This novel by Cassandra Clare follows the story of Brother
Zachariah- a Silent Brother who used to be Jem Carstairs- a Shadowhunter who
lived and laughed and loved like everyone else. Jem had a friend- William
Herondale- and a lover- the warlock Tessa Gray. However, Jem was addicted to
yin fen, a demonic drug that would have killed him if he hadn't been turned
into a Silent Brother. An immortal sworn protector of the secrets of the
Nephilim- a line of people with the blood of the angel Raziel- Jem is magically
distanced from feeling emotions or love like a normal person. Jem visits the
Shadow Market, a gathering place for all sorts of supernatural creatures, in
search of a supposed missing line of Herondales. As Jem follows the clues he is
given, he is surrounded by grave peril. Along the way, he struggles to hold on
to his humanity and love for Tessa- in the hope that he might be cured of the yin
fen.
I liked reading this book very much. I enjoyed the action,
mystery, and Jem's desperate hope to have his old life back and to be with
Tessa. However, I didn't really understand why some stories in this collection
didn't seem to have anything to do with the main plot. I think that people who
read and loved Clare's Mortal Instruments, Infernal Devices, and Dark Artifices
series would enjoy this novel. Readers who like fantasy novels about magic and
angels or demons would also probably think this book is interesting. However,
people considering reading this book should probably read the previous series
first, as some characters and their actions would not make sense otherwise.
This novel made me feel on edge when action happened and thrilled when Jem
eventually got a happy ending. I thought this book was good and I highly
recommend it.
Reviewed by NK, Grade 10
Montrose Library
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