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The Eldest Curses #2
The Lost Book of the White
From #1 New York Times bestselling authors Cassandra Clare and Wesley Chu comes the second book in the Eldest Curses series and a thrilling new adventure for High Warlock Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood, for whom a death-defying mission into the heart of evil is not just a job, it’s also a romantic getaway. The Lost Book of the White is a Shadowhunters novel.
Life is good for Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood. They’re living together in a fabulous loft, their warlock son, Max, has started learning to walk, and the streets of New York are peaceful and quiet—as peaceful and quiet as they ever are, anyway.
Until the night that two old acquaintances break into Magnus’s apartment and steal the powerful Book of the White. Now Magnus and Alec will have to drop everything to get it back. They need to follow the thieves to Shanghai, they need to call some backup to accompany them, and they need a babysitter.
Also, someone has stabbed Magnus with a strange magical weapon and the wound is glowing, so they have that to worry about too.
Fortunately, their backup consists of Clary, Jace, Isabelle, and newly minted Shadowhunter Simon. In Shanghai, they learn that a much darker threat awaits them. Magnus’s magic is growing unstable, and if they can’t stop the demons flooding into the city, they might have to follow them all the way back to the source—to the very realm of the dead. Can they stop the threat to the world? Will they make it back home before their kid completely wears out Alec’s mom?
Life is good for Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood. They’re living together in a fabulous loft, their warlock son, Max, has started learning to walk, and the streets of New York are peaceful and quiet—as peaceful and quiet as they ever are, anyway.
Until the night that two old acquaintances break into Magnus’s apartment and steal the powerful Book of the White. Now Magnus and Alec will have to drop everything to get it back. They need to follow the thieves to Shanghai, they need to call some backup to accompany them, and they need a babysitter.
Also, someone has stabbed Magnus with a strange magical weapon and the wound is glowing, so they have that to worry about too.
Fortunately, their backup consists of Clary, Jace, Isabelle, and newly minted Shadowhunter Simon. In Shanghai, they learn that a much darker threat awaits them. Magnus’s magic is growing unstable, and if they can’t stop the demons flooding into the city, they might have to follow them all the way back to the source—to the very realm of the dead. Can they stop the threat to the world? Will they make it back home before their kid completely wears out Alec’s mom?
400 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2020
About the author
Cassandra Clare
188 books261k followersHello Goodreadsers. Here's my official bio:
"Cassandra Clare was born overseas and spent her early years traveling around the world with her family and several trunks of fantasy books. Cassandra worked for several years as an entertainment journalist for the Hollywood Reporter before turning her attention to fiction. She is the author of City of Bones, the first book in the Mortal Instruments trilogy and a New York Times bestseller. Cassandra lives with her fiance and their two cats in Massachusetts."
You can find me online at
www.cassandraclare.com
I have a blog:
http://cassandraclare.livejournal.com/
and a Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/Cassandraclare
and a Twitter:
www.twitter.com/cassieclare
I'll be available here on Goodreads to answer questions for a Goodreads Author Discussion starting September 18 — http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/3...
Go sign up so you don't miss the conversation when it starts!
"Cassandra Clare was born overseas and spent her early years traveling around the world with her family and several trunks of fantasy books. Cassandra worked for several years as an entertainment journalist for the Hollywood Reporter before turning her attention to fiction. She is the author of City of Bones, the first book in the Mortal Instruments trilogy and a New York Times bestseller. Cassandra lives with her fiance and their two cats in Massachusetts."
You can find me online at
www.cassandraclare.com
I have a blog:
http://cassandraclare.livejournal.com/
and a Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/Cassandraclare
and a Twitter:
www.twitter.com/cassieclare
I'll be available here on Goodreads to answer questions for a Goodreads Author Discussion starting September 18 — http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/3...
Go sign up so you don't miss the conversation when it starts!
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,148 reviews
Want to read
January 15, 2017seriously guys if you dislike Cassie that much and if you hate the books she writes WHY DO YOU EVEN WASTE YOUR TIME ON WRITING A REVIEW ON A BOOK THAT HASN'T EVEN BEEN RELEASED YET? If you don't like it - don't read it. no reason to spread hate. Why do you even care? This is getting really annoying; don't you have better things to do than hate on a book that isn't even out yet? guess what, she can write about whatever she wants to write and even if she publishes 100 more books in the Shadowhunter world - so what? why do you care? just get over it and read books you like. jeez guys.
Read
October 3, 2020For the most part I enjoyed this! I do wish it could've just been a book only following Magnus & Alec, but it was still nice to see our og crew consisting of Clary, Jace, Isabelle, & Simon. At times I felt like the plot was a little bit all over the place & I wish things would've felt a bit more tied together nicely. While this is a book meant to focus on Alec and Magnus, because of the fact that they brought in familiar faces, I felt it would've leveled up had we seen everyone's perspectives. Something I loved was seeing how much growth Magnus and Alec showed throughout this book. They've secured their relationship and while they're by no means in a perfect relationship, it feels like they've become confident and comfortable in where they're at.
Also.. will Magnus ever catch a break or no...? :o
Also.. will Magnus ever catch a break or no...? :o
Read
September 12, 2020
Finished copy provided by Simon & Schuster! (Thank you!)
1.) The Red Scrolls of Magic ★★★★★
oh, i don't even know what to rate this... between a 3 or a 4, but i need to sleep on it. but that bonus story? oh, we are WEEPING after that. that was 5 stars for sure.
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Youtube | Twitch
1.) City of Bones ★★★
2.) City of Ashes ★★
3.) City of Glass ★★★
1.) Clockwork Angel ★★★
4.) City of Fallen Angels ★
2.) Clockwork Prince ★★★★
5.) City of Lost Souls ★★★★
3.) Clockwork Princess ★★★★★
6.) City of Heavenly Fire ★★★★★
*.) The Bane Chronicles ★★★
*.) Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy ★★★
1.) Lady Midnight ★★★★★
2.) Lord of Shadows ★★★★
*.) Ghosts of the Shadow Market 8/10
3.) Queen of Air and Darkness ★★★★
1.) Chain of Gold ★★★★★
January 4, 2021
3.5 Stars
Want to read
May 29, 2016Is Cassandra making an irrelevant and unnecessary Shadowhunter series again?
Yeah.
Will I still read it and claim it as one of my children?
Hell yeah.
I'm sorry, I just can't stop my addiction to her books.
Yeah.
Will I still read it and claim it as one of my children?
Hell yeah.
I'm sorry, I just can't stop my addiction to her books.
Shelved as 'not-gonna-bother'
December 4, 2016How is this not a joke? The cow is dead, PLEASE STOP TRYING TO MILK IT.
Just waiting for the day she realizes this...
So I can finally go...
Just waiting for the day she realizes this...
So I can finally go...
March 9, 2021
"You're my heart, Magnus Bane.
Stay unbroken, for me."
OhMyGodWhatWasThatEpilogue?!?!?!?
AND THE JESSA WEDDING
MY HEART—
I can't. I can't. I can't. I can't. I can't. I can't. I can't. I can't. I can't.
I CAN'T DEAL WITH THAT ENDING
All these theories that are popping up in my head now that I've read the epilogue........
The Eldest Curses is WAY more important than I ever thought it would be. All of this is definitely going to be HUGE leading up to The Wicked Powers .
I really thought of The Eldest Curses just being a fun side project Cassie wanted to make featuring our fav warlock ~Magnus Bane~ , but wow.......to anyone who wasn't planning on reading this series, I urge you to read TEC. It's really important for Cassie's future series.
Especially since The Black Volume of the Dead is said to take place during the The Wicked Powers!!! AHhhh I can't wait now!!!
Haha I don't think I can go into the rest without spoilers soooooooo..............
🛑WARNING: SPOILERS BELOW!!!🛑
TLBOTW takes place in between City of Heavenly Fire and Lady Midnight and after Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy, so of course, one would think to have read those (except maybe not Lady Midnight) before reading this.
Magnus & Alec are living their life with their baby warlock, Max, and all seems well.
That is, until someone or rather.... two someones ruin that peacefulness. Both Shinyun & Ragnor Fell appear out of nowhere demanding for the Book of the White, escaping with it and stabbing Magnus with a strange thorn on their way out.
And this all happened while Alec was only in the shower xD.
I thought Shinyun would've learned from her evil deeds in the last book, but sadly 'tis not the case. Ahh this is what happens when you try giving villains a second chance.😔
Of course, they need to get back the book and stop whatever Shinyun & Ragnor are planning, BUT this time they're gonna have backup.
Time for our favs ~ ✨TMI Gang✨
Beautiful art by Cat in the Box
“Can we see the glowing fissure in your chest?” Simon asked.
“Simon, it’s rude to bring up glowing fissures in other people’s chests,” said Clary. “What do you think they want with the Book of the White, Magnus?”
Magnus turned to look at Alec. “So, you told them everything? Did you say the S-word? The R-word?”
Alec rolled his eyes. “If you’re asking if I told them about Shinyun and Ragnor, I did.”
omg love Simon's straightforwardness.
All the Simon scenes were awesome.👌 He's recently become a Shadowhunter and finally we can see some more action from him and how he's coping with George Lovelace's death. Poor Simon. He was as funny as ever though. AND there were more SIZZY moments.
xD then there's Jace trying to act cool trying out his new flail and using 'mundane' terms.
Magnus hesitated. “I don’t know,” he admitted. “We’ve been rushing around getting ready to leave, and I haven’t so much as googled the word Svefnthorn.”
“I googled it,” Jace said, to Alec’s surprise. “While we were getting our stuff together.”
“You,” said Alec, “googled it.”
“Yeah,” said Jace. “It sounded Norse, so I went into the library and looked it up in the Saga Concordances. Like a normal person. That’s googling, right?”
“More or less,” said Simon.
Simon was kind enough not to tell Jace the truth. Oh Jace...
Of course, Jace & Clary are much more mature in this book and it's nice seeing that. Jace especially acted a lot more worried during this mission than usual—and THAT'S saying something. Jace almost never voices out his worries nor does he hesitate to jump into reckless fights, but here.......ahaha he seems like the least reckless one.
“I’ve made some weird calls in my time,” Jace mused, “but spending ten minutes in free fall from one unknown place in a hell dimension to a different unknown place in a hell dimension is pretty reckless even for me.”
“Don’t feel bad,” said Magnus. “It wasn’t really your decision.”
Ha! And I can't believe all the different Hells there are in Diyum. Even one that would be pure torture for any Herondale.
“Hell of Worms, Hell of Maggots, Hell of Boiling Sand, Hell of Boiling Oil, Hell of Boiling Soup with Human Dumplings, Hell of Boiling Tea with Human Tea Strainers, Hell of Small Biting Insects, Hell of Large Biting Insects, Hell of Being Eaten by Wolves, Hell of Being Trampled by Horses, Hell of Being Gored by Oxen, Hell of Being Pecked to Death by Ducks—”
“What was that last one?” said Jace. Shinyun ignored him.
Ahhh I missed these guys so much.🥺
Oh and I found a certain part pretty important. The meaning behind being an Eldest Curse was explained and how many there can only be!
“Why would Shinyun be after Tessa?” Magnus said.
Jem looked at him in surprise. “Well—because she’s an eldest curse, of course. Like you.”
Magnus blinked. “You mean, because she’s the daughter of a Prince of Hell? Like me?”
“No. It’s more than that. Tessa went to the Labyrinth not just to hide but to research. Eldest curses are not just children of Princes of Hell. They’re the oldest living children of those princes. There can only be nine of them alive at any one time, and I know of only two. And I’m talking to one of them and married to the other.”
Wow. I wonder if there are any other Eldest Curses around?!?! Aghhh I want TWP right now!!!
Cassie said that TLBOTW's epilogue is meant to point towards the events of TWP, so what the Princes of Hell are planning is gonna be a HUGE plot in TWP.
I seriously regret reading this book now. After reading all that, I have to wait until like 2023 for The Wicked Powers?!?! AHHHHhhhh the TORTURE😭
OMG AND THE JESSA WEDDING.
Now I see why nobody remembered their wedding. Magnus had used the remaining power from the Svefnthorn to make a dream-like wedding where everyone they loved would be present, but eventually the memory would fade away until they all forgot—except for Jem, Tessa, Magnus, & Alec.
It was too sweet.🥺🥰 And of course, Will was there.🤧😭
Art by Naira Peredo
Gosh, I can't wait for these next few years.
| Blog |
September 16, 2020
I was super bored with this. I love Malec but these books... I was promised Malec Adult books and it’s neither. Obviously there’s Alec and Magnus but this isn’t about their relationship. I wanted their every day life, how they faced problems together, how they raise Max. And it’s more action filled books with little to no sweet moments between our main guys. And it still reads like a YA book. Maybe even more than the most recent Cassandra books. And what makes me mad is that this was advertised as something that it is not.
*SCREAMING SCREAMING SCREAMING*
ADULT. MAGNUS BANE. TRILOGY.
CAN IT GET ANY BETTER?!
I'M IN HEAVEN.
*FANGIRLING FOREVER*
*SCREAMING SCREAMING SCREAMING*
ADULT. MAGNUS BANE. TRILOGY.
CAN IT GET ANY BETTER?!
I'M IN HEAVEN.
*FANGIRLING FOREVER*
January 31, 2023
I love Malec but this book was boring!
Shelved as 'never-ever-ever'
December 30, 2016"The five Shadowhunter series are TiD, TLH, TMI, TDA, and very far down the road, TWP."- Cassandra Clare.
^^Then where did this Bane Adult crap come from suddenly? I totally forgot about The Wicked Powers series, it supposedly comes AFTER The Last Hour? I was kind of looking forward to TLH. I really like historical paranormals but this announcement of the new series ruined all the Shadowhunter books for me. CC is clearly in it just for some quick cash. I never thought I would be one of those people who believe her nothing but a cash cow, yet here i am. Such disappointment.
Here, i'm gonna give this 1 star and get this over with.
No one was happier than me when Cassie decided to extend TMI series, and tbh i do like the 2nd half way better (hellllo, Sebastian!)
Then she started writing a prequel, TID, which i loved even more!! I even considered it my favorite series for years, literally.
After TMI there are Bane Chronicles. Magnus is an interesting enough character that it didn't bother me, i can tell people wanted to know more about him. I myself have not read any of them, nor am i ever going to. Just don't have any fucks to give. Sorry, not sorry.
At the same time writing TftSA. I think they are focused on Simon? Again, have not read it and never will. Really? Simon? Do people really care about him at this point? I can't even stand Jace anymore or anyone else who isn't Sebastian.
This year we got Lady Midnight! Many readers were already fed up with her, and I can clearly see why, but I still supported her. LM was a huge disappointment! That book made it obvious CC has nothing new to deliver so I don't understand why she keeps milking these.
There is also The Last Hour. I was very excited about it at first, but now I'm not sure.
AND NOW WE HAVE THIS!!
WHY?
WHO GIVES A FUCK?
JUST GIVE HER YOUR MONEY!
January 31, 2021
2.5★| I was highly disappointed in this book. Red Scrolls of Magic was so amazing and we got so much more Malec content in that compared to this one.
Vampires had clans and werewolves had packs and faeries had courts, but a warlock stood always alone.
Note: the Prologue and Epilogue of the book were the (only) best things.
This book is set up in 2010, which is the time between City of Heavenly Fire and Lady Midnight. The events follow two weeks or so after Simon became a Shadowhunter in Tftsa. Could the drama ever be less? NO. Don't even ask such stupid questions. XD What's a Shadowhunter book without the drama?
From the start of the book, THINGS HAPPEN. There was so much action, I stopped for a minute there like, already? Then, Wow. This seems Great! Was it? Obviously no. If you've read my previous reviews or seen my ratings, you'd know how crazy I am for shadowhunter books but seriously, I'm not going to say a book was good when it wasn't. I'm already biased. It was a 2.5★ book for me and I still rounded it off to 3.
[ This paragraph contains spoilers ]
Anyways, Magnus and Alec are having as normal a life as could be for them, with their warlock son, Max. BUT, suddenly Shinyun Jung comes along with Ragnor Fell, they take the Book Of the White and stab Magnus in the heart with a weird thorn called Svefnthorn, (which I thought, may have something to do with the Chain of Thorns book) and these dramatical action packed things happened while Alec was taking a SHOWER! lol.
I really wonder where all the rest of the eldest curses might be and what they must be doing and when we might get to read about them. I just, I can't wait for THE WICKED POWERS!!! Esp. after reading somewhere that the 3rd book connects to TWP, I'm really expecting The Black Book of the Dead to be Dark and Serious and BETTER THAN THIS BOOK!
What I Really Liked
• I liked the prologue and getting Ragnor Fell's reason to pretend he died.
• the fact that this book really got me scared and worried about Magnus.
• I loved seeing the tmi gang and how Cassie adjusted this story between the events she has already written.
• So many characters and each standing out, not like some other books (ehm, ehm: TOG) where all characters are the same with different hair/eye colour.
• I liked Jace being better to Simon than he used to be.
• I really enjoyed some of the jokes in this book. It lightened up my mood.
• Seeing that demon who talks 🤣 A LOT. I can't believe Cassie thought of writing about him. It was . . . funny? It was something, okay? AND I enjoyed it.
• I loved the flashback moments with Catarina and Ragnor. They were amazing and I loved it.
• the number of HELLS? haha. Also the Names of those Hell's, hilarious.
• THAT EPILOGUE! —the next book better be better.
• The dream of/with Will ❤️
What I Didn't Like and What All Disappointed Me
—This may get long.
Also, did I mention ‼️SPOILER ALERT?‼️
Of course, there are spoilers.
• I did not get the shadowhunter vibe I usually get when I start shadowhunter books.
• Tian. Period.
• Plot-holes. Things not making sense. Just didn't like it. Also, remember Johnny Rook? We all met him at the Shadow Market in Red Scrolls of Magic. Well, here Cassie just forgot Alec and Magnus even met him!
• Why the hell did Clary not use her rune power esp. when it works in this hell. And when she did, it was for an ALARM?
• I can understand Simon was dealing with the loss of George Lovelace and when I read TFTSA, I got really sad reading he died BUT Simon was a big cry baby in this book. At first I was curious and wanted to know what he's going through and knowing that was good but the rest? He was so out of character for me and I was just ANNOYED with him and it's really unlike Cassie to write a character out of their "Character".
• the whole tmi gang tbh. Now, that's contrary to what I said in "what I liked". Why? I loved seeing them, yes. But I think, Cassie has developed the grown up Clary and Jace so much for me in TDA? that these Clary, Jace, Izzy and Simon just weren't likable. They were just as much themselves as could be but they were all in a 'turn the character off' kind of mode.
All he needs is a few souls of shadowhunters? Like that's it? And then he'll have enough power and strength to Enter Earth? Like what the fuck? And it's hell!! I'm not getting a single thing about machinery!! And btw, shadowhunters battle and die all the time. Didn't he have any souls?? Oh no, apparently, the *machinery doesn't work*! Bs.
• Seriously? Sammael was like a joke to being a villain, let alone "A Prince of Hell". In fact, Shinyun was better than him. Oh God! Even Valentine was better than him. —At least until the epilogue.
• THE PLOT?! What the Hell was that? I was sooo disappointed in this, I can't even explain.
• ALSO, The JESSA WEDDING Story? It was NOTHING like I thought it would be. My Major Problem was that it was a dream!!! Why was it a dream. Why CAN'T THEY HAVE A PROPER WEDDING? AND it was in Magnus's pov. it was Jessa wedding story but it was still more Malec than Jessa. I LOVE MALEC but that one part is where I didn't want them to be the focus.
• • •
Idk what to say. This is the stupidest Shadowhunter book I've ever read.
And WHAT was that EPILOGUE??
Vampires had clans and werewolves had packs and faeries had courts, but a warlock stood always alone.
Note: the Prologue and Epilogue of the book were the (
This book is set up in 2010, which is the time between City of Heavenly Fire and Lady Midnight. The events follow two weeks or so after Simon became a Shadowhunter in Tftsa. Could the drama ever be less? NO. Don't even ask such stupid questions. XD What's a Shadowhunter book without the drama?
From the start of the book, THINGS HAPPEN. There was so much action, I stopped for a minute there like, already? Then, Wow. This seems Great! Was it? Obviously no. If you've read my previous reviews or seen my ratings, you'd know how crazy I am for shadowhunter books but seriously, I'm not going to say a book was good when it wasn't. I'm already biased. It was a 2.5★ book for me and I still rounded it off to 3.
[ This paragraph contains spoilers ]
Anyways, Magnus and Alec are having as normal a life as could be for them, with their warlock son, Max. BUT, suddenly Shinyun Jung comes along with Ragnor Fell, they take the Book Of the White and stab Magnus in the heart with a weird thorn called Svefnthorn, (which I thought, may have something to do with the Chain of Thorns book) and these dramatical action packed things happened while Alec was taking a SHOWER! lol.
I really wonder where all the rest of the eldest curses might be and what they must be doing and when we might get to read about them. I just, I can't wait for THE WICKED POWERS!!! Esp. after reading somewhere that the 3rd book connects to TWP, I'm really expecting The Black Book of the Dead to be Dark and Serious and BETTER THAN THIS BOOK!
What I Really Liked
• I liked the prologue and getting Ragnor Fell's reason to pretend he died.
• the fact that this book really got me scared and worried about Magnus.
• I loved seeing the tmi gang and how Cassie adjusted this story between the events she has already written.
• So many characters and each standing out, not like some other books (ehm, ehm: TOG) where all characters are the same with different hair/eye colour.
• I liked Jace being better to Simon than he used to be.
• I really enjoyed some of the jokes in this book. It lightened up my mood.
• Seeing that demon who talks 🤣 A LOT. I can't believe Cassie thought of writing about him. It was . . . funny? It was something, okay? AND I enjoyed it.
• I loved the flashback moments with Catarina and Ragnor. They were amazing and I loved it.
“Hell of Worms, Hell of Maggots, Hell of Boiling Sand, Hell of Boiling Oil, Hell of Boiling Soup with Human Dumplings, Hell of Boiling Tea with Human Tea Strainers, Hell of Small Biting Insects, Hell of Large Biting Insects, Hell of Being Eaten by Wolves, Hell of Being Trampled by Horses, Hell of Being Gored by Oxen, Hell of Being Pecked to Death by Ducks—”
“What was that last one?” said Jace. Shinyun ignored him.
“Hell of Mortars and Pestles, Hell of Flensing, Hell of Scissors, Hell of Red-
Hot Pokers, Hell of White-Hot Pokers, [•••]
• the number of HELLS? haha. Also the Names of those Hell's, hilarious.
• THAT EPILOGUE! —the next book better be better.
• The dream of/with Will ❤️
What I Didn't Like and What All Disappointed Me
—This may get long.
Also, did I mention ‼️SPOILER ALERT?‼️
Of course, there are spoilers.
• I did not get the shadowhunter vibe I usually get when I start shadowhunter books.
• Tian. Period.
• Plot-holes. Things not making sense. Just didn't like it. Also, remember Johnny Rook? We all met him at the Shadow Market in Red Scrolls of Magic. Well, here Cassie just forgot Alec and Magnus even met him!
• Why the hell did Clary not use her rune power esp. when it works in this hell. And when she did, it was for an ALARM?
• I can understand Simon was dealing with the loss of George Lovelace and when I read TFTSA, I got really sad reading he died BUT Simon was a big cry baby in this book. At first I was curious and wanted to know what he's going through and knowing that was good but the rest? He was so out of character for me and I was just ANNOYED with him and it's really unlike Cassie to write a character out of their "Character".
• the whole tmi gang tbh. Now, that's contrary to what I said in "what I liked". Why? I loved seeing them, yes. But I think, Cassie has developed the grown up Clary and Jace so much for me in TDA? that these Clary, Jace, Izzy and Simon just weren't likable. They were just as much themselves as could be but they were all in a 'turn the character off' kind of mode.
I'll need the energy of all your friends' souls to open a Portal the size of all Shangai
All he needs is a few souls of shadowhunters? Like that's it? And then he'll have enough power and strength to Enter Earth? Like what the fuck? And it's hell!! I'm not getting a single thing about machinery!! And btw, shadowhunters battle and die all the time. Didn't he have any souls?? Oh no, apparently, the *machinery doesn't work*! Bs.
• Seriously? Sammael was like a joke to being a villain, let alone "A Prince of Hell". In fact, Shinyun was better than him. Oh God! Even Valentine was better than him. —At least until the epilogue.
• THE PLOT?! What the Hell was that? I was sooo disappointed in this, I can't even explain.
• ALSO, The JESSA WEDDING Story? It was NOTHING like I thought it would be. My Major Problem was that it was a dream!!! Why was it a dream. Why CAN'T THEY HAVE A PROPER WEDDING? AND it was in Magnus's pov. it was Jessa wedding story but it was still more Malec than Jessa. I LOVE MALEC but that one part is where I didn't want them to be the focus.
• • •
Idk what to say. This is the stupidest Shadowhunter book I've ever read.
And WHAT was that EPILOGUE??
Shelved as 'ca-ching'
May 27, 2016The fuck.
Really, really, really!?!?!?!??!?!
Okay, Clare. Obviously, you have no class. Here are some future Shadowhunter spinoffs with the way your going:
1) Shadowhunter the Picture Book because five year-olds killing demons=life lessons
2) Fifty Shades of Shadowhunters with bonus incest because getting liver pumped only once isn't enough-hence the combo of Red Room of Pain and incest.
3) Shadowhunter College because new adult and shadowhunters = cash.
4) Of course, there's also the acclaimed idea of Shadowhunter Caveman (featuring an ancient Herondale) fighting demonic dinosaurs-because you know science is wrong and the Flintstones were right when it came to man or should I say Shadowhunters fighting dinos.
5) Oh, and let's not forget Shadowhunters the Musical featuring numbers such as "I Kissed My Sister", "Love Triangles Never Get Old", and the timeless favorite "Herondales in Leather Pants"
Really, really, really!?!?!?!??!?!
Okay, Clare. Obviously, you have no class. Here are some future Shadowhunter spinoffs with the way your going:
1) Shadowhunter the Picture Book because five year-olds killing demons=life lessons
2) Fifty Shades of Shadowhunters with bonus incest because getting liver pumped only once isn't enough-hence the combo of Red Room of Pain and incest.
3) Shadowhunter College because new adult and shadowhunters = cash.
4) Of course, there's also the acclaimed idea of Shadowhunter Caveman (featuring an ancient Herondale) fighting demonic dinosaurs-because you know science is wrong and the Flintstones were right when it came to man or should I say Shadowhunters fighting dinos.
5) Oh, and let's not forget Shadowhunters the Musical featuring numbers such as "I Kissed My Sister", "Love Triangles Never Get Old", and the timeless favorite "Herondales in Leather Pants"
June 8, 2022
"You're my heart, Magnus Bane. Stay unbroken, for me."
°•*⁀➷
I wish every book in this entire series was about them. Why? Because Magnus Bane is the heart and soul of the Shadowhunter books, and watching everyone take part in protecting him is magical. So if you disagree, please argue with the wall.
Magnus is my favorite character ever written. His positivity, his light, his sparkles, his constant work on making the world just a tiny bit better... I just love everything about him. He's never done anything wrong in his life. When he tells Cat, "Life seems to me to be a matter of choosing love, over and over, even knowing that it makes you vulnerable, that it might hurt you later. Or even sooner. You just have no choice. You choose to love or you choose to live in an empty world with no one there but you. And that seems like a truly terrible way to spend eternity." I can hear a collective sigh around the world because he's so incredibly insightful despite his inevitable forever. I mean, he's so level-headed, and he worked so hard to get there.
I love that Magnus said over and over that if they could find a way to save him, then they could find a way to save Ragnor. I love that no matter what Shinyun does, all Magnus wants is to save her. To protect her. To help her see beauty in the world like he does. He's just so good.
If I could be anyone in the world, I would be Magnus Bane.
If I could love anyone in the world, it would be Magnus Bane. And I think that's why Alec Lightwood is just as important to me. In every word written in these pages we see how humbled Magnus is by Alec, and how in love with Magnus Alec is. He would go against everything simply to protect Magnus, and by extension, their son. And seeing them work through being parents while once again trying to save the world (bc Magnus is Alec's world) is a gift. I love absolutely everything about them.
- Paige
°•*⁀➷
I wish every book in this entire series was about them. Why? Because Magnus Bane is the heart and soul of the Shadowhunter books, and watching everyone take part in protecting him is magical. So if you disagree, please argue with the wall.
Magnus is my favorite character ever written. His positivity, his light, his sparkles, his constant work on making the world just a tiny bit better... I just love everything about him. He's never done anything wrong in his life. When he tells Cat, "Life seems to me to be a matter of choosing love, over and over, even knowing that it makes you vulnerable, that it might hurt you later. Or even sooner. You just have no choice. You choose to love or you choose to live in an empty world with no one there but you. And that seems like a truly terrible way to spend eternity." I can hear a collective sigh around the world because he's so incredibly insightful despite his inevitable forever. I mean, he's so level-headed, and he worked so hard to get there.
I love that Magnus said over and over that if they could find a way to save him, then they could find a way to save Ragnor. I love that no matter what Shinyun does, all Magnus wants is to save her. To protect her. To help her see beauty in the world like he does. He's just so good.
If I could be anyone in the world, I would be Magnus Bane.
If I could love anyone in the world, it would be Magnus Bane. And I think that's why Alec Lightwood is just as important to me. In every word written in these pages we see how humbled Magnus is by Alec, and how in love with Magnus Alec is. He would go against everything simply to protect Magnus, and by extension, their son. And seeing them work through being parents while once again trying to save the world (bc Magnus is Alec's world) is a gift. I love absolutely everything about them.
- Paige
September 3, 2020
sexy and iconic
edit: i clicked on the book to read the reviews and big mistake. are u all on fucking crack? if u don't want to read any more Shadowhunters books then don't? nobody fucking cares that u don't like the fact that this is the 746029th book in the series. some of us want her to continue milking it. can't wait for the 700 pages book about Chairman. u all need to get a hobby because bitching about a book series u don't even care about anymore is highkey depressing. she keeps writing them because we keep buying them...
like bitch if this shit i ordered has a double sided dust jacket i'm gonna order the RSOM edition with Alec on the cover. take my money queen. BTW does anyone know if the Bane Chronicles Hardcover have a poster because i'm still kinda pissed i have a poster of Simon and not Magnus. if yes then i'm gonna buy a hardcover edition of it because i know that she just wants to take all of my money but i don't care. Magnus Bane gives me joy.
like bitch if this shit i ordered has a double sided dust jacket i'm gonna order the RSOM edition with Alec on the cover. take my money queen. BTW does anyone know if the Bane Chronicles Hardcover have a poster because i'm still kinda pissed i have a poster of Simon and not Magnus. if yes then i'm gonna buy a hardcover edition of it because i know that she just wants to take all of my money but i don't care. Magnus Bane gives me joy.
September 14, 2020
Well, damn. I thought this was just gonna be all fun and games, Malec style, and this was so much more than that.
First of all: Simon's PTSD getting the spotlight was the chef's kiss for this book. Seriously. I was wondering when one of these books would handle how much shit our heroes from TMI went through and this book finally did it. Ironically, in a series hyperfocused on Magnus and Alec, but it still handled it and I am very, very pleased.
Second, domestic Malec dads. There is nothing more delightful than Alec and Magnus parenting. (Well, except Maryse babysitting their budding warlock son. That was a close second.)
Finally, Chinese mythology. Why am I not being swarmed with more books featuring Chinese mythology? I loved all of the stories woven into this book and would gladly read dozens more.*looks pointedly at YA book publishers, gesturing for them to write this one down*
Okay, so I know I said the word 'finally' before but this is my actual final note: this series is definitely going to tie-in in a larger way than I thought it would with the other Shadowhunter series. Specifically, I can this going with The Wicked Powers series plotline... so get yourself a copy of this beau, both to stay tuned for a demon kicking showdown and because this cover is gorgeous.
Actual rating: 4.5
First of all: Simon's PTSD getting the spotlight was the chef's kiss for this book. Seriously. I was wondering when one of these books would handle how much shit our heroes from TMI went through and this book finally did it. Ironically, in a series hyperfocused on Magnus and Alec, but it still handled it and I am very, very pleased.
Second, domestic Malec dads. There is nothing more delightful than Alec and Magnus parenting. (Well, except Maryse babysitting their budding warlock son. That was a close second.)
Finally, Chinese mythology. Why am I not being swarmed with more books featuring Chinese mythology? I loved all of the stories woven into this book and would gladly read dozens more.*looks pointedly at YA book publishers, gesturing for them to write this one down*
Okay, so I know I said the word 'finally' before but this is my actual final note: this series is definitely going to tie-in in a larger way than I thought it would with the other Shadowhunter series. Specifically, I can this going with The Wicked Powers series plotline... so get yourself a copy of this beau, both to stay tuned for a demon kicking showdown and because this cover is gorgeous.
Actual rating: 4.5
Shelved as 'will-not-read'
October 23, 2016Dear Cassandra Clare,
If you love shadowhunters, LET. IT. GO.
If you love shadowhunters, LET. IT. GO.
Shelved as 'dnf'
March 29, 2021I'm done. I can't. This just feels like a TMI 2.0 and I literally can't do this anymore. If someone can tell me what happens in the end in case I need it for TWP, please do. But I'm D.O.N.E.
November 5, 2020
Really a 4.5 like the last one!
I really enjoyed this book!! This series is honestly such a fun one, I enjoyed the whole gang being in this one (my baby Simon ahhhhh.) I don’t really have too much to say about this except it was action packed, really fun, I loved the moments with Max and tHAT THE EPILOGUE WAS OMG! Next book now please!! I’m excited!
Also special shout out to the bonus Jem and Tessa story at the end my heartttttttt
I rated this a 4.5 just because even when things are really exciting and suspenseful my mind always remembers it’s an in between series and we already know the characters will be fine so there’s not really any stakes. It’s a fun adventure though even though there’s no consequences!
I really enjoyed this book!! This series is honestly such a fun one, I enjoyed the whole gang being in this one (my baby Simon ahhhhh.) I don’t really have too much to say about this except it was action packed, really fun, I loved the moments with Max and tHAT THE EPILOGUE WAS OMG! Next book now please!! I’m excited!
Also special shout out to the bonus Jem and Tessa story at the end my heartttttttt
I rated this a 4.5 just because even when things are really exciting and suspenseful my mind always remembers it’s an in between series and we already know the characters will be fine so there’s not really any stakes. It’s a fun adventure though even though there’s no consequences!
Shelved as 'dnf'
September 13, 2020dnf @ 46%
There are some sweet moments between Magnus and Alec, but that's about it. Compared to the TMI series, almost all the characters feel flat in this one and the plot is not grabbing my attention at all. Not a fan of the writing in this one, either.
So many characters from the Shadowhunter world are very dear to me, so I'm stopping now before this book ruins it for me.
There are some sweet moments between Magnus and Alec, but that's about it. Compared to the TMI series, almost all the characters feel flat in this one and the plot is not grabbing my attention at all. Not a fan of the writing in this one, either.
So many characters from the Shadowhunter world are very dear to me, so I'm stopping now before this book ruins it for me.
April 5, 2021
3.75 stars. Thank you to everyone who gave this a bad rating! My expectations were so low I actually really enjoyed this! (Even if it is probably my least favorite Shadowhunter novel.) BD Wong‘s narration is especially amazing. If you’re into audiobooks, listen, don’t read.
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Protagonists (Alec, Magnus): ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Minor characters (Jem, Jace, Clary, Simon, Isabelle, Tian): ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Antagonists (Shinyun, Ragnor, Sammael): ⭐️⭐️
Writing: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Max: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I also liked the ties to other Shadowhunter books, especially the prologue, the genesis of Malcolm Fade (relevant to TDA) and the flashbacks. The epilogue has me excited for book 3!
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Protagonists (Alec, Magnus): ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Minor characters (Jem, Jace, Clary, Simon, Isabelle, Tian): ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Antagonists (Shinyun, Ragnor, Sammael): ⭐️⭐️
Writing: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Max: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I also liked the ties to other Shadowhunter books, especially the prologue, the genesis of Malcolm Fade (relevant to TDA) and the flashbacks. The epilogue has me excited for book 3!
November 20, 2020
“So far, life seems to me to be a matter of choosing love, over and over, even knowing that it makes you vulnerable, that it might hurt you later. Or even sooner. You just have no choice. You choose to love or you choose to live in an empty world with no one there but you.”
This book makes me so happy and it fills my heart with warm and fussy feelings and emotions. It just... simply makes me happy.
Probably the way I would choose to describe it is as a love letter to Magnus and warlocks. At least, a love letter of sorts. Because, I swear, those were the times when I got the most emotional and that made my heart-ache.
Not that there is not plenty of good old Shadowhunter drama and high stakes action and madness going on, because there is plenty to go and even some to give for free.
It's just a really nice combination of all the things I was missing in this world and didn't even know I needed.
“And do you always let other people tell you what you are? Because they will always try. You have magic, just like I do.”
Set in the time period between the end of Tales from the Shadowhunter's Academy and Lady Midnight there is quite a lot of things to deal with and to explore that was a great deal of fun to see. Made even better because we get to have the original gang going with this mission and that just makes it all the better.
Even though we do explore things that were introduced in other books - or will be introduced in other books, depending on the timeline and all - the book has its own, very solid, storyline that just grabs you and never lets you go.
The action starts immediately from the beginning with little time for ceremonies or setting of the stage aside from the immediately pertinent - really, don't read this book if you are not to date with the world - because, after all, their stories have already been established... and that works perfectly. Sure, there's always the bit of exposition needed to refresh the memory but no major over-exposition designed to make you get a quick grasp of the world that can take a very long time. It makes things run smoother.
Of course, we have the cool fights and all the action you can expect from a group of angelical warriors fighting demons... which just makes everything feel very fast-paced and gripping.
“You are not just some mundane. You are a Shadowhunter. You have a duty. A responsibility. You have a high and holy purpose, do you understand me? […] I know Shadowhunters, [redacted] I’ve known them for centuries. I’ve seen them at their best, and at their worst. […] They love, they build, they covet wealth – when there is time. When the duty – the solemn duty, the only duty, the barrier dividing the living creatures of Earth from oblivion at the hands of literal, actual pure evil – allows them to. All love is important. Your love is important. And for some people, their love can be the single most important thing, more important than even the whole world. But not for Shadowhunters. Because keeping the whole world safe is not everyone’s reason for being, but it absolutely is yours.”
Even though I did say that this book felt like a love letter to warlocks, to me, there is still more than plenty of our regular Shadowhunter shenanigans and warm moments.
We get to explore a new institute - always cool - made even greater because it was the Shanghai institute which made me fangirl a lot. Discovering a new institute is always fun and exciting but this one just felt a bit more special... especially if take into account that it's where Jem's family is.
We are also introduced to a bunch of new culture and new details, as well as old, to the big picture of everything that is going on... enough so that now I have a bunch of pretty exciting, and slightly frightening, theories as to what's to come.
At the same time, we get to check out with my babies from The Mortal Instruments more fully and that is something that I have been aching to do for forever by now, without it feeling out of place or weird or intrusive... which I think is a very delicate balance.
“I like our life, Magnus. I like that I don’t know what will happen next. I like that we get a chance to give Max the kind of life that warlocks rarely get. I like that we’ll be doing it together. You remember what the note said when we found Max? “Who could ever love it?” We could, Magnus. We could love him. We do love him.”
I can never have enough of my Malec goodness, of course, and this is the Malec trilogy, so I couldn't make this review and not touch over that very prominent point.
Seeing them interacting, in this very specific moment in their lives, was the sweetest most amazing thing ever especially because we get to see so much of baby Max of who there is never enough content in the world. And, well, just them being perfect together.
It is a lot about them finding the proper balance between their responsibilities and being parents and how that fact has changed their lives so you can respect plenty of heart to hearts that will melt you into a puddle and give you cavities.
For most of the book, I was either being slowly dissolved by their cuteness or having my heart torn apart by the more touching and emotional aspects of the book.
“I like him. There is something righteous about someone who doesn’t turn away from danger, even when he should. Someone who sees suffering and will always choose to plunge into the flames.”
The Lost Book of the White was way more than I had expected it to be and I am, quite frankly, in love with it. For its action-pack-fast-paced plot and its heart-achingly beautiful and painful subthemes and interactions and relationships.
I cannot, however, reiterate enough that this book has to be read in its proper order because otherwise, it contains tons of spoilers. The Mortal Instruments and Tales from the Shadowhunter's Academy are a most-have-read before this one can be enjoyed.
Aside from that, it was perfect. Perfectly timed, perfectly executed, just... perfect and really fun.
“[…] But we are warlocks. We live forever, and that means sooner or later, we are alone. When others call us the spawn of demons, try to use our power for their own ends, envy us, fear us, or simply die and leave us, we must decide ourselves what we shall be. Warlocks name ourselves, before someone else can name us.”
______________________
That was a... very enjoyable book.
I laughed a lot, like, full belly laughs that went on for minutes on end and I whooped with all the action.
The fact that I could just have more of all my babies was just a very nice added bonus.
A definite improvement from the first book in the series.
RTC.
______________________
Okay then, it is time to do this.
I think that the fact that this book takes place a few years after The Red Scrolls of Magic is really fun and, well, it is a book about Magnus and Alec so I have zero complains to make here.
I just want to have a bit of fun with this one. That is all.
Want to read
May 30, 2016I've seen so many people say that Cassandra Clare is milking the Shadowhunter world and I agree for the best reasons.
First of all, If I made the Shadowhunter world you bet I will be milking it forever.
I would be on my deathbed writing a new series about Church the cat.
Secondly, there is so many characters that could have their own story and life before or after TMI and TID. This just means we get more reasons to love the characters, and we all love Magnus so this trilogy is a gift from the gods.
I do understand the people who are disliking all these new stories from the Shadowhunter world, its their opinion and I respect that.
Keep on milking Cassandra Clare!
P.s I now want a series about Church. I like cat adventures.
Yes the milk gif seemed appropriate for this situation.
First of all, If I made the Shadowhunter world you bet I will be milking it forever.
I would be on my deathbed writing a new series about Church the cat.
Secondly, there is so many characters that could have their own story and life before or after TMI and TID. This just means we get more reasons to love the characters, and we all love Magnus so this trilogy is a gift from the gods.
I do understand the people who are disliking all these new stories from the Shadowhunter world, its their opinion and I respect that.
Keep on milking Cassandra Clare!
P.s I now want a series about Church. I like cat adventures.
Yes the milk gif seemed appropriate for this situation.
November 30, 2020
Just as sassy as the first book.
Loved that some of the other characters made appearances in this one, but still mostly MALEC.
So happy there will be another book in this series!
Loved that some of the other characters made appearances in this one, but still mostly MALEC.
So happy there will be another book in this series!
November 18, 2020
You know.. for never diving into the eldest curses before.. I am hooked. I seriously can't wait for the next book to come out in 2021!
Not even going to lie, Magnus and Alec give me life. This book could've been about them baking loaves of bread and living through a freaking pandemic. I would still love it to pieces. The entire gang came back together, which again GAVE ME LIFE, and I freaked the freak out. I didn't expect to laugh so much or smile while listening to the beautiful book but I did. Oh man, anything Max related had me in tears.
Seriously, get to the ending and you will die from laughing. Like I did. Hello, it's ghost Alaina writing the review now. I'm not even sure what the next book will bring me but I can't wait! I need more from everyone that was in this book - especially Max. I also really want to see Lucifer. Or I mean, have everyone see him.
Not even going to lie, Magnus and Alec give me life. This book could've been about them baking loaves of bread and living through a freaking pandemic. I would still love it to pieces. The entire gang came back together, which again GAVE ME LIFE, and I freaked the freak out. I didn't expect to laugh so much or smile while listening to the beautiful book but I did. Oh man, anything Max related had me in tears.
Seriously, get to the ending and you will die from laughing. Like I did. Hello, it's ghost Alaina writing the review now. I'm not even sure what the next book will bring me but I can't wait! I need more from everyone that was in this book - especially Max. I also really want to see Lucifer. Or I mean, have everyone see him.
Want to read
January 10, 2023Una trilogía completa basada en Alexander y Magnus.
Me emociona mucho, porque después de lo que paso en Lord of Shadows necesito ver a Magnus feliz, Magnus se merece el mundo entero, y me duele el corazón verlo sufrir tanto.
Me emociona mucho, porque después de lo que paso en Lord of Shadows necesito ver a Magnus feliz, Magnus se merece el mundo entero, y me duele el corazón verlo sufrir tanto.
Shelved as 'think-about-it'
May 26, 2016PRO: It's Magnus Bane.
CON: Too many Shadowhunters series already.
September 3, 2020
i can keep reading malec stories until the day i die
September 28, 2020
2.5/5 Stars
This is definitely my least favourite among the different Shadowhunters series, maybe just because it feels like a series of filler books and that's something I'm really not a fan of. But still, I do want to read it to be up to date and also because I like the characters. I even enjoyed the first book in this series and so I was expecting to find the same dynamics and things I previously loved.
I enjoyed the fact that in this book we got to see Magnus and Alec again and this time they were with all the TMI group, which is always fun to read, but that's about it. In my opinion the storyline was boring and not very interesting and the characters weren't enough to drive this story forward.
Overall I definitely expected more from this novel.
This is definitely my least favourite among the different Shadowhunters series, maybe just because it feels like a series of filler books and that's something I'm really not a fan of. But still, I do want to read it to be up to date and also because I like the characters. I even enjoyed the first book in this series and so I was expecting to find the same dynamics and things I previously loved.
I enjoyed the fact that in this book we got to see Magnus and Alec again and this time they were with all the TMI group, which is always fun to read, but that's about it. In my opinion the storyline was boring and not very interesting and the characters weren't enough to drive this story forward.
Overall I definitely expected more from this novel.
October 20, 2020
DAFUQ
.
RTC
.
RTC
September 5, 2020
4.5/5 ⭐️
This is the sequel to The Red Scrolls of Magic, and i thought this was a great follow up to book one. But, I wished that there was more moments between Magnus and Alec, and more of a focus on Alec. I mean that while I love Magnus, it just focuses on him so much because what is going on is centered on him. I just wished that we saw more of Alec’s thoughts or seen the two work together more. Because we also get to see everyone from The Mortal Instruments again and that was really exciting. It also made feel so bad for Simon because it is a few months after he lost one of his friends, and everyone doesn’t seem to understand why he is struggling. This book was more intense and gripping about what was going own with the plot because it is on one of the best Shadowhunter characters. As well as the stakes being higher. Also, Max is so cute and I love seeing him again. The romance as well between Magnus and Alec wasn’t as great as it was in the first one, but I enjoyed the small moments between Jace and Clary. Overall, this was a really fun read and has me excited to see what is going to happen next.
This is the sequel to The Red Scrolls of Magic, and i thought this was a great follow up to book one. But, I wished that there was more moments between Magnus and Alec, and more of a focus on Alec. I mean that while I love Magnus, it just focuses on him so much because what is going on is centered on him. I just wished that we saw more of Alec’s thoughts or seen the two work together more. Because we also get to see everyone from The Mortal Instruments again and that was really exciting. It also made feel so bad for Simon because it is a few months after he lost one of his friends, and everyone doesn’t seem to understand why he is struggling. This book was more intense and gripping about what was going own with the plot because it is on one of the best Shadowhunter characters. As well as the stakes being higher. Also, Max is so cute and I love seeing him again. The romance as well between Magnus and Alec wasn’t as great as it was in the first one, but I enjoyed the small moments between Jace and Clary. Overall, this was a really fun read and has me excited to see what is going to happen next.
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