I was never interested in reading these books when they came out but decided to try them. My friend turned me onto them by telling me about the worldbuilding elements which I love in books. I'm reading this series while I am reading the Mortal Instruments and my god this is the way to do it. Every character is fantastic, the foreshadowing and layers involved in every character were amazing. This book grabbed me and did not let me go even when it ended. There is so much intrigue and mystery that goes so well with the fantastical world of Victorian England. Clare did a fantastic job with her research and makes it so easy to immerse yourself in the story. I will absolutely be buying the next two and most likely have a book hangover after. You do not need to read the Mortal Instruments or any of the other books to start this, but like my friend, I absolutely recommend it.