I definitely prefer this over City of Bones, the characters are definitely better (although Tessa is also annoyingly oblivious sometimes). Technically this book is set before City of Bones, but since it’s like a prequel I recommend reading City of Bones first. Also, it has a bit of a slow start but around half way the pace really starts picking up, the hook was just not done very well.

Will lived up to my expectations (although I personally like Jem more.) Will reminds me a lot of Kenji from Shatter Me, although he’s more of a combination of Will and Jem (aka perfection), similar to Will in the humor and good looks, but similar to Jem with his helpful advice and emotional maturity. I despise Jessamine, which is a sign of good writing I suppose. I also liked Church’s backstory.

The setting of Victorian London is unique and fascinating. This book definitely has a greater air of mystery and suspense than City of Bones, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I’m very new to the horror genre so I appreciated that it wasn’t as prominent here.

One thing I wish was touched on a bit more is the marks; Are there limitations to what they can do? How many you can use at once? What exactly do you have to learn to use them safely? Why do they hurt the first time?

Clare’s strange (some might even say illogical) metaphors continue throughout this book, although not as much as in City of Bones. For example, on pages 157 and 158, Tessa notices that “The air smelled metallic and sharp, like the air before a storm.” in Henry’s crypt laboratory. Which, first of all, can air even smell metallic? And definitely not sharp..but even if we disregard that, the air before a storm most definitely does not smell metallic. She’s just taking the metaphor too far.