Book Club Review: Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare

Here's the latest review from the Student Edge Book Club! Read a member's take on Cassandra Clare's Lady Midnight and share your thoughts below.

Lady Midnight is the first of Cassandra Clare's new Dark Artifices trilogy. The novel is fantastically written and a beautiful immersion into the world of the Shadowhunters.

This is a book to judge by its cover; the beautiful urban fantasy engages the reader from the second it makes eye contact (or should that be page contact?) with you.

Whilst I have never been to LA, Clare’s detailed description of the world within the book creates vivid imagery in the minds of its readers. In combination with the three-dimensional characters, Lady Midnight is an excellent and entertaining read.

There is an immediate connection with the characters due to Clare's well-written prose that only strengthens your bond with each individual.

There is no lack of the 'feels' in this novel, and readers will quickly become attached to the heartache and sorrow contained within the pages. This truly is a book to cuddle up with on a long weekend (armed with a box of tissues). This gives the novel a sense of realism that is frankly unheard of in most Young Adult literature.

This novel is one for teens and adults alike and neither age group will be left in the dust feeling confused about teenage relationships or laughing at an author who's trying too hard to be relevant. Clare keeps readers entertained with the interpersonal conflict and thrilling storyline.

Throw in a good dose of teenage romance (and a hint of a love triangle) and this novel becomes an addictive page turner. I personally didn't sleep for 48 hours as I ferociously chowed down on this book.

I also adored the references to Clare's other series (The Mortal Instruments and Infernal Devices). It is clear this is a book not just for those new to the Shadow World but for Clare's long time readers also.

Personally, I connected to the novel’s heroine Emma, a fiercely brave teen on a hunt for revenge. She stood out to me due to the clarity of her inner monologue that doesn't compromise on emotional depth.

However, there is a character for everyone to relate to in this series, due to the wide range of personalities. In particular, Julian, the most artistic of characters is easy to relate to, due to his compromising storyline.

It is clear that Clare's latest novel will quickly become an essential part of fanfiction and fangirling alike. A must read if you are at all interested in fantasy or Young Adult literature.

4.5/5

Congratulations to Clarice for writing last month's winning Book Club review. Clarice scores a $200 Simon & Schuster book bundle for her submission. For your chance to win, check out our latest Book Club selection. Also, be sure to follow this guide on how to win the writing challenge!