Cassandra Clare wants to kill me. I knew it all along really, but her latest novel, Lady Midnight, confirmed it. The first in the trilogy “The Dark Artifices”, “Lady Midnight” is a spinoff/sequel to her breakout series “The Mortal Instruments”. The 720 page novel features 17-year-old Emma Carstairs and her parabatai Julian Blackthorn along with Julian’s four younger siblings, Tiberius, Livia, Drusilla and Octavian, and Emma’s newest companion, Cristina Rosales, during an investigation into several murders that have taken place in the Los Angeles area in an attempt to keep their older brother, Mark, who had been kidnapped by fairies 5 years prior, at home.

Back to why I think my dear Cassie hates me. On March 16, a fellow staff member, Gabi Mata, and I attended Clare’s book signing in Austin. After waking up early that wonderful Wednesday, we drove straight to St. Edward’s University and got in line. Fortunately, Mata and I were at the door closest to the stage so we ended up in the third row. After an hour of fan questions chosen by author Sarah Rees Brennan, who wrote the “Demon’s Lexicon” trilogy and “Lynburn Legacy” series, Clare began the book signing.

I waited in line, clutching my copies of “Lady Midnight” and “City of Heavenly Fire”. And I waited. I chatted with the girls in line behind me. And then I waited some more. Finally, it was my turn.

“Do you have any questions?” Clare inquired.

I chuckled.

I took a deep breath.

I smiled and asked, “Are you trying to kill me?”

She said no, but she lied!

At the time, I was only halfway through the novel and I was dying a slow painful death. I have since finished the book, and can now say with total confidence that I did not know true pain until now. When I thought she wanted to kill me initially, my worst problem was that the couple I loved the most (No, I will not tell you who) would not get together. So many obstacles and complications. It was like real life but worse.

For anyone who has read Clare’s previous novels/short stories, “Lady Midnight” is very similar in writing style and diction, so if you loved the way the other books are written, you’re in for a good time. The third person narrative bounces from character to character at the start of each chapter, giving insight to the characters’ emotions without having their voice directly.

As far as the characters go, I wouldn’t go so far as to say they are all likeable. Each one has quirks that drove me nuts, but as a whole none of them made me extremely angry. Kudos, Clare. Kudos.

As was the case with Clare’s previous novels, the plot was suspenseful and unpredictable (or maybe I just can’t read the signs). I honestly did not see the ending coming, although I did see the conclusion to the subplots coming.

Alright, so most important moment of this review has arrived: the giving of the stars. Can I get a drumroll, please? Of course I can’t, this is in writing. All in all, I am bestowing 4.75 out of 5 stars upon Clare’s “Lady Midnight.” Suspenseful, well written, and leaving the reader in high anticipation of the sequel, “Lady Midnight” is a must-read for lovers of fantasy, YA or Clare in general.