The Dark Artifices
| Company type | Book series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | March 8, 2016 |
| Founder | Cassandra Clare |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
| Products | Lady Midnight, Lord of Shadows, Queen of Air and Darkness |
The Dark Artifices is a trilogy authored by Cassandra Clare, representing the fourth installment within The Shadowhunter Chronicles and serving as a continuation of The Mortal Instruments. The series is set in Los Angeles and comprises three novels: Lady Midnight, Lord of Shadows, and Queen of Air and Darkness. The plot centers on Emma Carstairs, a Shadowhunter based at the Los Angeles Institute, alongside her parabatai and closest companion Julian Blackthorn and his family. A pivotal element of the story is the parabatai bond—a revered connection between two Shadowhunters that amplifies their abilities but strictly prohibits romantic involvement. The forbidden romance between Emma and Julian is a major driving force behind the narrative, alongside their confrontations with numerous adversaries. The storyline unfolds through the viewpoints of various characters.
Publication history
- Lady Midnight (released March 8, 2016)
- Lord of Shadows (published May 23, 2017)
- Queen of Air and Darkness (issued December 4, 2018)
Characters
- Emma Carstairs: An outstanding Shadowhunter renowned for her skills, Emma faces uncertainty about her future while probing the circumstances surrounding her parents’ demise and managing her forbidden affection for Julian. She regards the Blackthorn family as her own.
- Julian Blackthorn: Emma’s parabatai who oversees the Los Angeles Institute and assumes responsibility for his younger siblings due to his uncle Arthur’s mental health struggles.
- Helen Blackthorn: The eldest sibling, part-fey, married to Aline Penhallow, who has been exiled following significant events.
- Mark Blackthorn: An older half-brother who is also part-fey; he has returned from The Wild Hunt and serves as leverage in fey-related matters.
- Cristina Mendoza Rosales: A Shadowhunter affiliated with Mexico’s Institute and Emma’s closest friend during her travel year.
- Diego Rocío Rosales: Known as "Perfect Diego," he is a Centurion who once loved Cristina; they share familial connections.
- The Blackthorn Children: Livia and Tiberius (twins), Drusilla, and Octavian are Julian’s younger siblings.
- Magnus Bane: The High Warlock of Brooklyn and partner to Alec Lightwood.
- Kieran: Prince of the Unseelie Court and member of the Wild Hunt.
- Kit Rook: A Shadowhunter originating from an undisclosed branch of the Herondale family.
- Diana Wrayburn: Educator at the Los Angeles Institute.
- Clary Fairchild: Co-leader of the New York Institute alongside Jace Herondale; encountered Emma during City of Heavenly Fire.
- Jace Herondale: Co-leader with Clary at the New York Institute.
- Malcolm Fade: High Warlock based in Los Angeles who acts as a minor antagonist driven by vengeance connected to Annabel Blackthorn’s demise.
- Annabel Blackthorn: A Shadowhunter from the 19th century resurrected by Malcolm; responsible for considerable upheaval including murder within the Blackthorn family.
- Alec Lightwood: The current Consul of the Clave, spouse to Magnus Bane, adoptive father to Rafael and Max Lightwood-Bane, and parabatai to Jace Herondale.
- Jessamine: The ghostly guardian of the London Institute since 1878.
Theme
The Dark Artifices trilogy by Cassandra Clare explores themes related to coming of age and entering adulthood. It emphasizes the conflict between duty and individual desires, illustrated by Julian and Emma’s challenges in Lady Midnight as they attempt to reconcile their emotions with Shadowhunter laws that threaten the safety of the Blackthorn family. Clare also delves into how characters confront challenges to their convictions and navigate these internal struggles.