First published 2021
Cordelia Carstairs wields the legendary sword Cortana, but the blade burns her hand with each touch. Her engagement to James Herondale should bring joy, yet their marriage exists only to protect her reputation. James loves Grace Blackthorn instead, while Cordelia harbors feelings she cannot express. In London, a killer stalks Shadowhunters through dark streets, striking without warning and disappearing like smoke. Cordelia joins James and his sister Lucie, along with their companions the Merry Thieves, to track this murderer. Each member of their group guards secrets that could destroy them. Lucie plots to resurrect Jesse Blackthorn from death itself. Cordelia has pledged herself to a mysterious force through a binding oath. James finds himself pulled deeper into the influence of Belial, the arch-demon who is his grandfather. As the investigation continues, James discovers he may be the very killer they hunt. The three friends must navigate their hidden truths while stopping a murderer who threatens every Shadowhunter in the city.
Genres: romance, mystery, fantasy, young-adult
Vibes: atmospheric, dark, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: London
Period: 19th-century
656 pages · Hardcover · Margaret K. McElderry Books
Content warnings: violence