“Lady Mid

The series begins five years after the ending of “City of Heavenly Fire”. Parabatai Julian and Emma and their new friend from Mexico, Christina, investigate a series of human and downworlder murders, even though the Shadowhunters aren’t supposed to investigate them because of the Cold Peace. Emma believes these murders are connected to her parents’ deaths five years before, so she goes against the Clave and investigates anyway.

A faerie convoy arrives at the Los Angeles Institute, giving the Blackthorns and Christina a choice: find who is responsible for the murders and turn him or her over to the faeries in two weeks to keep their brother, or don’t and lose their brother forever. Emma and Julian don’t have a choice but to go against the Clave’s orders. The Shadowhunters ask their warlock friend, Malcolm Fade, to help translate the old language found on the bodies. As the Shadowhunters get closer to finding the murderer, Christina reunites with a lost love, and the Shadowhunters find out that they shouldn’t put their trust so easily in others.

“Lady Midnight” is an exciting spin off of “The Mortal Instruments” that follows mysterious murders, forbidden love, and family bonds. Though it is 669 pages long, I really enjoyed “Lady Midnight”. There was such a blend of romance, action, fantasy, and betrayal that’s very common with Cassandra Clare’s books, that I think a variety people will enjoy it. The next book, “Lord of Shadows”, is expected to be released April 2017. I enjoyed the first book so much that I can’t wait for the next one. I give this book five out of five Cardinal heads.