There are a lot of awkward moments for me in this book, especially when the scene is between Will and Tessa. It’s very frustrating to read about them pretending about so and so, going about as if nothing significant is between them and how they even manage the pain? I began to question if Jem was a worthy enough person that these two people should inflict pain upon themselves and bear it, and most of all hide the pain from other people in the institute. I think it’s like the ‘cancer perk’ in TFIOS. I do understand that both Will and Tessa love Jem most dearly, and that was why they were in that kind of situation. But Jem, how could he be so blind as to not even notice that Tessa had a thing for Will, or when Will does something for Tessa, that it was because that he loved her and not in his parabatai’s behalf? Eventually Jem finds out the truth, oh the satisfaction I got when he realized how much of an, I guess, imbecile he was to not even know what was going on between Will and Tessa! Sending Will away to save Tessa while on his death bed, was in a way, him saying that Will and Tessa got his blessings. For me, it was the biggest sacrifice in the book, letting go of ones love. But what did Jem really lost? I think nothing. He became a Silent Brother and lost his ability of speech, his life before and the family that he knew and loved in the institute. Well not really, because he was a different Silent Brother, sort of like, more aware of himself than the other brothers who may not know their past lives anymore. He never really even lost Tessa since they saw each other every year. How did that even happen? How was Brother Zachariah allowed to leave City of Bones in a not so official business?

Cassie has this knack of creating love scenes in a not so great situation- amidst a battle. But I guess this is like a comic-relief? Hahaha. Sensual relief? She also did this with Clary and Jace in City of Heavenly Fire when they were in the cave. But totally a good thing, although, I think I’m close to considering it as a comic relief. I just think it’s funny and silly, yet amusing and you don’t get irritated by it, like saying ‘so not the time!’ because its exactly the perfect time! I don’t know how she does that, and make it really work!

Wish there was more about the love story of Cecily and Gabriel, and as well as Sophie and Gideon. I bet Ceci’s and Gabriel’s would be so fun to read! Ceci’s just so fun! And I love that she’s very intuitive and not oblivious about other people’s feelings or thoughts. That is a great asset for a character because she could be that character that could tie everything together. And in some little way, Cecily did. Although she was just this little observer, her role became very vital in telling a clarity to the story.

The Mortal Instruments is still my favorite series but this was a great prequel! I had a great time immersing myself in the Victorian period. It had been a long time since I’ve read some historical piece and glad that this was what I read.