Review Detail

What Worked: Cassandra Clare does such a superb job developing the world of the Shadowhunters. The characters form a tight-knit group and even the supporting characters have depth. I have read most but not all of the different books written in the Shadowhunter’s world so it was fun to see the references to characters I already know. As I was reading, I definitely felt like I wanted to re-read and to go read the ones I missed because while it isn’t necessary to understand the story, I think it would be more enjoyable to freshen up on the details and be fully immersed in the world.
The siblings and friends: James & Lucie Herondale, Cordelia Carstairs, Thomas & Christopher Lightwood, plus Mathew Fairchild uncover details of someone hiring a warlock to summon a demon that even the clave doesn’t know about. There are many secrets and mysteries that they uncover and some secrets they keep that lead to the partial success of their problems.
Along the way, Cordelia must face that James is in love with Grace Blackthorn. Yet after she ruins her reputation to save him, they are now engaged. It is everything she always wanted in a way that is heartbreaking and sure to have you picking up the next in the series, Chain of Iron.
Lucie discovers that she can command ghosts due to her part-demon heritage. Mathew has a terrible secret that causes him to be a drunk and even his parabatai, James, doesn’t know of it. Jesse Blackthorn gives everything to help Lucie save James, but I am not sure his part to play in the events is over. James learns the attacks are centered around Tatianna Blackthorn’s hatred of them all and his part demon ancestry is the key to raising a Prince of Hell. So much happens to keep this book moving and there is still so much that needs to happen to help people find happiness. In the end, James and Cordelia are firmly in the crosshairs of plots they aren’t aware of yet and will need their friends and family more than ever to overcome what lays ahead for them.
Final Verdict: Definitely a must-read for Cassandra Clare fans. For people new to her work, I suggest starting with The Infernal Devices trilogy to get the full enjoyment from this story arc. Then go ahead and grab a copy of Chain of Iron, because once you finish this book you are going to need to know what else is in store for our heroes and heroines. There are some steamy scenes that make this book most appropriate for older teen audiences.