Once again, Mbalia did not disappoint. Another finely crafted tale, with a complex plot, phenomenal world building and interesting characters. I really appreciate that Tristan’s voice is right for his age. It’s not too young and not too old, nor does he use cringy slang that makes it obvious that he was written by an adult. Love it.

My main issue with this book is Clary. She’s a classic oblivious pick me/not like other girls and a pretty obvious self insert fantasy. Jace literally says that she doesn’t know she’s beautiful, which is a trope I’m so sick of. I get comparing yourself to others (Isabelle) but not to the extent that you can’t view yourself objectively. And on the oblivious point, she’s somehow aware of Alec’s feelings towards Jace but not 

Simon’s

  toward her? It was pretty obvious to me. I’m a bit disappointed because this idea and world have potential, but this book didn’t live up to it. I liked the first 200 or so pages the most (aka when the most exposition was happening so it was the most interesting). Another thing about Clary that bothered me was that she accepts the magical world way too easily and quickly. In many ways this book reminded me of Percy Jackson, so I’m just going to use that as a comparison. He had difficulty coming to terms with the world of Greek myths despite his mother (he believes) being killed by a Minotaur and his best friend being a satyr. 

I get that this is Clare’s first book in this world with these characters, so of course it will have flaws. I hope it improves. I’m going to be reading Clockwork Angel next, hopefully it will be a bit better. And I can’t wait to meet the infamous Will Herondale. 

Also someone spoiled to me that Clary and Jace were siblings which just completely ruined the kiss scene and all that 

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.