Review of ‘Queen of Air and Darkness’ (The Dark Artifices #3)
The final novel in The Dark Artifices series that is brilliant as well as thoughtful with a fast-pace that keeps the reader engaged until the very end.
Synopsis
Dark secrets and forbidden love threaten the very survival of the Shadowhunters in Cassandra Clare's Queen of Air and Darkness, the final novel in the #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling The Dark Artifices trilogy. Queen of Air and Darkness is a Shadowhunters novel.
What if damnation is the price of true love?
Innocent blood has been spilled on the steps of the Council Hall, the sacred stronghold of the Shadowhunters. In the wake of the tragic death of Livia Blackthorn, the Clave teeters on the brink of civil war. One fragment of the Blackthorn family flees to Los Angeles, seeking to discover the source of the disease that is destroying the race of warlocks. Meanwhile, Julian and Emma take desperate measures to put their forbidden love aside and undertake a perilous mission to Faerie to retrieve the Black Volume of the Dead. What they find in the Courts is a secret that may tear the Shadow World asunder and open a dark path into a future they could never have imagined. Caught in a race against time, Emma and Julian must save the world of Shadowhunters before the deadly power of the parabatai curse destroys them and everyone they love.
Review
What an excellent novel! The final novel in The Dark Artifices series, Queen of Air and Darkness spans multiple points of view to give the novel the abundant scope that is characteristic of Clare’s writing. As a long-time reader of Clare, it is impressive to see how her style of writing has grown so much. I wish I had read this novel back when it came out, but alas, work got in the way. Nevertheless, I finally made time for it, and boy was I not disappointed.
The Characters Say It All
What made this novel so great were the characters. Clare has such a talent for bringing her characters to life by giving them dimension. These are multifaceted characters who not only have to contend with supernatural and paranormal obstacles but real-world issues too. Take Diana for instance, she is transgender. Firstly, Clare deserves respect for not only including a transgender character but also respectfully showcasing what it means to be transgender. It was a beautiful moment for Diana to come out despite all the fear she felt by being rejected, but the love she found in coming out was a beautiful moment.
It is moments like that that fill the novel and make it so enjoyable. At over 900 pages, it would be easy for the story to drag, but for a talented writer such as Clare, she closes almost every door while leaving room for more stories to be told. She keeps the momentum of the story steady, the energy high, keeping the reader engaged from beginning to end. The story moves so fluidly and deals with other vital issues like bigotry and racism. The commentary was terrific, and Clare integrates it into the story so wonderfully, further making it an incredible novel.
Final Thoughts
Queen of Air and Darkness is an incredible novel. It has excellent artwork included throughout the story that, when combined with the complexities between the characters and growth in their dynamics, make the plot even more engaging for the reader. Clare has grown as a writer and it shows on every page. (★★★★★)
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About the Author
Cynthia Bujnicki graduated from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature and Publishing. She has always loved to read since she was a child. A contributing writer for YA Fantasy Addicts, she is also the Editor-in-Chief for Cyn's Workshop. She lives in sunny South Florida with her husband and son and their two cats, Mr. J the Kitten and Nyx.
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