did cover Emily’s eyes during the Rottweiler scene because she’s been having some nightmares and I didn’t want to add to it. Lol. At first she thought it was too scary and actually wanted to leave the theater, but now she’s excited about seeing it again when we go with Lauren. If she wanted to read the books.
I would consider it. My main concern wound be the romance between the characters and the turn it takes. We talk about characters and reality in stories and movies. I took Emily to all the Twilight movies and Hunger Games and its been great to be able to talk about them together as a family. I really think it depends on the child and what they can handle when it comes to supernatural/ fantasy type movies and books. :). I think 12-13 years is an ok starting point to start introducing the books if they’re so inclined to read them.