Cassandra’s Reviews > Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy > Status Update

Angels Twice Descending: 5/5

This was the perfect conclusion. I spent the last ten pages of this novella ugly sobbing, but all was redeemed in the last two pages. I still can't believe it's over though.

Born to Endless Night: 5/5 (6/5 tbh)

This was the best short story of all. I was not expecting the lovely tale of how Malec obtained Max, and now that I've read it, I can't stop smiling. I mean Robert suggested to name the baby Michael (!!!), Malec being the celebrity OTP discussion of the dining hall, and finally, Robert's theories of how Max came to be. This was the best.

The Fiery Trial: 4.5/5

From the moment Magnus was being suspicious and making tea, I knew this was going to be 'a trip.' I liked getting to read a parabatai ceremony in full (Emma and Julian, in all their gawky year glory), but I'm mostly excited to see all about Magnus teaching at the Academy. Oh yes.

Bitter of Tongue: 5/5

Thanks to Lady Midnight, I already had a swirling mass of emotions surrounding Mark Blackthorn. Now I'm ready to cry again, because Shadowhunters are heartless, and nothing is fair. Mark deserves so much better.

There is a happy side to this story however. Aline and Helen's wedding was one of the most precious and happy things I've read in a long time.

Pales Kings and Princes: 5/5

Lots of Sizzy!!! Yes!

I almost punched a wall with all the pent up rage I feel over The Clave and their treatment of the eldest two Blackthorn siblings. Since Mark got a lot of screen time in Lady Midnight, it was fantastic to get some for Helen. I love getting to read more about her character, and hope she gets to play a larger role in Lord of Shadows.

The Evil We Love: 4.5/5

The moment I realized we were getting a look at Robert Lightwood, I knew my emotions were going to be a total mess. I had an idea about the reason for all the tension between Michael and Robert from the first page, but it still broke me heart.

On top of giving us some good progress in the Sizzy department, this novella gives us a deeper look into the Lightwood family unit.

Nothing But Shadows: 5/5

This was, by far, the best one yet. I didn't even know I wanted this. I'm so in love with all of the The Last Hours characters, and I only spent under 70 pages with them.

In short; James Herondale is a precious little bibliotaph, Matthew Fairchild is our show off mother hen, the Lightwood boys are hilarious, and everyone is precious.

The Whitechapel Fiend: 5/5

Tessa! And all the children of our precious TID characters. I got so happy.

Simon and Jace was absolutely hilarious. I forgot how much I enjoyed their interactions. ('Wiggles' might even beat "They wanted to touch my mango.")

Welcome to Shadowhunter Academy: 4.5/5

Absolutely adorable and perfect intro story. I've missed Simon so much, and it's great to see the old gang from TMI. Even if briefly.

I love the character of George Lovelace. Let's see how a relative of Jessamine holds up at the academy.