On Jan 12, Freeform, previously know as ABC Family, premiered its new action-packed drama, Shadowhunters. As of today, two episodes of the series have been released, with 13 episodes confirmed.

Based on Cassandra Clare’s bestselling young adult book series “The Mortal Instruments”, Shadowhunters follows 18-year-old Clary Fray, as she is wrenched from her comfortable, mundane life to discover her destiny. On her eighteenth birthday, Clary Fray is suddenly thrown into a world of faeries, warlocks, vampires and werewolves — the world of Shadowhunters. Left unsure of who she can trust and where to turn, Clary joins forces with the local group of Shadowhunters in hopes of rescuing her mom. From there, the hunt for the Mortal Cup —  the object her mother was so desperately trying to keep from her captors — begins.

This show follows Clare’s novels decently, only disappointing me with poorly written one-liners and flat jokes on rare occasion. In a series like this, where the novels iconically captivate readers with snarky and loveable characters, the show is seemingly lacking the sarcasm and sass needed to sell the Shadowhunter world. Budget, writing and acting also left viewers wanting more. Clary, portrayed by Katherine McNamara, is left with tacky lines and awkward deliveries. Other characters have, thus far, satisfied fans for the most part.

Shadowhunters has been honest that the show will take some liberties from the series and I do not condemn Freeform for these choices but moving forward, they must prove to fans that they will not stray from the heart and of the original story. This is an extremely ambitious project to take on and I am excited to see how the project develops. No, I don’t believe this is the next Pretty Little Liars for the channel, but “The Mortal Instruments” is a story that has been captivating readers for years and this new show is getting all fan – including myself – excited to see what’s next.

Episode three will air on Freeform at 9/8c Tuesday, Jan 26.