Words honestly cannot describe how much I loved this book. This is definitely one of, if not the best, book Cassandra Clare has every written. 'Lady Midnight' is the first book in Cassandra Clare's new trilogy, 'The Dark Artifices', set five years after 'City of Heavenly Fire' ended. I don't want to give too much away because, if you're anything like me, practically any piece of information about this book counts as a spoiler. It follows Emma Carstairs and her parabatai, Julian Blackthorn, who both lost parents in the Dark War during 'The Mortal Instruments'. Emma is set on discovering the truth about her parents' deaths as she is convinced there is something that separates them from the deaths of thousands of others in the Dark War.The relationships and dynamics within this book were really what stood out for me, particularly those between Emma and Julian, and the Blackthorn family. Since Emma is the main protagonist of the story, her parabatai bond with Julian (who I'm in love with) was explored in a huge amount of depth and I couldn't get enough of their friendship. The relationship between the Blackthorn family was so unique. Mark and Helen, the two oldest Blackthorn children, were sent away after the Dark War due to their faerie blood. This left twelve year old Julian to raise his four younger siblings. The dynamics between this family were so well-written by Clare. Each member of the family was unique and had their own quirks and role to play in the L.A Institute.
The first portion of the book required quite a lot of description of the L.A Institute and the Blackthorn family yet not at one point did I feel bored. I had no choice but to give this book five stars as there was honestly nothing I didn't like in this book. The two year wait was absolutely worth it.
