Synopsis: Goodreads
Magic is dangerous--but love is more dangerous still.
When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.
Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.
Magic is dangerous--but love is more dangerous still.
When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.
Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.
My Review:
I was very excited to finally get my hands on this book. I really didn’t know what to expect. I know that I am a fan of TMI, and of Cassandra’s writing but I had no clue of the story line at all. I would like to say the book was really good and I enjoyed it so much. This book took me forever to read, just for the simple fact every time I picked it up, there was always someone with the need to bother me and keep me from reading. I believe in one day I attempted to read the book 10 times and was pulled away from it all 10 times. I usually don’t like books that are written in the past, but this one was awesome. So you will not hear any complaints from me.
I love the characters that Cassandra created. They were so likable and enjoyable to read about. I love how she didn’t make Tessa a badass or a wimp. She had that Claryness about. Strong, driven, brave and yet didn’t know how to fight. Tessa loved her brother so much and was willing to suffer just to keep him alive. I really enjoyed the few times she put Will in his place and didn’t let herself get talked down too. She didn’t cower either. She was just so sweet, and yet it would be interesting to see her thoughts. She felt women should only do certain things and shouldn’t be warriors but as she said it, it was as if she would be questioning herself on it. I think Tessa was just a very relatable character that I doubt anyone would not like her.
Now let’s talk about the boys…… Will, Will, Will, Will, Will he is so frustrating to read. I enjoy his snarkiness and even his hard exterior. It was very Jace but not nearly as sexy… I could understand that he came from a trouble past..But man I wanted to slap him a number of times. I know he’s the main guy lead and I am supposed to be fawning for him, which I kind of am. Like when he took her glove off OMG OMG OMG that scene matter fact just the action right there was like climatic momemt of Will and Tessa’s relationship right there. I was so I don’t even know. But happy! Anyways but he is so cruel sometimes with the things he says. I get it he does it on purpose to protect himself, and in a way protect others from caring about him. But man I wanted smash something right across his head on that last scene with Tessa and him in the Attic. I cannot believe the things he said to her. I really was hoping and expecting a romantic moment, maybe Will even opening up, but did I get that NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jem, and he really is a gem. He is so super sweet. He always says the right things and aww just beyond sweet. I really like him. I loved how much he really cared about Will and vice versa. There whole relationship just complemented each other so well. He was especially nice to Tessa. I know there’s going to be a love triangle, I know big surprise there. But Jem is just awesome. I know I am totally gushing about Jem, but I know will and Tessa are meant to be together. Oh and Jem back story that was just so horrible. It made me so sad and I felt it was so unfair to him..
The other characters, Charlotte, Henry, Sophie, Thomas, Jessamine, Mortamir, Magnus, and Nate they were all awesome. Charlottes sweetness, Henry’s wacky inventions, Sophie smart remarks to Will, Thomas respectfulness, Jessamine better than everyone else attitude, Mortamir ***** I couldn’t think of one lol, Magnus being Magnus, and Nate being that oh so dependable brother well they were all created so well. I really can’t say I didn’t like a character which is pretty great.
The plot was pretty fast moving and interesting. I mean Tessa’s power is beyond creepy and cool. I would have never guessed such a weird ability. Just the mystery behind what she is has me craving for the next book. The whole twist ending on who’s ***** was unexpected. I really couldn’t guess, which is one of the things I like most about reading. I want to find out more about Will’s darkness and what exactly he went to Magnus Bane for. Oh and that whole rivalry between Will and Gabriel had me literally laughing out loud. The banter was hilarious. I don’t want to say much because I don’t want to ruin or spoil the story.
Overall I think Cassandra is a great writer and has a way of building a semi complicated world and telling it in not so complicated way. I really enjoyed this book, and am really excited about this series!! Definitely pick up this book if you haven’t.