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 Dark Metropolis immediately surfaced on my radar when I heard that it was being pitched as "perfect for fans of Cassandra Clare". Cassandra Clare ranks as one of my all-time favorite authors and so, Dark Metropolis with it's intriguing, unique premise became one of my must-reads of the year. Dark Metropolis is definitely one of the most ambitious novels I've read this year and it's combination of alternate history and paranormal aspects was extremely well-done. 
 Jaclyn Dolamore definitely surprised me with the seamless way she combined magic and the '30's into one engrossing novel. The entire spirit of this time period translated well to the pages and readers can tell that Dolamore did a decent amount of research when looking into writing this novel. Though this is an alt-history novel, the setting feels genuine to the point where readers will feel like they're being transported to the past. This is one of the few alternate history novels that I've ever read, but if the rest of the books in this genre are anything like Dark Metropolis, I'll definitely have to check them out. 
 GLBTQ representation in novels is extremely important in novels and it's such a relief to read a novel that has healthy depictions of GLBTQ individuals. So many authors merely write caricatures when creating these kinds of characters and perpetuate untrue stereotypes in their novels, but Dolamore creates realistic characters who come across as original and special. I also loved how the fact that though some of the characters are gay, it isn't a big deal and everyone treats this as normal. I applaud Dolamore for creating complex, developed G:LBTQ characters and for giving these individuals the proper treatment that they deserve. 
 Magic is such an essential component of Dark Metropolis and it was intriguing to see how it tied into the world-building of this novel. The parameters of this world were clearly defined as was the quirks of the magic that the plot revolves around; there is such an unique take on magical powers and necromancy in this novel that I really enjoyed. Don't come into this novel expecting zombies because you'll be disappointed because there are none of those brain munching creatures in Dolamore's novels. Instead, in Dark Metropolis the resurrected are more grim, upsetting, and I refuse to say anything more about that. 
 Dark Metropolis is like a melodious ballad that you simply can't get enough and there's just something about that song that just gets to you. Dark Metropolis is filled with magic, historical background and most significantly, the power of music. Dolamore really recognizes how powerful a few musical notes can be and her appreciation of this art is clearly reflected in this novel. There is something so raw and powerful about music and this motif is clearly evident throughout this novel. Both musical and non-musical people alike will appreciate the focus Dolamore puts on the musical arts. 
 I really enjoyed Dark Metropolis and this is one of the better paranormal novels that I've read lately. I easily became engrossed in this tale and it was an easy feat to read through this one due to it's compulsively readability. I'm so glad that I was allured to this novel and I will definitely be sticking around to see what happens in the 2nd book because I've become invested in the characters and the world in this novel. Dark Metropolis isn't like Cassandra Clare's novels, which was a definite plus because this book is original in its own right.