Lord of Shadows

Lord of Shadows
Company type	Novel
Industry	Publishing
Founded	May 23, 2017; 9 years ago
Founder	Cassandra Clare
Products	Young adult urban fantasy novel

Lord of Shadows is a young adult urban fantasy novel authored by Cassandra Clare, serving as the second installment in the The Dark Artifices series, which forms part of the broader The Shadowhunter Chronicles. Released by Margaret K. McElderry Books on May 23, 2017, the narrative unfolds in the Los Angeles area during 2012. The chapter headings are inspired by Edgar Allan Poe's poem Dreamland.

Plot

One month following the events of Lady Midnight, Clary Fairchild and Jace Herondale travel to the Los Angeles Institute to seek Mark Blackthorn’s expertise on how to enter Faerie, aiming to locate a weapon left by Sebastian Morgenstern with the Seelie Queen. Clary confides in Emma Carstairs about recurring dreams of death. Their investigation into Malcolm Fade’s residence uncovers his connections with the Unseelie King. Upon their return, Centurions led by Zara Dearborn take control of the Institute; Zara’s engagement to Diego Rosales creates friction with Cristina. Kit, newly aware that he is Shadowhunter Christopher Herondale, wrestles with his identity and is denied access to the local Shadow Market. Subsequently, Clary and Jace set out for Faerie.

Emma, Julian, and Mark encounter Gwyn of the Wild Hunt, who implores Mark to save Kieran, condemned to death for killing Iarlath, lieutenant to the Unseelie King. They journey into Faerie, facing illusions that reflect their deepest desires: Emma and Julian's forbidden love and a new connection between Cristina and Mark linked to a curse. At the Unseelie Court, Emma wins a trial by combat securing Kieran’s freedom despite confronting an apparition resembling her father. As faeries pursue them upon departure, they are saved by Nene, a Seelie faerie and Mark’s aunt.

Meanwhile in Los Angeles, Kit, Ty, and Livvy monitor Zara’s scheme to seize control of the Institute and eradicate Downworlders. They discover Arthur Blackthorn incoherent; Diana Wrayburn explains his condition. Malcolm Fade returns from death and assaults the Institute demanding a Blackthorn sacrifice. Arthur offers himself while Diana teleports the group to London. Malcolm kills Arthur to resurrect Annabel Blackthorn, who then kills Malcolm and flees with the Black Volume.

Julian observes these developments. The Seelie Queen proposes a method for Julian to break his parabatai bond with Emma if he retrieves the Black Volume and offers allies against the Unseelie King. Kieran becomes an ambassador between Shadowhunters and faeries and pledges loyalty to Cristina. To preserve harmony, Mark and Emma end their pretend relationship. The group rides with the Wild Hunt to London for reunion.

Kit acquires his first rune and uncovers information about Malcolm’s former residence in Polperro through Jessamine Lovelace's ghost. Emma and Julian reveal Malcolm and Annabel’s tragic history involving betrayal over the Black Volume. A trap at a church in Talland forces them to destroy it using an enhanced parabatai bond.

In London, Kit, Ty, and Livvy explore ruins of Blackthorn Manor and retrieve Annabel’s memories with assistance from warlock Shade. After repelling demon attacks aided by Magnus Bane, they find a secret passage leading to Cornwall Institute and leave a message for Annabel. Cristina grows close to Kieran; following him to meet his brother Adaon results in an ambush by Erec, whom Kieran kills despite warnings that Riders of Mannan are pursuing them.

Dru secretly meets Jaime Rosales who reveals Zara’s engagement aims to obtain the Rosales family heirloom Eternidad, currently held by Jaime. Dru briefly visits Faerie after touching Eternidad and encounters Ash. When Cristina and Kieran attempt contact with Adaon again, they become linked to the Unseelie King who manipulates Kieran by restoring memories; Cristina convinces Kieran to forgive Mark.

Diana travels to Idris to meet Consul Penhallow but declines leadership of Los Angeles Institute due to being transgender and fear of exposure; she begins dating Gwyn. Together they rescue Kit, Ty, and Livvy from Riders who also attack Emma and Julian until Emma kills one attacker. Diana notes spreading land blight in Idris as Magnus returns Emma and Julian to London.

Riders attack once more but Annabel arrives to defend them after receiving Ty’s message. She agrees to testify at the Clave and provide Julian with the Black Volume—he receives a digital copy—if protected by Magnus and granted Blackthorn Manor. Magnus lifts Cristina’s and Mark’s curse and advises Julian to negotiate with Inquisitor Robert Lightwood so he and Emma can be together legally.

Emma, Cristina, and the Blackthorns head toward Idris while Diego escorts Kieran to Scholomanche for safety. The family reunites with eldest sister Helen now married into Consul Penhallow’s family. During Annabel's interrogation at the Clave, Magnus falls ill leaving her vulnerable; she steals the Mortal Sword amid flashbacks and kills Robert before rampaging through the Clave. Emma destroys the sword with Cortana but Annabel uses shards to kill Livvy. Julian cradles Livvy as Emma glimpses Annabel fleeing with the Unseelie King into unknown territory.

Characters

Emma Carstairs – At 17 years old, Emma is a Shadowhunter primarily raised alongside the Blackthorn family at the Los Angeles Institute following the loss of her parents during the Dark War. She is acclaimed as one of the most skilled in her age group and wields the sword Cortana.
Julian "Jules" Blackthorn – A 17-year-old Shadowhunter who has lived his entire life at the Los Angeles Institute. Julian serves as Emma’s parabatai and acts as guardian to his younger siblings, frequently placing their needs above his own. He is an artist, often recognized by his disheveled look.
Mark Blackthorn – A 21-year-old Shadowhunter and former Wild Hunt member. Being part faerie through his mother, Mark possesses distinctive blue-green eyes and a golden right eye earned during his time with the Hunt.
Tiberius "Ty" Nero Blackthorn – At 15 years old, Ty is a Shadowhunter with black hair and gray eyes, traits that differ from those common in his family. He is autistic, which distinguishes him within the Shadowhunter community.
Livia "Livvy" Blackthorn – Ty’s twin sister, also aged 15, who exhibits the family’s brown hair and blue-green eyes. She resides under the guardianship of their uncle Arthur at the Los Angeles Institute.
Drusilla "Dru" Blackthorn – A 13-year-old tall Shadowhunter noted for early physical development and a curvier figure, causing her some self-consciousness among peers. She is shy and lives at the Los Angeles Institute.
Octavian "Tavvy" Blackthorn – The youngest of the Blackthorn siblings at seven years old, Tavvy is small and slender for his age and finds solace in painting.
Cristina "Tina" Mendoza-Rosales – An 18-year-old Mexican Shadowhunter at the Los Angeles Institute, she is recognized for her wisdom, unwavering loyalty, and strong moral values.
Diego Rocío Rosales – A 19-year-old Centurion and graduate of Scholomance, often referred to as "Perfect Diego."
Diana Wrayburn – Former owner of a weapons shop who now tutors the Blackthorn children at the Los Angeles Institute. She is distinguished by her expertise and mentorship.
Arthur Blackthorn – The leader of the Los Angeles Institute and guardian to the Blackthorn siblings. He has a slender frame, brown hair, blue-green eyes, and wears glasses.
Malcolm Fade – The High Warlock of Los Angeles, known for his immense power and mysterious nature. He has white hair and purple eyes and was responsible for resurrecting Annabel Callisto Blackthorn.
Annabel Callisto Blackthorn – Malcolm Fade’s former lover who was brought back from a tomb after centuries. Her descent into madness resulted in Malcolm’s death and her theft of the perilous spellbook, the Black Volume of the Dead.
Kieran – A faerie prince from the Unseelie Court and member of the Wild Hunt. He is notable for his striking appearance featuring sea-colored hair that shifts with his mood and mismatched eyes.
Johnny Rook – Runs a booth at the Los Angeles Shadow Market; father to Christopher "Kit" Rook.
Christopher "Kit" Rook – Initially raised as a mundane before uncovering his Shadowhunter ancestry; he descends from Tobias Herondale.
Magnus Bane – The High Warlock of Brooklyn with centuries of experience intertwined with both Shadowhunters and Downworlders. He is known for his flamboyant fashion sense and distinctive yellow-green eyes.
Theresa "Tessa" Gray – An American warlock who is half-Shadowhunter and half-Eidolon demon. Immortal yet appearing in her early twenties, she has ties to Nephilim history dating back to 1878.
James "Jem" Carstairs – Once a Silent Brother who became mortal again; over a century old but retains youthful features with dark hair streaked by silver.
Gwyn ap Nudd – Leader of the Wild Hunt faeries, characterized by heterochromia; he shows interest in Diana Wrayburn.
Ash – A 13-year-old faerie prince encountered by Drusilla Blackthorn within Faerie. He is demanding yet inquisitive, adorned in luxurious attire with a pale metal circlet crown.
Nene – A healer from the Seelie Court faeries serving as handmaiden to their queen. She played a key role in aiding Kieran’s rescue by providing cover fire and opening court doors during their escape.

Reception

RT Book Reviews gave the novel four and a half stars, designating it as a standout selection and emphasizing that enthusiasts of The Infernal Devices will value the link to Victorian-era influences amid modern-day conflicts. A critic from Deseret News characterized Lord of Shadows as a swiftly paced and captivating read despite its considerable length, though it concludes with a distressing finale. According to Booklist, although certain characters are underdeveloped and the extensive 700-page runtime affects the story's rhythm, the book ultimately fulfills the expectations of series followers. Common Sense Media described it as somewhat melodramatic but sufficiently compelling to keep readers engaged.

The title appeared on the Publishers Weekly bestseller list for 2017.

External links

Library holdings of Lord of Shadows