Lord of Shadows (The Dark Artifices #2) by Cassandra Clare – Review

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I just finished my reread of Lord of Shadows fifteen minutes ago and I scurried to get out the laptop because everything is so fresh in my mind. People ask me all the time what my ultimate favorite book is and honestly I can read all the big classics and the “must read before you die” books but honestly I think these books, this series, the sub-series and the whole chronicles collection are my favorite. As I’m rereading The Dark Artifices, I am falling in love with this fictional world all over again. I enjoyed Harry Potter but The Shadowhunter Chronicles is what the Harry Potter series is to their mega fans. I want to exist in this world of magic so bad like how are they so cool! I am also mad because these characters aren’t real. Its not like I can ever meet or talk to them which makes me furious. I mean god just bring me to the LA institute I want to suddenly find out I’m a Herondale like Kit and get to talk to Jace. I WANT to visit faerie so bad! The place sounds like a peaceful yet wicked dreamscape. Ok! I will save the rest for later!

Some Details


Paperback, 752 pages
Published November 6th 2018 by Margaret K. McElderry Books (first published May 23rd 2017)
 
Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Young Adult
 

Synopsis


A #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller

Sunny Los Angeles can be a dark place indeed in Cassandra Clare’s Lord of Shadows, the bestselling sequel to Lady MidnightLord of Shadows is a Shadowhunters novel.

Emma Carstairs has just learned that the love she shares with her warrior partner and parabatai, Julian Blackthorn, isn’t just forbidden—it could destroy them both. She knows she should run from Julian. But how can she when the Blackthorn family is threatened by enemies on all sides?

Their only hope is the Black Volume of the Dead, a spell book of terrible power. Everyone wants it. Only the Blackthorns can find it. Spurred on by a dark bargain with the Seelie Queen, Emma; her best friend, Cristina; and Mark and Julian Blackthorn embark on a journey into the Courts of Faerie, where glittering revels hide bloody danger and no promise can be trusted.

As dangers close in, Julian devises a risky new scheme that depends on the cooperation of an unpredictable enemy. But success may come with a price he and Emma cannot even imagine, one that will have repercussions for everyone and everything they hold dear.

My Thoughts


Lord of Shadows is the breaking point in The Dark Artifices in my opinion. This novel focuses a lot on love, friendship and family. Mark, Emma, Cristina, and Julian are drawn to the land of Faerie to save Kieran; whom Mark loves. Julian is coming along because he loves Mark as he is his family, Emma is also coming because she loves Mark as a friend but also because she loves her Parabatai, Julian. And of course, Cristina is coming because she loves Emma as she is her friend, she knows Emma loves Julian and therefore cares for him too, and Cristina loves Mark and loves how much Mark loves Kieran so she chooses to go too. Lord of Shadows is a big MESS of relationships wether romantic, friendly, or family related.

To add to this effect, there is also the budding friendship and maybe romance between Kit and Ty? We don’t get much clarification on that standpoint but it’s great to see a character so close to Ty that truly understands how his mind works and how to be there for him. There’s Dru and Jaime’s newfound friendship that develops as he hides in her room during the stay at the London institute, which I thought was super awesome because Dru was basically a pointless character in Lady Midnight; all she would do is babysit Tavvy. Surely there is also the new relationship forming between Diana and Gwyn, which I never expected but nonetheless don’t mind. Finally, theres some Alec and Magnus scenes and a couple Clary & Jace and some mention of Tessa & Jem. As you can see this novel is like an episode of Gossip Girl. Lot’s of drama and turmoil to go down. All of the intertwinement of the characters made the book an adrenaline rush because the POV’s would change and something crazy would be going on in all of them at the same time. I don’t drink caffeine but I imagine reading this book is equal to taking 16 shots of expresso or something. Absolute craziness. You can’t read this book too fast or you’ll get a headache.

“To make a true choice, we must have true knowledge.”
― Cassandra Clare, Lord of Shadows

In addition, I would also like to talk about how amazing Emma’s character is in this book. I mean she is just becoming so bad ass! You can tell that the Parabatai curse is having effect on her abilities and is being amplified through Cortana I mean when Cortana killed one of the Seven Riders (which has never been done) and the Mortal Sword. Really hecking cool moments that we got from Emma in this book.

“Annabel swung again, and Emma raised Cortana, cutting on the upstroke, pushing closer, slamming her sword against Annabel’s with all the force in her body, bringing the blades together with a massive, echoing clang.

And the Mortal Sword shattered.”

– Cassandra Clare, Lord of Shadows

Other elements that really kept the book interesting were the ongoing mystery mission that sent Jace and Clary to faerie; there isn’t much explanation as to what the mission entails but I’m sure it has something to do with the scorched lands in Idris and in the Unseelie court. As well as the ongoing Parabatai curse forming itself throughout the book. Scenes like when Emma and Jules burned down the church goes to that effect.

“There is truth in stories,” said Arthur. “There is truth in one of your paintings, boy or in a sunset or a couplet from Homer. Fiction is truth, even if it is not a fact. If you believe only in facts and forget stories, your brain will live, but your heart will die.”
― Cassandra Clare, Lord of Shadows

Lastly, in Lord of Shadows we are introduced to more of the members of the Scholomance. Among many of these Shadowhunters are members of the Cohort, a political party that wants to maximize the power of Nephilim and minimize Downworlder rights. Although I have developed a strong hate for the Cohort and most specifically Zara Dearborn, I can see why Clare decided to include this narrative in the series. I got a lot of similar vibes from the meeting in Idris that I got from various affairs that I’ve seen in the news recently. 

The Wrap Up


Cassandra Clare’s Lord of Shadows is a riveting read on my account. The plot is spontaneous and absolutely crazy – but never boring. There is never a dull moment and your imagination is invading every other thought when you read these books. I enjoy the diversity and uniqueness of all of the characters in this series and I wish I where among them! I would love to be a great badass like Emma with Cortana. I am so excited to reread Queen of Air and Darkness! 🙂

Also I would like to move into the Seelie Court and I need a roommate so if you love the Seelie court as much as I do, you know where to find me. 

“Emma gasped. “You drank faerie wine? Cristina! That’s how you black out and wake up the next day under a bridge with a tattoo that says I LOVE HELICOPTERS.”
― Cassandra Clare, Lord of Shadows

Read My Other Shadowhunter Reviews:


Chain of Gold (The Last Hours #1)

Lady Midnight (The Dark Artifices #1)

Lord of Shadows (The Dark Artifices #2) 

Queen of Air and Darkness (The Dark Artifices #3) 

The Shadowhunter’s Codex 

An Illustrated History of Notable Shadowhunters and Denizens of Downworld 


Buy Lord of Shadows from Indigo Canada here. (or The Dark Artifices trilogy here.)

Add Lord of Shadows to your Goodreads shelf here.