Preview: Lord of Shadows (Cassandra Clare)

Lord of Shadows is the second novel in The Dark Artifices trilogy, chronologically the third series in the Shadowhunter Chronicles (until the next series is written, which will make this the fourth). If you're like me, Cassandra Clare's newest installment is already pre-ordered, and you're biting your nails in wait for its May release date.

If you haven't heard of Lord of Shadows, Cassandra Clare, OR Shadowhunters and want to know what is going on, check out my review for the first book in The Dark Artifices, Lady Midnight here: Lady Midnight
Have no fear - although The Dark Artifices is the third series in the Shadowhunter Chronicles, you are absolutely able to read it first. There will be mild Lady Midnight spoilers below, so you might want to wait to continue this post until you've finished the first book.

Back to our eagerly anticipated Lord of Shadows (LoS)! So, what do we know so far? First off, here's the released cover:

cassandraclare.com
Official Cover Image

So, as you can see, it has a boy on the right side with a sword who looks like he is suspended in water. On the left, we see a city turned sideways, which is possibly fragmenting. Definitely a more dynamic cover than the original temporary one that was released (see below), and lends itself to a millions predictions.

cassandraclare.com
Temporary Cover

First off, I'm going to make the assumption that the boy on the cover is Julian. Looking at the bracelets on his wrist, I would say it's a pretty safe bet. Now, we can see that he is holding a sword - is this Cortana? He is also in the water. It's an interesting nod to the cover for Lady Midnight (see below), where Emma is shown holding Cortana in the water. Now, is this just to mimic the first cover, or is it also a preview into the story like Lady Midnight's was?
Why is Cortana with Julian instead of Emma? Is she somehow incapacitated/injured, or did she give it to him? It is unlikely that she would be otherwise without it considering how precious it is to her.
Why is Julian in the water? And which body of water is he in? With the London-esque backdrop, how much of this takes place in Los Angeles vs. London (more on that later). So, with Julian being in the water, will this be a reversal of Lady Midnight, with Emma having to overcome her fear of the ocean to save Julian? Perhaps her fear is more of the specific ocean where her parents died rather than all oceans, and being in London waters might not give her the same sense of panic.

shadowhunters.wikia.com
Lady Midnight Cover

London, assuming we are in London, brings so many opportunities for the return of favourite characters. This could allow more opportunities for Jem and Tessa to be involved, as we will be on their home turf. If we are lucky enough for these two to make an extended appearance, could they act as parental figures for Emma and Julian, allowing them to be able to shed some of the burden they have carried these past years? And will this leave them extra time to become resentful of each other, or frustrated with their decisions? And will Tessa, having some idea of what Emma will be going through, be able to give her the guidance she desperately needs?
On the other hand, the book could be split into two storylines, with no one from LA actually travelling to London, but I think this is unlikely based on Clare's general style. I think it is more likely that either Emma and Julian will both be in London, or only one of them will be, and the parabatai will be uncharacteristically split up. But then wouldn't that put a bit of a wrench in Emma's plans?

What are your thoughts and predictions? Are you as excited for this one as I am?