“It was books that made me feel that perhaps I was not completely alone. They could be honest with me, and I with them.”

This was peak 2011 angst and it was exactly what I needed right now.

As with most of Cassandra Clare's books, this was a mess but still so much fun - mainly because of the characters and their dialogue. Even when the book itself isn't my favorite, the Shadowhunter books have some of my favorite dialogue exchanges out of any series I've ever read; the humor and melodrama is simply top tier.

And I know a lot of people don't care about the plot of this series but I'm super invested. Having a bunch of individuals that are extremely skilled in fighting the supernatural have to face mechanical creations, particular during a time when the world was shifting so drastically towards machinery? It's such an intriguing concept.

When it comes to the main romantic relationships, that's where I feel things actually get the messiest. Everything feels... rushed for the purpose of adding drama and while I'm completely aware of that, it did nothing to detract from my enjoyment. I'm someone that really enjoys love triangles (when they're done well) and, as everyone else says, this is an example of a good love triangle. Even when things are rushed or contrived for drama's sake.

Basically! Long-winded way of saying I had a much better time with this one than Clockwork Angel and I'm glad I finally carried on.