Book Review: Lord of Shadows by Cassandra Clare

“Who would ever want movies or TV when there are books?”

Tiberius Blackthorn
(Lord of Shadows, by Cassandra Clare)

Lord of Shadows by Cassandra Clare is Book Two of The Dark Artifices and A Shadowhunter Novel, continuing the epic story that begin in Lady Midnight. The 699 page book actually was a quick read, primarily because it was so engrossing. I had to keep reading and was annoyed when things like work, responsibilities, and the like got in my way. Author Cassandra Clare effortlessly combines heart-stopping action, snappy dialogue, and unforgettable characters, weaving it all together to create a tale that made me laugh, cheer, think, and feel.

Lord of Shadows

Seriously, so much going on in this book, but don’t worry, you will be swept away because Clare keeps things moving along. Lord of Shadows features Emma Carstairs, who has jumped into my Top 10 of favorite female characters of all time. I was impressed with Emma when she was introduced as a child during The Mortal Instruments series, and loved how she matured in Lady Midnight. Emma continues to impress through everything she goes through — she’s a loyal friend, loving “sister” to the Blackthorn kids, fierce parabatai, and totally bad-ass shadowhunter.

I’m going to put it out there right now, Emma Carstairs may give Jace Herondale a run for his money as most bad-ass shadowhunter. Because I won’t do spoilers, you’ll just have to read Lord of Shadows and then come back and tell me if you think I’m right or wrong. Hint: She does something that no other shadowhunter has ever done.

Along with Emma is her parabatai Julian Blackthorn, but this complicated and potentially deadly relationship isn’t the only one that Clare is developing. She gives us Mark and the Faerie prince Kieran as well as Mark and Cristina. There’s also Diana and Gwynn, and our old favorite Alex and Magnus. But the one relationship that interested me the most and that I can’t wait to see how it moves forward is Kit Herondale and Ty Blackthorn. I love their dynamic, I love that Kit sees how special Ty is, and I love how author Clare has written both characters.

But wait, you’re going on and on about relationships, I thought Lord of Shadows had action and an epic story line? It does! The action is intense, the plots and subplots twist and turn, keeping the reader engaged throughout, but at the heart, it’s really about the characters. When you pick up this book, you will become invested in the characters (if you haven’t already from Lady Midnight.)

Cassandra Clare does leave readers totally hanging at the end of Lord of Shadows. Fortunately, I’m one who loves a good cliff hanger and this qualifies. I really don’t think you’ll be disappointed with this book. Can you read it before Lady Midnight? I don’t recommend that, but you could start The Dark Artifacts series without reading The Mortal Instruments. However, I really encourage you to begin with The Mortal Instruments and just read them all. It’s worth it.

And the audiobook for Lord of Shadows, in case you’re interested, it’s read by James Marsters. Yes, THAT James Marsters. You really don’t want to miss that.

Find more information as well as official buy links for Lord of Shadows, here.

Book 3 is The Queen of Air and Darkness. Keep an eye out for a release date.