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The Eldest Curses #1
The Red Scrolls of Magic
ŷ Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Fantasy (2019)From #1 New York Times bestseller Cassandra Clare and award-winner Wesley Chu comes the first book in a new series that follows High Warlock Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood as they tour the world after the Mortal War. The Red Scrolls of Magic is a Shadowhunters novel.
All Magnus Bane wanted was a vacation—a lavish trip across Europe with Alec Lightwood, the Shadowhunter who against all odds is finally his boyfriend. But as soon as the pair settles in Paris, an old friend arrives with news about a demon-worshipping cult called the Crimson Hand that is bent on causing chaos around the world. A cult that was apparently founded by Magnus himself. Years ago. As a joke.
Now Magnus and Alec must race across Europe to track down the Crimson Hand and its elusive new leader before the cult can cause any more damage. As if it wasn’t bad enough that their romantic getaway has been sidetracked, demons are now dogging their every step, and it is becoming harder to tell friend from foe. As their quest for answers becomes increasingly dire, Magnus and Alec will have to trust each other more than ever—even if it means revealing the secrets they’ve both been keeping.
All Magnus Bane wanted was a vacation—a lavish trip across Europe with Alec Lightwood, the Shadowhunter who against all odds is finally his boyfriend. But as soon as the pair settles in Paris, an old friend arrives with news about a demon-worshipping cult called the Crimson Hand that is bent on causing chaos around the world. A cult that was apparently founded by Magnus himself. Years ago. As a joke.
Now Magnus and Alec must race across Europe to track down the Crimson Hand and its elusive new leader before the cult can cause any more damage. As if it wasn’t bad enough that their romantic getaway has been sidetracked, demons are now dogging their every step, and it is becoming harder to tell friend from foe. As their quest for answers becomes increasingly dire, Magnus and Alec will have to trust each other more than ever—even if it means revealing the secrets they’ve both been keeping.
368 pages, Paperback
First published April 9, 2019
3,127 people are currently reading
98.1k people want to read
About the author
Cassandra Clare
205books275kfollowersCassandra Clare was born to American parents in Tehran, Iran and spent much of her childhood travelling the world with her family, including one trek through the Himalayas as a toddler where she spent a month living in her father’s backpack. She lived in France, England and Switzerland before she was ten years old.
Since her family moved around so much she found familiarity in books and went everywhere with a book under her arm. She spent her high school years in Los Angeles where she used to write stories to amuse her classmates, including an epic novel called “The Beautiful Cassandra� based on a Jane Austen short story of the same name (and which later inspired her current pen name).
After college, Cassie lived in Los Angeles and New York where she worked at various entertainment magazines and even some rather suspect tabloids where she reported on Brad and Angelina’s world travels and Britney Spears� wardrobe malfunctions. She started working on her YA novel, City of Bones, in 2004, inspired by the urban landscape of Manhattan, her favourite city. She turned to writing fantasy fiction full time in 2006 and hopes never to have to write about Paris Hilton again.
Cassie’s first professional writing sale was a short story called “The Girl’s Guide to Defeating the Dark Lord� in a Baen anthology of humor fantasy. Cassie hates working at home alone because she always gets distracted by reality TV shows and the antics of her cats, so she usually sets out to write in local coffee shops and restaurants. She likes to work in the company of her friends, who see that she sticks to her deadlines.
City of Bones was her first novel. Sword Catcher is her most recent novel.
Since her family moved around so much she found familiarity in books and went everywhere with a book under her arm. She spent her high school years in Los Angeles where she used to write stories to amuse her classmates, including an epic novel called “The Beautiful Cassandra� based on a Jane Austen short story of the same name (and which later inspired her current pen name).
After college, Cassie lived in Los Angeles and New York where she worked at various entertainment magazines and even some rather suspect tabloids where she reported on Brad and Angelina’s world travels and Britney Spears� wardrobe malfunctions. She started working on her YA novel, City of Bones, in 2004, inspired by the urban landscape of Manhattan, her favourite city. She turned to writing fantasy fiction full time in 2006 and hopes never to have to write about Paris Hilton again.
Cassie’s first professional writing sale was a short story called “The Girl’s Guide to Defeating the Dark Lord� in a Baen anthology of humor fantasy. Cassie hates working at home alone because she always gets distracted by reality TV shows and the antics of her cats, so she usually sets out to write in local coffee shops and restaurants. She likes to work in the company of her friends, who see that she sticks to her deadlines.
City of Bones was her first novel. Sword Catcher is her most recent novel.
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June 29, 2019I'm still figuring out exactly how I feel about this book as I just finished it, but for now I'm feeling slightly underwhelmed. That doesn't mean this book wasn't enjoyable, because at the end of the day it was a fun and adventurous story, but... that's about it. The plot of the book didn't really wow me and parts of it felt really random. I mostly just felt like the joke cult was such a weird plot point in the first place? Regardless, Magnus brought in all the sass that I live for and it was nice to see his vulnerable side with Alec. I loved seeing Alec find confidence in who he is and seeing him actively working on breaking down the things that hold him back. In conclusion, character wise, this book is on point! Plot on the other hand? It could use some work.
November 21, 2019
ARC given to me by my amazingly kind friend - Heather at !
� My reading vlog for this entire book, and my entire process of annotating, taking notes, and writing this very review, is live
“It’s a classic love story. I hit on him at a party, he asked me out, then we fought an epic magical battle between good and evil side by side, and now we need a vacation.�
The Red Scrolls of Magic is the story that Magnus and Alec always deserved. My two precious boys, both trying to live in a world that wants them to be something they’re not, but together they are able to find happiness; it’s too pure. There is a reason why they are so many people’s favorite OTP and ship of all time, and I think this brand-new installment is going to make so many people happy.
And this brand-new spin-off takes place during City of Fallen Angels, when most of the Shadowhunter universe believes The Mortal War to be over. I do recommend that you read at the very least Lady Midnight before picking this one up, because there are so many layers and elements that you just will not appreciate without knowing certain twists that are revealed in The Dark Artifices.
Magnus and Alec are off trying to be romantic in Paris together, finally going on their very first vacation together, but a good friend soon informs them that they could potentially be in grave danger. A cult, The Crimson Hand, and their sacred book (yeah, you guessed it), The Red Scrolls of Magic, and the sacrifices they are making in the name of the cult leader. But the thing is, many people, including the Spiral Council, think that Magnus not only started this cult back in the day, but also that he is still leading it. Magnus also is discovering that someone or something has possibly tampered with his memories, yet he feels like there might be some truth in him starting the cult many moons ago.
“Seek the children of demons. Love them as you love your lord. Do not let the children be alone.�
We get to see so much of Magnus� past in this book, and so much of it is heartbreaking. I mean, if you have followed my reviews while I read everything by Cassandra Clare in 2018, you will know that Magnus has always been a favorite character of mine. But all the flashbacks in this book, in juxtaposition to the man we all know and love, it pulled at my heartstrings constantly while reading. Magnus Bane is a literary gift and I will thank all the higher powers for him and for Cassie Clare for creating him every single day.
And this story is broken up in three parts that I will summarize in three sentences:
� Part I - City of Love (Paris)
- Romantic vacation quickly turns into a mission from Hell (factually).
� Part II - City of Masks (Venice)
- Best party ever, and holy moly cameos from above (literally).
� Part III - City of War (Rome)
- All the action, I’m living my best gay life, and the cliffhanger of all cliffhanger endings (truly).
“When was it decided that a warlock child is worth less than the children of the Angel?�
Like all the books in the Shadowhunter universe, bigotry and prejudices are at the forefront. How everyone looks at the Shadowhunters, who share blood with angels, is completely different than the Downworlders, especially Warlocks who share blood with Demons. And hatred will always breed the cruelest acts. The Shadowhunters and the Clave can be pretty closed minded over anyone who is deemed different, so Alec being gay AND dating a warlock is something that has shaken up many Shadowhunters.
But Alec, unconditionally loving himself and Magnus, has started something beautiful, and because of it, many other Shadowhunters are learning to love and accept themselves. Aline and Helen are major side character in this book, and we even get to see them meet for the very first time. Friends, I don’t even have words. Not only are Aline and Helen my favorite queer ship in the Shadowhunter world, they are probably my favorite sapphic ship of all-time. Seeing the Asian girl get the Fae girl of her dreams? It just does something to me every single time. Also, speaking of Shadowhunter cameos, Lily Chen is also in the story, and she is the Asian pansexual love of my life, so I was truly living my best life with the entire cast of characters in this book.
“He’d always assumed that storybook moments like these were meant for Jace, Isabelle, anyone but him. Yet here he was.�
But, to me, this book was all about forgiveness and how sometimes forgiving someone is the most powerful move you can possibly make. We are all more than the mistakes of our parents and people that did horrible things who happen to share our blood. Everyone wants to be loved, and everyone is deserving of love, and sometimes that comes in the form of forgiveness And sometimes, beyond anything else, we need to forgive ourselves for past mistakes that we’ve made. Who you are in this moment means way more than who you were growing up, or even who you were last year. Sometimes people really do deserve second chances, and I hope you give yourself all the chances in the world to become the person you want to be.
Overall, I loved this with my whole heart. These characters, all the queerness, the themes, the story, the mysteries, the twists; it was all amazing, especially knowing everything we know from all the other books that have taken place after the events in this one. And if you love the Warlocks in this world, then this is truly going to be the book for you! This was just a wonderful addition to the Shadowhunter world, and I think so many people are going to love it. Also, with all the Shadow Market activity and cameos, I really can’t wait to read the last two short stories in Ghosts of the Shadow Market this June!
Please use caution reading the rest of this review if you have not read this book and all the series leading up to this book! And as always, I’m going to do a little mini character breakdown on my thoughts and feelings on all of the main characters in this book. Spoilers ahead!
“If only the world were a fairy tale, Nephilim.�
(Art by !)
� Magnus Bane - Bi, Indonesian, High Warlock of Brooklyn. Magnus is truly going through some shit in this book, and my heart breaks for him. On top of everything, he is so scared to tell Alec who his real father is, and� my heart.
� Alec Lightwood - Gay, Shadowhunter, willing to protect Magnus at all costs. Me and Alec honestly have a rocky Shadowhunter history together, but I truly have grown to love him so much, and I love his love for Magnus. Alec is unsure of so many things, but he is never unsure about his love for Magnus.
� Aline Penhallow - Lesbian, Asian, Shadowhunter, love of my life.
� Helen Blackthorn - Bi, Shadowhunter, half Fae, second love of my life.
� Leon Verlac - Bi, Shadowhunter, annoying as fuck. And people are really going to dislike him because of the “I’m bi, so I want to sleep with everyone� stereotype.
“She has seen so many tragedies, and they both knew the worst tragedies were born of love.�
� Tessa Gray - Seeing her and Magnus talk about their love for Shadowhunters? Fuck me up, fam. Few things are better in the Shadowhunter universe than Magnus and Tessa’s friendship.
� Peng Fang - We meet this vampire and blood seller in the Paris Shadow Market and I seriously just want to know everything about it, because there is no way he isn’t going come more into play.
� Izzy and Jace’s Phone Call - I had to list them with this character breakdown, because this phone call, and Simon trying to ask them for sex advice, was one of my favorite things in this book. The grapefruit suggestion almost took me out, honestly.
� Johnny Rook - Be still, my heart. Johnny is normally at the LA Shadow Market, but he is at the Paris one and helps Magnus out a little bit. Also, I remember something that Johnny has in a TDA book and I can’t wait to see how he got his hands on this relic.
� Shinyun Jung - Korean, has a history with the cult, and is traveling alongside Magnus and Alec.
� Prince Adaon - The smile I had on my face when I saw this sweetheart at the party. Ah, I can’t wait for him to be king already and to let my poor baby Kieran live his best life. Ah, my sweet Unseelie Princes, I can’t.
� Malcom Fade - My jaw dropped, friends. Dropped. The High Warlock of LA is for sure in this book and throws the best party I’ve ever read about. And we know all the shit he was up to in Lady Midnight, so I was honestly quaking.
� Catarina Loss - Probably my favorite warlock (besides Magnus, obv) and I always smile over her, Magnus, and Ragnor Fell’s friendship. Give me a cameo from her in every Shadowhunter book, please.
� Raphael Santiago - Ace/Asexual, Mexican, vampire. Friends, I can’t cry anymore, okay? I always love seeing Raphael and Magnus and their friendship, but seeing Raphael and Alec bond and become friends, in the Raphael way, it truly broke me. And I just keep thinking about their son, and� I honestly am crying more? Wow.
� Lily Chen - My pansexual and Asian goddess. I would die for this woman and I want nothing more than for he to have her own full-length series. Also, seeing Helen and her kiss? Can officially confirm: Helen loves Asian women and I am truly living on cloud nine forever.
� Hypatia Vex - Warlock, runs the London Shadow Market. Seriously, this book is a warlock wet dream.
� Barnabas Hale - Warlock, LA Shadow Market runner, and always a treat to read about.
� Asmodeus - I’ve been screaming since City of Heavenly Fire to learn more about Magnus� dad, and this book truly delivered. Yet, we have so much more to learn, and I think the next book is going to be everything.
“If I’m a hero of war, so is he.�
It is truly just a wild ride to see baby Magnus and baby Alec at the start of their new relationship, figuring out what they both want, what works, and what doesn’t, to seeing them married, seeing them as fathers, seeing them get the life they deserve, even if the world around them is still in chaos. To just know Alec becomes Consul of the Clave and is going to change the world for all Downworlder children. Friends, I am weeping at the honor of getting to see Magnus and Alec’s lives together. What a blessing, truly. Also, because I know people are going to be using the search engine on my blog to find this information: yes, Alec and Magnus do have sex for the first time in this book, but yes, Cassie keeps it totally YA and fades to black it before it becomes not PG13. (Also, friendly reminder: cis women, don’t fetishize m/m sex, thanks!)
And I know I make a lot of jokes about Aline and Helen, but they truly make me happier than any other couple in all of these books. I had no idea that they were even going to be in this story, let alone letting us see them meet for the first time, and seeing Aline being the disaster gay she really is trying to ask Helen out. And with everything I said about Magnus and Alec and seeing them start out but knowing where their path leads in the future together, seeing Aline and Helen, and knowing all that they were forced to endure because of bigotry, it just takes everything to a whole other level.
Overall, I just loved this completely. I laughed out loud, I cried over so many cameos, I smiled from pure happiness at my OTPs starting out their relationships, and I always wanted more of everything. I can’t wait to get my hands on The Lost Book of the White, because I have a feeling that it’s going to be even better than this amazing series starter! Especially with that cliffhanger ending! Lord, hear my prayers.
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The quotes above were taken from an ARC and are subject to change upon publication.
Content and trigger warnings for violence, talk of past loss of a loved one, abandonment, talk of suicide in the past, past parental abuse (physical), torture, cult rituals, and war themes.
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 ★★★★
3.) Queen of Air and Darkness ★★★★
April 5, 2019
Review to come!
January 7, 2020
Atención: Spoilers (ni tanto) de la saga principal, pero NO de este libro.
OK, este libro está situado en la línea del tiempo cronológica justo después de "Ciudad de Cristal". O SEA que Alec y Magnus apenas están empezando con lo suyo y están todavía con muchas dudas y conociéndose en el aspecto romántico y TODO ES TAN BONITO. Especialmente porque una que ya leyó todo lo demás SABE que esas dudas se van a convertir en certeza absoluta. UNA SABE QUE VAN A SER EL AMOR DE LA VIDA DEL OTRO.
Aunque también... este libro va ANTES de "Ciudad de las Almas Perdidas", y ese libro es muy OUCH para nosotros los Malec stans. EN FIN. EL AMOR PREVALECERÁ.
OK, este libro está situado en la línea del tiempo cronológica justo después de "Ciudad de Cristal". O SEA que Alec y Magnus apenas están empezando con lo suyo y están todavía con muchas dudas y conociéndose en el aspecto romántico y TODO ES TAN BONITO. Especialmente porque una que ya leyó todo lo demás SABE que esas dudas se van a convertir en certeza absoluta. UNA SABE QUE VAN A SER EL AMOR DE LA VIDA DEL OTRO.
Aunque también... este libro va ANTES de "Ciudad de las Almas Perdidas", y ese libro es muy OUCH para nosotros los Malec stans. EN FIN. EL AMOR PREVALECERÁ.
Want to read
June 13, 2018Can I say that I absolutely love the COVER and the PROMISE of this book!!??
I'm such a sucker for Magnus and Alec! I adore their relationship and I just can't get enough of them!
And now there's going to be a trilogy?!
Oh boy, I'm so ready for this!
YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW READY I AM! XD
Ahh Cassie... you and your books!
I'm convinced they'll be the death of me! <333
I'm such a sucker for Magnus and Alec! I adore their relationship and I just can't get enough of them!
And now there's going to be a trilogy?!
Oh boy, I'm so ready for this!
YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW READY I AM! XD
Ahh Cassie... you and your books!
I'm convinced they'll be the death of me! <333
March 27, 2019
SO SO SO SO GOOOOD! I NEED MORE MALECCCC.
August 4, 2019
This was a really cute and fun introduction to a murder-mystery-ish fantasy series about four gays teaming up to save the world and personally, I really love that for me
Aline and Helen are useless lesbian culture and Alec and Magnus and Aline and Helen are mlm/wlw solidarity and I think that’s wonderful.
I think I’m appreciating the dynamic between these two characters more and more over time. I love that Magnus is outwardly so confident and done-it-all-before and inwardly really just wants to make Alec happy and is constantly worrying he’s about to run
There’s a better acknowledgement of insecurity in both of their characterizations than I’ve seen before in this series, and I appreciated that a lot.
Look, I think this is an odd book to review because no one is really going to decide whether it’s worth reading based on my hot take? However, my hot take is that it’s fun and cute and compelling. If you were trying to get some of my deeper Cassandra Clare Hot Takes, you can find them below:
the infernal devices : book one | book two | book three
dark artifices reviews: book one | book two | book three
Also I’m sorry but I had to say this: Aline thinking that Jace and Simon are dating is literally THE funniest thing I’ve ever read. she gets it.
| | | | |
Aline and Helen are useless lesbian culture and Alec and Magnus and Aline and Helen are mlm/wlw solidarity and I think that’s wonderful.
I think I’m appreciating the dynamic between these two characters more and more over time. I love that Magnus is outwardly so confident and done-it-all-before and inwardly really just wants to make Alec happy and is constantly worrying he’s about to run
“Helen looked at Aline, faint pink swirling across her cheeks. Alec was startled to see a feeling he recognized on Helen’s face, something he often felt around Magnus: uncertain delight at Magnus’s high opinion of him, twined with the creeping doubt that Magnus would realize he did not deserve it.�
There’s a better acknowledgement of insecurity in both of their characterizations than I’ve seen before in this series, and I appreciated that a lot.
Look, I think this is an odd book to review because no one is really going to decide whether it’s worth reading based on my hot take? However, my hot take is that it’s fun and cute and compelling. If you were trying to get some of my deeper Cassandra Clare Hot Takes, you can find them below:
the infernal devices : book one | book two | book three
dark artifices reviews: book one | book two | book three
Also I’m sorry but I had to say this: Aline thinking that Jace and Simon are dating is literally THE funniest thing I’ve ever read. she gets it.
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Want to read
October 10, 2021I haven't finished TMI or even started TDA, yet here I am, drooling over this
September 5, 2022
"I draw the line at wearing a white suit for an evening event."
This is the first book from Cassandra Clare that I did not regret reading. I know it's still 3-stars, but it's 3.5-stars rounded to three, unlike the first six which were 2.5 stars rounded up!
To me, it feels like she's trying too much with Clary and Will in the MI books, making them not the most entertaining to cope with. But here, the actual storytelling gets to a better level.
I did skip over all the romance bits though, as Clare did not impress me with her use of romance in the first three MI books nor with ID trilogy.
This is the first book from Cassandra Clare that I did not regret reading. I know it's still 3-stars, but it's 3.5-stars rounded to three, unlike the first six which were 2.5 stars rounded up!
To me, it feels like she's trying too much with Clary and Will in the MI books, making them not the most entertaining to cope with. But here, the actual storytelling gets to a better level.
I did skip over all the romance bits though, as Clare did not impress me with her use of romance in the first three MI books nor with ID trilogy.
Shelved as 'lost-interest'
January 2, 2019Why not? I'll give it a go.
October 15, 2020
(Warning: I get very angry in this review. If you don't like anger and/or criticism towards CC then kindly skip, thanks)
Listen, Magnus Bane is one of my favorite characters of all time. Even though I don't like Cassandra Clare and I strongly disagree with her writing, I just really love Magnus.
I don't particularly like Malec, because I hate big age differences in relationships, especially queer ones.
It's a stereotype and it's awful and predatory. It also seems out of character for Magnus to go after a literal teenager but maybe that's just me...
And I hate this thing CC has about Magnus being sort of ageless because he's immortal which is bullshit. You're not old just because you have wrinkles and look old, age is experience and wisdom. Magnus is very old, him being a warlock does not change that and she keeps trying to make it so! It's mentioned several times throughout her books and it's such bullshit!! It's basically just Clare going 'guys it's not pedophilia I swear, Magnus is not old because magic lulz'.
STOP LYING THAT'S NOT HOW IT WORKS!
Anyway, so this book.
This fucking book.
What absolute fucking bullshit. What an absolute asspull!
Without spoiling anything I can say that all of the character and relationship growth in this book is non-existent in the rest of the series! This is a complete asspull! She pulled this shitty plot straight outta her ass and I am mad about it.
Listen, this was one of my more anticipated reads of the year. I almost fucking pre-ordered that special edition with the sprayed pages. I was expecting a fan-service book about Malec vacationing in Europe, okay? I was expecting that and I was fine with it!
BUT NO, THIS IS A SHADOWHUNTER NOVEL!
I've lost my patience with Shadowhunter bullshit, evidently. I couldn't get through QOAAD (mostly because the characters SUCK) because it was just so uninteresting to me. Which is strange because while I've not always enjoyed CC's writing or her characters at least it's been readable to me.
Guess I've grown up, holy shit.
A huge thing is that the fight scenes are so fucking dull. Whenever there was a fight scene I wanted to cry in frustration. They're sooo fucking boring. And they make up almost half of the book! Probably more!! And they're always interrupting the romance scenes???
It's basically just; Malec kissy suddenly! demon! Alec do jump Magnus do magic go woooooosh suddenly fighting on top of train woaaaah epic so risky wow are they gonna make it hahahahaha snippy comment oh wait no worries demon got stabbed and sent back to hell AND IT WOULD GO ON FOR LIKE 10 PAGES!!! EVERY TIME!!!
Sorry, I'm getting mad writing this.
I ended up just skipping several pages whenever there was a fight scene until the plot started happening again, and I missed absolutely nothing. Entire scenes of people fighting and nothing happening. There are no stakes, because all of the characters appear fine in the books that come after this. So what was the point?
Like I said, I expected this to be complete fan-service! But it is not. Just a bunch of meaningless nonsense that doesn't fit in with the rest of the series.
This book is basically just Clare blue-balling us in-between shitty fight scenes and asspull plots.
So yeah, what is the plot, you may ask? (Here be spoilers)
For some fucking reason, Magnus started a cult as a joke hundreds of years ago in the name of his demon dad, conveniently lost his memories about it all, and now the cult is under the new leadership of a warlock who wants to find him so they can sacrifice him to dear old dad. This starts to happen as him and Alec are traveling around Europe, because of course.
Like with all CC's books, it was so easy to predict what was going to happen and who the bad guy was going to be.
The new warlock cult leader is Shinyun who is traveling with them and whose mark is...... an impassive face.
What the fuck is this world-building???? Hello????? Her warlock's mark is a frozen face???? SHe can't make expressions and that's her warlock mark?????? WHAT T HE FUCK CLARE???
Every single warlock's mark so far has been animal attributes or unusually colored hair or skin.
ARE YOU FUCKING TELLING ME a botox face can be a warlock's mark???
I d0n't know why this bothers me so much but its just so stupid and doesn't make sense.
Can a stiff leg be a warlock's mark?? If she can't make expressions because her face is frozen, how can she speak??? Open her mouth??? CLOSE HER EYES?????
So fucking stupid.
The thing about this plot is that it is absolutely ridiculous that none of this ever gets mentioned ever again in any of the other series. At the end they're like OH NO WE CAN'T EVER TALK ABOUT THIS LULZ which is such fucking bullshit. GOOOOOD WHAT AN ASSPULL!!!!! ASSPULL CLArE IS BACK AT IT AGAIN I AM SO SICK OF THIS I'M SORRY BUT I AM ANGRY
And the characters?
WHOMEST?????
You wanna talk about the characters? YOu wanna fucking talk about the characters+??? HUH OUDIFUA SFJAJFSNDKm
After this clusterfuck comes books 4-6 in the Shadowhunter timeline, city of whatever the fuck, and in those books Alec and Magnus are nothing like they are in this book. Which makes no FUCKING sense, since this book comes BEFORE THAT.
In the TMI series Alec acts like a jealous slutshaming biphobic bitch and tries to fucking take away Magnus' immortality (AGAINST HIS WILL AND WITHOUT HIM KNOWING) which leads to them breaking up because Magnus never tells him anything about his past. (HMMM MAYBE IT'S NOT A GOOD IDEA FOR A 400 SOMETHING YEAR OLD TO DATE A 17 YEAR OLD)
Yeah, remember that fucking plot??? The plot that comes AFTER THIS BOOK?????? THIS BOOK WHERE MAGNUS TELL ALEC ABOUT HIS CHILDHOOD AND VARIOUS OTHER STUFF FROM HIS PAST AND IS LIKE OH I WANNA TELL HIM MORE I'M GONNA DO THAT LATER AND WHEN PEOPLE FLIRT WITH MAGNUS ALEC DOES NOT CAUSE A SCENE AND IS VERY UNDERSTANDING IF A BIT PROTECTIVE????? AND WHEN ALEC FINDS OUT MAGNUS IS BISEXUAL AND DOESN'T MAKE A BIG DEAL ABOUT IT AND KNOWS THAT MAGNUS HAS HAD SEVERAL PARTNERS???????? REMEMBER THAT, ASSPULL CLARE??????+? NO??????????? I CAN SEE THAT!!!!!
Oh my fucking god. Oh my god. What a fuCKING ASSPULLL I'M GONNA SCREAM THIS IS JUST CLARE COVERING HER ASS AND TRYING TO FIX HER MISTAKES BUT IT DOEsN'T WORK THAT WAY!!! OOOOOOOHHH MY god you can't retroactively fix your problematic shit by writing prequels. The fact that people genuinely think Clare is a good writer astounds me when she pulls shit like this.
The books starts with a big exposition dump. Who is that for. Who is going to pick this up as their first Shadowhunter novel. WHOMST.
There is no tension in this book. ZERO.
We know they're gonna survive and never talk about this again until the next fucking book comes out where they're magically gonna acknowledge it again. Fuck this shit.
FUkc
THis
shit
Who is to blame? Is it Wesley Chu? Asspull Clare???? WHOMST???
AND I JUST HAVE TO SAY; Clare's demons FUCKING SUCK. They are so boring, non-threatening and just so fucking difficult to imagine? I've never been able to imagine these things. They're always described as black blobs with insect-stuff and teeth and tentacles and ???? OK
All it takes to kill them is one stab and then poof they're gone to hell. No clean up necessary, whew. So fucking lame. There's never any tension with them, they're almost comically described sometimes. Shadowhunter's main purpose in life is to hunt demons, and the demons fucking suck. Nice one.
This review is a bit of a mess, I've cleaned it up a bit but feel the need to convey my rage to you through exclamation points and caps lock, because yes.
Anyway, I know I'm probably just screaming into the void at this point because Clare has such an astronomical following, it's actually ridiculous. But whatever, here you go. My two cents about this shitshow.
Oh, and the acknowledgements.... Basically just CC sucking her own dick.
PRAISE CASSANDRA CLARE, SAVIOR AND HERO OF THE GAYS!!!!!
Wow.
What would we do without her.
Ugh, I say, UGH!
March 15, 2020
Bueno, bueno...
He empezado esta novela en dos ocasiones. En ambas, era incapaz de pasar de los primeros capítulos. Era como... que me faltaba algo, no me convencía del todo. ¿Iba a ser todo sobre Magnus y Alec caminando por París de vacaciones y con algún encontronazo con demonios? ¿Hasta qué punto la trama me iba a resultar interesante? Y sobre todo, ¿hasta qué punto iba a primar la trama sobre los personajes, ya que nos habían vendido esta nueva saga como centrada en la pareja?
Bueno, pues como a la tercera va la vencida... Así ha sido. Conseguí pasar el bache de los primeros capítulos que no me atrapaban para, de repente, leer casi medio libro sin darme cuenta. The Red Scrolls of Magic a diferencia de 'la saga madre', tiene capítulos más cortos donde prima la acción, y por ejemplo, la misma situación narrada desde el punto de vista de Magnus y otro de Alec (no se repiten las cosas, simplemente que si están en una fiesta, se cuenta la aventura de cada uno por separado). Sin embargo, eso no hace que el ritmo de la novela sea lento, ya que consigues conectar con los dos personajes como en las novelas de las sagas principales lo harías.
Respecto a la trama, he de admitir que es algo más pobre a lo que nos tenía acostumbrada Cassandra Clare en sus últimos libros. A fin de cuentas, tanto en The Dark Artifices como en la de reciente publicación The Last Hours, los personajes principales son una docena. En este caso tenemos a Magnus y Alec, y secundarios que van acompañándoles. Al terminar la novela me di cuenta de que me había transmitido las mismas sensaciones que leyendo los tres primeros de la saga principal, donde todo era más sencillo, más inocente... Y es que tiene sentido porque este libro se encuentra ambientado justo al final de esa primera trilogía.
Algo que me ha encantado ha sido ver a personajes que no esperaba, y de esta manera, darle respuesta a ciertos aspectos. Nos cruzaremos con Johnny Rook, Malcolm Fade, Catarina Loss, Aline Penhallow, Helen Blackthorn, Raphael Santiago... Y son cameos indispensables, en serio, no mero fan service.
Pero es que... ¿sabéis qué? ¡Con Magnus y Alec tenía suficiente! El amor que se profesan, cómo se salvan mutuamente y de manera continuada, cómo se hablan y se entienden, cómo se protegen... Todo es precioso, verosímil, y que me rompe el corazón. Que me he llegado a emocionar y todo... Malditos Cassandra Clare y Wesley Chu.
Hay un par de cosas negativas que también querría comentar. La primera sería la cronología. Respecto a cuándo está situado en el tiempo, me encaja. Pero no sé si terminan de encajarme algunos personajes o, en sí, las aventuras que viven, de las que apenas sabremos en siguientes libros de las sagas principales... Igual es mi percepción, tendría que releer todo bien para ver si está realmente hilado.
La otra cosa que no me ha gustado del todo es, como digo, lo sencilla que es la trama. Sí sé que me ha transportado a lo que sentí hace diez años leyendo las primeras entregas, pero al mismo tiempo no puedo ignorar esa sencillez. Me faltan traiciones, personajes secundarios más fuertes que jueguen con el tema lealtad, más romances, más problemas con los Cazadores de Sombras... No sé. No está mal, porque no lo está, pero he echado de menos igual unas pocas páginas más para explorar mejor algunos aspectos.
¡Y el final! Me ha sorprendido un montón el giro que le han pegado, con algo vinculante al resto de novelas del universo... Ay, no. Me pilló completamente de sorpresa. Ya quiero que sea 1 de septiembre para disfrutar de The Lost Book of the White.
He empezado esta novela en dos ocasiones. En ambas, era incapaz de pasar de los primeros capítulos. Era como... que me faltaba algo, no me convencía del todo. ¿Iba a ser todo sobre Magnus y Alec caminando por París de vacaciones y con algún encontronazo con demonios? ¿Hasta qué punto la trama me iba a resultar interesante? Y sobre todo, ¿hasta qué punto iba a primar la trama sobre los personajes, ya que nos habían vendido esta nueva saga como centrada en la pareja?
Bueno, pues como a la tercera va la vencida... Así ha sido. Conseguí pasar el bache de los primeros capítulos que no me atrapaban para, de repente, leer casi medio libro sin darme cuenta. The Red Scrolls of Magic a diferencia de 'la saga madre', tiene capítulos más cortos donde prima la acción, y por ejemplo, la misma situación narrada desde el punto de vista de Magnus y otro de Alec (no se repiten las cosas, simplemente que si están en una fiesta, se cuenta la aventura de cada uno por separado). Sin embargo, eso no hace que el ritmo de la novela sea lento, ya que consigues conectar con los dos personajes como en las novelas de las sagas principales lo harías.
Respecto a la trama, he de admitir que es algo más pobre a lo que nos tenía acostumbrada Cassandra Clare en sus últimos libros. A fin de cuentas, tanto en The Dark Artifices como en la de reciente publicación The Last Hours, los personajes principales son una docena. En este caso tenemos a Magnus y Alec, y secundarios que van acompañándoles. Al terminar la novela me di cuenta de que me había transmitido las mismas sensaciones que leyendo los tres primeros de la saga principal, donde todo era más sencillo, más inocente... Y es que tiene sentido porque este libro se encuentra ambientado justo al final de esa primera trilogía.
Algo que me ha encantado ha sido ver a personajes que no esperaba, y de esta manera, darle respuesta a ciertos aspectos. Nos cruzaremos con Johnny Rook, Malcolm Fade, Catarina Loss, Aline Penhallow, Helen Blackthorn, Raphael Santiago... Y son cameos indispensables, en serio, no mero fan service.
Pero es que... ¿sabéis qué? ¡Con Magnus y Alec tenía suficiente! El amor que se profesan, cómo se salvan mutuamente y de manera continuada, cómo se hablan y se entienden, cómo se protegen... Todo es precioso, verosímil, y que me rompe el corazón. Que me he llegado a emocionar y todo... Malditos Cassandra Clare y Wesley Chu.
Hay un par de cosas negativas que también querría comentar. La primera sería la cronología. Respecto a cuándo está situado en el tiempo, me encaja. Pero no sé si terminan de encajarme algunos personajes o, en sí, las aventuras que viven, de las que apenas sabremos en siguientes libros de las sagas principales... Igual es mi percepción, tendría que releer todo bien para ver si está realmente hilado.
La otra cosa que no me ha gustado del todo es, como digo, lo sencilla que es la trama. Sí sé que me ha transportado a lo que sentí hace diez años leyendo las primeras entregas, pero al mismo tiempo no puedo ignorar esa sencillez. Me faltan traiciones, personajes secundarios más fuertes que jueguen con el tema lealtad, más romances, más problemas con los Cazadores de Sombras... No sé. No está mal, porque no lo está, pero he echado de menos igual unas pocas páginas más para explorar mejor algunos aspectos.
¡Y el final! Me ha sorprendido un montón el giro que le han pegado, con algo vinculante al resto de novelas del universo... Ay, no. Me pilló completamente de sorpresa. Ya quiero que sea 1 de septiembre para disfrutar de The Lost Book of the White.
Read
June 1, 2022dnf @10%
i think i’m ok with parting ways with my physical copy of this book without finishing it. this is fan service which like� ok? i could get into it in theory. but someone that is 100s of years old being this insecure is exhausting to read about lol.
i think i’m ok with parting ways with my physical copy of this book without finishing it. this is fan service which like� ok? i could get into it in theory. but someone that is 100s of years old being this insecure is exhausting to read about lol.
June 9, 2019
"Perhaps all love sailed too close to madness. The deeper the love, the more dangerous".
En serio, ¿hay algo más lindo que Malec en todo el universo Shadowhunter? Es que son la pareja más hermosa de la vida. No saben lo mucho que amé el momento en el que Cassandra dijo que les dedicaría una trilogía entera. Y en este primer tomo de The Eldest Curses me enamoré aún más de ellos. De lo puros que son los sentimientos de Alec, del amor tan enorme que siente Magnus por él... ay, es que de verdad los amo.
En The Red Scrolls of Magic Magnus y Alec por fin se van de viaje a Europa a alejarse un poco de todos los desastres que dejó la guerra. Pero como todo no pueden ser cenas románticas y caminatas por París a medianoche, los problemas los encuentran. Aparentemente Magnus creó una secta como parte de una broma hace décadas, pero últimamente la secta se ha puesto en serio y adora demonios, hace sacrificios y la Clave está a punto de notarlo. ¿El problema? Están diciendo que su líder actual es Magnus, ¡pero él ni siquiera recuerda haberla creado porque alguien le borró los recuerdos de esa época! Así que Alec y él deben empezar a perseguir pistas por toda Europa sobre esta secta y desmantelarla antes de que las noticias lleguen a los Cazadores de Sombras y tengan que intervenir.
Más allá de la trama medio policíaca de descubrir realmente quién estaba detrás de la Crimson Hand, me fascinó que este libro sucede cuando la relación de Alec y Magnus recién está empezando. Es precioso ver cómo son tan cuidadosos el uno con el otro, pensando que cualquier cosa puede hacer que el otro se arrepienta de la relación. Todo es tan sencillo y puro. Ver a Alec absolutamente enamorado de Magnus y pensando que es lo mejor que le ha pasado en la vida, leer todas sus dudas sobre su primera vez, saber qué es lo que siente cada que ve que Magnus sonríe o lo besa... ay, es que me muero de amor. Y Magnus, ¡ay, pobrecillo mío! Con todo esto de la secta empieza a dudar sobre sí mismo y su bondad. Se pregunta qué habrá sucedido en esos días en los que no tiene memoria, ¿habrá creado la secta en un ataque de maldad o en realidad era una broma? Todos estos pensamientos hacen que no se crea digno de alguien como Alec, pero él mismo se encarga de sacarlo de ese pozo de pensamientos y le asegura que su alma es absolutamente bondadosa. ¿CÓMO NO AMARLOS?
Leer sobre Malec me hace infinitamente feliz. Todas las emociones que sienten ellos en las páginas me las van transmitiendo a mí. Cada mirada, cada sonrisa, cada roce, cada beso, cada palabra... todo es tremendamente intenso entre ellos dos. ¡Y qué decir de todos los momentos en los que estaban a punto de... you know... y alguien los interrumpía! ¡Ahhhhh!
Creo que The Red Scrolls of Magic fue un libro increíble, lleno de sentimientos, pasiones, dudas, recuerdos, nuevos caminos, experiencias memorables, chispas de nuevos romances y traiciones. Es un libro que encaja perfecto en el universo de los Shadowhunters y que, como todos los libros de Cassandra, amplía el espectro de lo que creíamos conocer y nos da nueva información sobre el pasado de algunos personajes y el inicio de ciertas relaciones. ¡AH! ¡Y además tiene muchísimos guiños a The Bane Chronicles y a The Dark Artifices!
Para acabar diré que la escena final fue algo absolutamente perfecto... tan perfecto, hermoso, merecido y puro que quise llorar de felicidad. ¡Larga vida a Malec!
En serio, ¿hay algo más lindo que Malec en todo el universo Shadowhunter? Es que son la pareja más hermosa de la vida. No saben lo mucho que amé el momento en el que Cassandra dijo que les dedicaría una trilogía entera. Y en este primer tomo de The Eldest Curses me enamoré aún más de ellos. De lo puros que son los sentimientos de Alec, del amor tan enorme que siente Magnus por él... ay, es que de verdad los amo.
En The Red Scrolls of Magic Magnus y Alec por fin se van de viaje a Europa a alejarse un poco de todos los desastres que dejó la guerra. Pero como todo no pueden ser cenas románticas y caminatas por París a medianoche, los problemas los encuentran. Aparentemente Magnus creó una secta como parte de una broma hace décadas, pero últimamente la secta se ha puesto en serio y adora demonios, hace sacrificios y la Clave está a punto de notarlo. ¿El problema? Están diciendo que su líder actual es Magnus, ¡pero él ni siquiera recuerda haberla creado porque alguien le borró los recuerdos de esa época! Así que Alec y él deben empezar a perseguir pistas por toda Europa sobre esta secta y desmantelarla antes de que las noticias lleguen a los Cazadores de Sombras y tengan que intervenir.
Más allá de la trama medio policíaca de descubrir realmente quién estaba detrás de la Crimson Hand, me fascinó que este libro sucede cuando la relación de Alec y Magnus recién está empezando. Es precioso ver cómo son tan cuidadosos el uno con el otro, pensando que cualquier cosa puede hacer que el otro se arrepienta de la relación. Todo es tan sencillo y puro. Ver a Alec absolutamente enamorado de Magnus y pensando que es lo mejor que le ha pasado en la vida, leer todas sus dudas sobre su primera vez, saber qué es lo que siente cada que ve que Magnus sonríe o lo besa... ay, es que me muero de amor. Y Magnus, ¡ay, pobrecillo mío! Con todo esto de la secta empieza a dudar sobre sí mismo y su bondad. Se pregunta qué habrá sucedido en esos días en los que no tiene memoria, ¿habrá creado la secta en un ataque de maldad o en realidad era una broma? Todos estos pensamientos hacen que no se crea digno de alguien como Alec, pero él mismo se encarga de sacarlo de ese pozo de pensamientos y le asegura que su alma es absolutamente bondadosa. ¿CÓMO NO AMARLOS?
Leer sobre Malec me hace infinitamente feliz. Todas las emociones que sienten ellos en las páginas me las van transmitiendo a mí. Cada mirada, cada sonrisa, cada roce, cada beso, cada palabra... todo es tremendamente intenso entre ellos dos. ¡Y qué decir de todos los momentos en los que estaban a punto de... you know... y alguien los interrumpía! ¡Ahhhhh!
Creo que The Red Scrolls of Magic fue un libro increíble, lleno de sentimientos, pasiones, dudas, recuerdos, nuevos caminos, experiencias memorables, chispas de nuevos romances y traiciones. Es un libro que encaja perfecto en el universo de los Shadowhunters y que, como todos los libros de Cassandra, amplía el espectro de lo que creíamos conocer y nos da nueva información sobre el pasado de algunos personajes y el inicio de ciertas relaciones. ¡AH! ¡Y además tiene muchísimos guiños a The Bane Chronicles y a The Dark Artifices!
Para acabar diré que la escena final fue algo absolutamente perfecto... tan perfecto, hermoso, merecido y puro que quise llorar de felicidad. ¡Larga vida a Malec!
June 6, 2020
1.) ★★★★
2.) ★★★★
3.) ★★★★
4.) City of Fallen Angels ★★�
5.) City of Lost Souls ★★�.5
6.) City of Heavenly Fire ★★★★
1.) ★★★★�
2.) Clockwork Prince ★★★★�
3.) Clockwork Princess ★★★★�
1.) Lady Midnight [TBA]
2.) Lord of Shadows [TBA]
3.) Queen of Air and Darkness [TBA]
1.) ★★★★.5
1.) Chain of Gold ★★★★�
*.) The Bane Chronicles ★★★★
*.) Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy [TBA]
*.) Ghosts of the Shadow Market ★★★★
-----------------------------------------------
LOVE.
2.) ★★★★
3.) ★★★★
4.) City of Fallen Angels ★★�
5.) City of Lost Souls ★★�.5
6.) City of Heavenly Fire ★★★★
1.) ★★★★�
2.) Clockwork Prince ★★★★�
3.) Clockwork Princess ★★★★�
1.) Lady Midnight [TBA]
2.) Lord of Shadows [TBA]
3.) Queen of Air and Darkness [TBA]
1.) ★★★★.5
1.) Chain of Gold ★★★★�
*.) The Bane Chronicles ★★★★
*.) Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy [TBA]
*.) Ghosts of the Shadow Market ★★★★
-----------------------------------------------
LOVE.
January 30, 2023
This was the best thing to happen to Malec shippers ever. It was adorable and so queer and so fun and I loooooved it. Magnus and Alec are pure and should be protected at all costs. Also, we got Aline and Helen's origins and that's truly all we could want.
The only criticism I'd give is that the plot wasn't as strong as other Shadowhunter books, but I kind of liked that the romance was at the forefront.
September 3, 2020
Actual Rating: ⭐⭐�.5
What a vacation this was.🤣
And that ending!!!😰
🛑WARNING: SPOILERS FROM THE FIRST 3 TMI BOOKS!!!🛑
This romantic getaway across Eurpe takes place after The Mortal War in and occurs during featuring our favourite warlock ~ Ultra Magnus Bane and his boyfriend, Alec Lightwood. (Why do I sound like I'm advertising this book xD)
They both want to go on vacation for some peace and quiet—unfortunately, that doesn't last very long when Tessa pops up during an awkward moment and brings up the bad news xD.
Haha!🤣 That's so true. Magnus did the same to Will & Tessa too. Sounds like revenge.😈😂
Anyways, Magnus is told about the demon-worshiping cult—The Crimson Hand� he created as a joke a long time ago that's now causing chaos everywhere. The worst part is that the leader of The Crimson Hand is going by the name of Magnus Bane so word's going out that he's causing all of this and that's not good.😬
Of course, that means Magnus & Alec will have to travel around Europe to stop this cult—Haha so much for their 'vacation' xD.
Art by
Ahhh my favourite parts were definitely seeing all the references to the other books in The Shadowhunter World. Especially mentions of TID characters.🥰
Omg and I DIED when I heard Alec question Magnus and Tessa about their relationship🤣
Magnus and Tessa?!?! Best joke I've ever heard😂😂😂 And their reactions, too xD.
And I forgot how funny Malcolm could be before everything else happened. And why Barnabas hates him so much xD.
Haha I actually feel bad for Barnabas, though. He wanted to be the one to host the party.😂
Oh! Then there's when Helen & Aline meet for the first time!!! AHHhhhhhh😍😍😍
Although, they both start off by arguing about whether Alec is suspicious or not.😆 I loved how I got to see more of how they met and just more of their personalities before The Dark War. The Helen & Aline I always thought of were how they were in TDA, but here, there's more to them both.💕
And lastly, the conversations between Alec & Magnus were awesome.🤣
He's right, though. You cannot go on without breakfast. Who knows how that would affect a mission.😓
Now, as much I loved the references and jokes between Magnus and the others, the story kinda felt lacking.😕 To be honest, this wasn't super necessary to have been written BUT the ending really gets me super excited for !!!
I'm mostly excited to see TMI gang and of course........
JESSA WEDDING!!!🥺🤧😍
“Sometimes, love worked, past any hope of change, when no other force in this world could.
Without love, the miracle never came.�
What a vacation this was.🤣
And that ending!!!😰
🛑WARNING: SPOILERS FROM THE FIRST 3 TMI BOOKS!!!🛑
This romantic getaway across Eurpe takes place after The Mortal War in and occurs during featuring our favourite warlock ~ Ultra Magnus Bane and his boyfriend, Alec Lightwood. (Why do I sound like I'm advertising this book xD)
They both want to go on vacation for some peace and quiet—unfortunately, that doesn't last very long when Tessa pops up during an awkward moment and brings up the bad news xD.
“Call it even,� said Tessa. “You once walked in on me in an embarrassing situation with a gentleman in a mountain fortress, after all.�
Her half-concealed smile flickered. She looked again at Alec, who had inherited his coloring from Shadowhunters long gone. Shadowhunters Tessa had loved.
“You should let that go,� Magnus advised.
“I certainly have let it go,� she replied. “Now.�
Haha!🤣 That's so true. Magnus did the same to Will & Tessa too. Sounds like revenge.😈😂
Anyways, Magnus is told about the demon-worshiping cult—The Crimson Hand� he created as a joke a long time ago that's now causing chaos everywhere. The worst part is that the leader of The Crimson Hand is going by the name of Magnus Bane so word's going out that he's causing all of this and that's not good.😬
Of course, that means Magnus & Alec will have to travel around Europe to stop this cult—Haha so much for their 'vacation' xD.
Art by
Ahhh my favourite parts were definitely seeing all the references to the other books in The Shadowhunter World. Especially mentions of TID characters.🥰
"It had reminded Magnus of times long ago, the memory of Nephilim he had cared for once, and how very much they had cared for each other. Knowing the way Will and Jem loved each other had changed his feelings for Nephilim, and seeing Jace—calm, superior Jace—in pieces over Alec had made him like the boy much more."
Omg and I DIED when I heard Alec question Magnus and Tessa about their relationship🤣
Alec, who was watching this back-and-forth as if sitting center court in a tennis match, raised a hand. “I’m sorry, but did you two used to date?�
That stopped the conversation dead in its tracks. Both Tessa and Magnus turned to him with identical looks of shock.
“You seem more horrified than I do,� Magnus told Tessa, “and somehow I am deeply wounded.�
Tessa gave Magnus a tiny smile, then turned to Alec. “Magnus and I have been friends for more than a hundred years.�
Magnus and Tessa?!?! Best joke I've ever heard😂😂😂 And their reactions, too xD.
And I forgot how funny Malcolm could be before everything else happened. And why Barnabas hates him so much xD.
“Malcolm Fade.� The look on the warlock’s face was thunderous as he pointed a finger at the High Warlock of Los Angeles. A light vapor seemed to drift from the tip of his finger. “You stole my party and my mansion.�
“Hello, Barnabas,� said Malcolm. “Did you lose a mansion? That’s so sad. I hope you find it.�
“I bought this mansion last week! The moment it went up for sale!� Barnabas bellowed. “We are standing right now in the mansion you stole from me!�
“Oh, hooray! Consider it found then,� Malcolm said.
Haha I actually feel bad for Barnabas, though. He wanted to be the one to host the party.😂
Oh! Then there's when Helen & Aline meet for the first time!!! AHHhhhhhh😍😍😍
“Right,� Helen said at last. “Anyway, back to the questions.�
“I have a question too,� said Aline, and swallowed. “Who do you think you are, Helen Blackthorn, and why are you talking to my friend, a Shadowhunter and a recent hero of the war for Alicante, as if he’s a common criminal?�
“Because he’s being incredibly suspicious!� Helen snapped back.
“Alec is very honorable,� Aline said loyally. “He would never do anything suspicious.�
Although, they both start off by arguing about whether Alec is suspicious or not.😆 I loved how I got to see more of how they met and just more of their personalities before The Dark War. The Helen & Aline I always thought of were how they were in TDA, but here, there's more to them both.💕
And lastly, the conversations between Alec & Magnus were awesome.🤣
“We will be eating three meals a day. Breakfast will be one of those meals. In fact, breakfast will be the most important of those meals, because breakfast is the most important meal of the day.�
Shinyun looked at Alec, who said in a deadpan voice, “Many a mission to end a great evil has failed because of low blood sugar.�
“You do listen when I talk!� exclaimed Magnus.
He's right, though. You cannot go on without breakfast. Who knows how that would affect a mission.😓
Now, as much I loved the references and jokes between Magnus and the others, the story kinda felt lacking.😕 To be honest, this wasn't super necessary to have been written BUT the ending really gets me super excited for !!!
I'm mostly excited to see TMI gang and of course........
JESSA WEDDING!!!🥺🤧😍
"But as someone once said to me, the right man will not care."
April 18, 2020
3.5 Stars
Ok first of all that last sentence of the book and cliffhanger has me in so much shock! I need the sequel now!
I really loved getting a book just about Malec, as I love them so much! However, I found the plot of this book to be quite weak in comparison to other Cassandra Clare books. I also figured out the main twist very early in the book and felt that it wasn’t surprising. Despite all of this, the ending was really great and I will definitely continue with the series.
Overall slightly disappointed but still had enjoyable moments. If you’re a Malec fan like me then you’ll enjoy being with them!
Also I read this in a reading vlog on my YouTube channel, you can watch the video here for more of my thoughts:
Ok first of all that last sentence of the book and cliffhanger has me in so much shock! I need the sequel now!
I really loved getting a book just about Malec, as I love them so much! However, I found the plot of this book to be quite weak in comparison to other Cassandra Clare books. I also figured out the main twist very early in the book and felt that it wasn’t surprising. Despite all of this, the ending was really great and I will definitely continue with the series.
Overall slightly disappointed but still had enjoyable moments. If you’re a Malec fan like me then you’ll enjoy being with them!
Also I read this in a reading vlog on my YouTube channel, you can watch the video here for more of my thoughts:
Want to read
April 11, 2019I received a chapter sample of this at a Queen of Air and Darkness book signing.
I'm such Cassie Clare-trash that I bought this mini-Shadowhunter novel today! Seriously! It’s tiny!
I'm such Cassie Clare-trash that I bought this mini-Shadowhunter novel today! Seriously! It’s tiny!
April 9, 2019
This book really is for the gays
April 9, 2019
Out today, people!!!
4.5
WHAT THE WHAT?! That ending....???!?!?!
It literally pains me that I can't add quotes to this review but hey, I get it, it's an ARC and things are subject to change. Just know that I was highlighting like crazy the last 25%.
---
I can't lie, when I first found out that Cassie was writing ANOTHER series based in the Shadowhunter world, I was a little peeved. I mean I love Magnus, I really do, but I was just like "how much longer can all this be drug out?!"...I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way, too. Even throughout this book, I was enjoying it but kept thinking okayyyyy was this really necessary?! What is this story adding to the bigger picture besides just basically being fanfiction for Magnus x Alec shippers??
Yes. Yes it was necessary. For numerous reasons but DEFINITELY because of what happened in the epilogue. But really, no, even though *you know who* was found *you know where* that isn't why I will devour the rest of this series, no no no. I will soak up every single page of the next two books because finally being able to see Magnus and Alec's love front and center was a beautiful thing. Like literally I'm tearing up just thinking about it.
There are so many times when Magnus can be TOO MUCH...like, basically all the time. I find myself wondering often, how can he be so glib and joke-y about everything?! It's almost exhausting to read. Aaaand then you catch a small glimpse of who he really is, and why his facade is like that, and you understand. Magnus has been alive for a VERY long time. He has seen a lot of terrible things and lost a lot of people he had truly loved. He was almost killed as a child because of who he is and I'm sure since then there have been many more attempts on his life. He has lost friends, and he has seen the deep prejudices of the Clave play out against his fellow Downworlders. It's no wonder that he doesn't like to be serious. I think that is 100% his coping mechanism for dealing with the pure shittiness of the world. But there is so much more to him than that and it is really explored here. Magnus is so good it hurts. He is one of the best characters Clare has ever written.
And Alec, oh Alec. You sweet, strong, kind, and caring man. Guys, I LOVED getting Alec's POV in this book. I literally can't wait to see him in action in The Wicked Powers. He has grown SO MUCH from the boy in City of Bones who was the epitome of a rule follower. He has learned that while the most Shadowhunters abide by the saying "The Law is hard, but it is the Law" that things can't always be taken care of properly and fairly by the stupid "Law." Watching him in love with Magnus was like watching the most beautiful flower bloom (AND I DON'T CARE HOW CHEESY THAT SOUNDS). They are one of my favorites OTPs of all time.
Also, we get to see Aline and Helen meet and see the very beginnings of their relationship too which was great. Even though they are a big part of TDA overall, we don't get much time with them at all. Getting to know their personalities a little more was great. Also Raphael. I feel like I took him for granted during TMI. He's funny and snarky AF and cares so much more than you will ever know. Any who has entered and even just liked the world of the Shadowhunter's will fall in love with this book and like I said, after that epilogue I am dying to get my hands on the next book!
This eARC was provided by Edelwiess and the publisher in exchange for an honest review! �
For more of my reviews, please visit:
4.5
WHAT THE WHAT?! That ending....???!?!?!
It literally pains me that I can't add quotes to this review but hey, I get it, it's an ARC and things are subject to change. Just know that I was highlighting like crazy the last 25%.
---
I can't lie, when I first found out that Cassie was writing ANOTHER series based in the Shadowhunter world, I was a little peeved. I mean I love Magnus, I really do, but I was just like "how much longer can all this be drug out?!"...I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way, too. Even throughout this book, I was enjoying it but kept thinking okayyyyy was this really necessary?! What is this story adding to the bigger picture besides just basically being fanfiction for Magnus x Alec shippers??
Yes. Yes it was necessary. For numerous reasons but DEFINITELY because of what happened in the epilogue. But really, no, even though *you know who* was found *you know where* that isn't why I will devour the rest of this series, no no no. I will soak up every single page of the next two books because finally being able to see Magnus and Alec's love front and center was a beautiful thing. Like literally I'm tearing up just thinking about it.
There are so many times when Magnus can be TOO MUCH...like, basically all the time. I find myself wondering often, how can he be so glib and joke-y about everything?! It's almost exhausting to read. Aaaand then you catch a small glimpse of who he really is, and why his facade is like that, and you understand. Magnus has been alive for a VERY long time. He has seen a lot of terrible things and lost a lot of people he had truly loved. He was almost killed as a child because of who he is and I'm sure since then there have been many more attempts on his life. He has lost friends, and he has seen the deep prejudices of the Clave play out against his fellow Downworlders. It's no wonder that he doesn't like to be serious. I think that is 100% his coping mechanism for dealing with the pure shittiness of the world. But there is so much more to him than that and it is really explored here. Magnus is so good it hurts. He is one of the best characters Clare has ever written.
And Alec, oh Alec. You sweet, strong, kind, and caring man. Guys, I LOVED getting Alec's POV in this book. I literally can't wait to see him in action in The Wicked Powers. He has grown SO MUCH from the boy in City of Bones who was the epitome of a rule follower. He has learned that while the most Shadowhunters abide by the saying "The Law is hard, but it is the Law" that things can't always be taken care of properly and fairly by the stupid "Law." Watching him in love with Magnus was like watching the most beautiful flower bloom (AND I DON'T CARE HOW CHEESY THAT SOUNDS). They are one of my favorites OTPs of all time.
Also, we get to see Aline and Helen meet and see the very beginnings of their relationship too which was great. Even though they are a big part of TDA overall, we don't get much time with them at all. Getting to know their personalities a little more was great. Also Raphael. I feel like I took him for granted during TMI. He's funny and snarky AF and cares so much more than you will ever know. Any who has entered and even just liked the world of the Shadowhunter's will fall in love with this book and like I said, after that epilogue I am dying to get my hands on the next book!
This eARC was provided by Edelwiess and the publisher in exchange for an honest review! �
For more of my reviews, please visit:
February 9, 2023
3.5 Stars!
Just to start off, I adored, hands down ADORED seeing Magnus and Alec at the beginning of their relationship, they're one of my favourite couples out of all of the Shadowhunter series! So for that alone I'd of given it 5 stars, however I just can't.
Full Rtc
All Cassandra Clare Reviews:
The Infernal Devices
Clockwork Angel - 5 Stars
Clockwork Prince - 5 Stars
Clockwork Princess - 5 Stars
The Infernal Devices (Manga) Reviews:
Clockwork Angel - 5 Stars
Clockwork Prince - 5 Stars
Clockwork Princess - 5 Stars
The Last Hours
Chain of Gold - 4 Stars
Chain of Iron - 5 Stars
Chain of Thorns - 4 Stars
The Mortal Instruments
City of Bones - 5 Stars
City of Ashes - 4 Stars
City of Glass - 4 Stars
City of Fallen Angels - 2 Stars
City of Lost Souls - 3 Stars
City of Heavenly Fire - 4 Stars
The Eldest Curses
The Red Scrolls of Magic - 3 Stars
The Dark Artifices
Lady Midnight - 5 Stars
Lord of Shadows - 5 Stars
Queen of Air and Darkness - 5 Stars
---------
Magnus and Alex trilogy oh hellllll yeahhhhhh
—Ĕ�
09.04
I’m so jealous of all the reviews going up 😂 I ordered TWO copies, are either here? NOPE damn youuuuuuu 😂
—Ĕ�
I’m laughing so much! Guess whose copy just turned up, too impatient for my own good!
Just to start off, I adored, hands down ADORED seeing Magnus and Alec at the beginning of their relationship, they're one of my favourite couples out of all of the Shadowhunter series! So for that alone I'd of given it 5 stars, however I just can't.
Full Rtc
All Cassandra Clare Reviews:
The Infernal Devices
Clockwork Angel - 5 Stars
Clockwork Prince - 5 Stars
Clockwork Princess - 5 Stars
The Infernal Devices (Manga) Reviews:
Clockwork Angel - 5 Stars
Clockwork Prince - 5 Stars
Clockwork Princess - 5 Stars
The Last Hours
Chain of Gold - 4 Stars
Chain of Iron - 5 Stars
Chain of Thorns - 4 Stars
The Mortal Instruments
City of Bones - 5 Stars
City of Ashes - 4 Stars
City of Glass - 4 Stars
City of Fallen Angels - 2 Stars
City of Lost Souls - 3 Stars
City of Heavenly Fire - 4 Stars
The Eldest Curses
The Red Scrolls of Magic - 3 Stars
The Dark Artifices
Lady Midnight - 5 Stars
Lord of Shadows - 5 Stars
Queen of Air and Darkness - 5 Stars
---------
Magnus and Alex trilogy oh hellllll yeahhhhhh
—Ĕ�
09.04
I’m so jealous of all the reviews going up 😂 I ordered TWO copies, are either here? NOPE damn youuuuuuu 😂
—Ĕ�
I’m laughing so much! Guess whose copy just turned up, too impatient for my own good!
April 11, 2019
4.5⭐️
This was such a great book, I need book 2 NOW!!!
This was such a great book, I need book 2 NOW!!!
January 31, 2021
This was definitely an amazing experience! I loved seeing Alec and Magnus's relationship grow. It's beautiful 😍
Rtc. (Can't believe I still haven't written it) XD
Rtc. (Can't believe I still haven't written it) XD
March 30, 2019
disclaimer: i received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, this is no way impacted my review
The Red Scrolls of Magic by Cassandra Clare and Wesley Chu is the latest installment in The Shadowhunter Chronicles, the first of a series that follows the story of Alexander Lightwood and Magnus Bane, the single most valid relationship. This first novel takes place during Alec and Magnus' vacation in City of Fallen Angels, carting us and the two men in love around Europe.
This novel is beyond exquisite.
This novel allows for the exploration of a kind of relationship that almost never gets time to a shine in literature - a queer biracial couple. Alec, a gay shadowhunter, and Magnus, a bisexual Southeast Asian warlock, are the heroes of this novel.
So much of this story is dedicated to furthering their relationship and allowing it to flourish in the most beautiful way possible. There is something so special to having watched the growth of a relationship from their beginning all the way to their current status.
Also, the character depth and exploration is magnificent. Magnus is one of very few characters who has been in every shadowhunter novel to-date, and yet, due to his immortality and mysterious past, there is always more to explore with his character. Then, there's Alec, who is possibly the Clare character that I would argue has had the most monumental growth of all of them. Many readers may give that title to Jace, but I firmly believe it belongs to Alec.
LOOK. AT. THAT. CHARACTER. DEVELOPMENT. A gay man in a homophobic society learning to love himself for his sexuality and his entire self and standing up to the people who tell him to hide his truth??? YES PLEASE.
Then, there is also the added bonus that so many familiar faces show up over the course of this novel. I am not going to point all of them out, but I am going to point out my favorite four.
This book is so unapologetically queer, and though I did not know it when I first discovered this world, quite a few of my favorites in this world are those queer members who make cameos in this book.
From the angsty Latino aro/ace vampire Raphael Santiago, to the flamboyant pansexual Asian vampire Lily Chen, and the budding romance of one of the most iconic sapphic ships including the dedicated bisexual half-faeire half-Shadowhunter Helen Blackthorn and the completely loyal Asian lesbian Aline Penhallow, Clare and Chu really allow the reader to dig into all ends of the queer spectrum.
(Sidenote: these characters were also just so hilarious I could not breathe.)
But in doing so, they do not forget about the people of color.
This line gave me chills. The subliminal way in which Clare always includes social commentary on the bigotry existent within our world, often within the shadowhunter world but here it is within our world, is one of the most profoundly moving parts of her writing for me as a reader.
But outside of representation and character development, Clare and Chu also include an action-packed, suspenseful plot that truly keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. In traditional Cassie Clare, the villainous reveal is an absolute mind-fuck, so I do not want to comment too much on this as I feel it is far better to experience it yourself.
Cassandra Clare just has a way of making every reader feel so invested in every single character she brings to life, and The Red Scrolls of Magic just further confirms her talent as a writer and allows for further exploration into a brilliantly created fictional world with some of the best characters to ever exist.
Alec had been right about the darkness waiting in Magnus, and the pain waiting with it. All that darkness, and all that pain, and Magnus was somehow still a blazing riot of life and color, a source of joy for everyone around him. He was the reason Alec looked a mirror now and saw a complete person who did not have to hide.
The Red Scrolls of Magic by Cassandra Clare and Wesley Chu is the latest installment in The Shadowhunter Chronicles, the first of a series that follows the story of Alexander Lightwood and Magnus Bane, the single most valid relationship. This first novel takes place during Alec and Magnus' vacation in City of Fallen Angels, carting us and the two men in love around Europe.
This novel is beyond exquisite.
This novel allows for the exploration of a kind of relationship that almost never gets time to a shine in literature - a queer biracial couple. Alec, a gay shadowhunter, and Magnus, a bisexual Southeast Asian warlock, are the heroes of this novel.
So much of this story is dedicated to furthering their relationship and allowing it to flourish in the most beautiful way possible. There is something so special to having watched the growth of a relationship from their beginning all the way to their current status.
Alec always believed in the Law, but if the Law didn't shield Magnus, the Law should be changed.
Also, the character depth and exploration is magnificent. Magnus is one of very few characters who has been in every shadowhunter novel to-date, and yet, due to his immortality and mysterious past, there is always more to explore with his character. Then, there's Alec, who is possibly the Clare character that I would argue has had the most monumental growth of all of them. Many readers may give that title to Jace, but I firmly believe it belongs to Alec.
"Telling the truth makes me happy...Magnus makes me happy. I don't care if it's difficult."
LOOK. AT. THAT. CHARACTER. DEVELOPMENT. A gay man in a homophobic society learning to love himself for his sexuality and his entire self and standing up to the people who tell him to hide his truth??? YES PLEASE.
Then, there is also the added bonus that so many familiar faces show up over the course of this novel. I am not going to point all of them out, but I am going to point out my favorite four.
"I'm not gay," said Raphael. "I'm not straight. I'm not interested."
"Your sexuality is 'not interested'?" Alec asked curiously.
Raphael said, "That's right."
"Yeah you're gonna have to be more specific than that," said the vampire woman. "This is a party. I've made out with six faerie girls, four faerie boys, and a talking toadstool whose gender I'm unsure about. Pretty sexy for a toadstool, though."
Helen looked at Aline. Faint pink stole in her cheeks. Alec was startled to see a feeling he recognized on Helen's face, something he often felt around Magnus: uncertain delight at Magnus' high opinion of him, twined with the creeping doubt that Magnus would realize he did not deserve it.
This book is so unapologetically queer, and though I did not know it when I first discovered this world, quite a few of my favorites in this world are those queer members who make cameos in this book.
From the angsty Latino aro/ace vampire Raphael Santiago, to the flamboyant pansexual Asian vampire Lily Chen, and the budding romance of one of the most iconic sapphic ships including the dedicated bisexual half-faeire half-Shadowhunter Helen Blackthorn and the completely loyal Asian lesbian Aline Penhallow, Clare and Chu really allow the reader to dig into all ends of the queer spectrum.
(Sidenote: these characters were also just so hilarious I could not breathe.)
But in doing so, they do not forget about the people of color.
"Go back to where you came from," murmured a man in Italian, glancing from Magnus' Indonesian to Shinyun's Korean face.
This line gave me chills. The subliminal way in which Clare always includes social commentary on the bigotry existent within our world, often within the shadowhunter world but here it is within our world, is one of the most profoundly moving parts of her writing for me as a reader.
But outside of representation and character development, Clare and Chu also include an action-packed, suspenseful plot that truly keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. In traditional Cassie Clare, the villainous reveal is an absolute mind-fuck, so I do not want to comment too much on this as I feel it is far better to experience it yourself.
Cassandra Clare just has a way of making every reader feel so invested in every single character she brings to life, and The Red Scrolls of Magic just further confirms her talent as a writer and allows for further exploration into a brilliantly created fictional world with some of the best characters to ever exist.
"I've realized-I don't need to change. And neither do you, Helen, or you, Aline. It's the world that needs to change. and we're going to be the ones to change it."
March 20, 2019
A warrior chosen by angels and a well-dressed demon's child, in love and intent on adventure through Europe. What could go wrong?
I have so many quotes I want to use in this review and there's no way this is going to be long enough to use them all. Woe.
It was very clear Alec had not been on a proper vacation before. He kept trying to plan the holiday as if they were going into battle.
Anyway, it's been a long (long) time since I read CITY OF BONES or any books from the main, or first spin-off, series. And I have yet to finish The Dark Artifices series. But I had actually made plans to reread all of the Clare books, in order, in 2019 in a bid to see how they stood up to the test of time. And then THE RED SCROLLS OF MAGIC landed on my doorstep and I regretted not starting said reread sooner because damn.
"Respectable Shadowhunters are not supposed to bring my sort home to meet Mom and Dad. I have a past. I have several pasts. Besides, good Shadowhunter boys aren't meant to bring home boyfriends at all."
Clare does a good job of reminding readers where this book takes place amongst the main series (though it's thanks to her author's note that I was able to figure out the when = CITY OF FALLEN ANGELS and not the final The Mortal Instruments, whoops; see, this is why I need a reread!) and it's a total delight not only to see young Alec and Magnus (as opposed to older Alec and Magnus as they are in The Dark Artifices) but also see some faces we are introduced to later on.
"What about you, Vampire Without A Cause?"
"I'm not gay. I'm not straight. I'm not interested."
"Your sexuality is 'not interested'?"
"That's right."
"I can also assume the appearance of a tree!"
"I did not say, 'not interested unless you're a tree'."
Also, Raphael makes a memorable and hilarious (endlessly hilarious; was he this funny in the other books? I can't remember!) guest appearance and you will love.
"Take him to the Pit, Bernard."
"Don't take me to the Pit, Bernard. I hate the word 'pit'. It sounds ominous, and grubby. Also, hello, evil cult member Bernard!"
So, what else to say? I don't know, this was just so fun! Malec is one of my favourite parts of this series and I loved living through the early stages of blooming romance. I loved their doubts, their insecurities, their closeness, and their constant romantic-interlude interruptions. The plot, too, was interesting. I won't say that I didn't see certain things coming, and I might not have liked all the new characters, but I was forever being entertained so I'm happy.
"All reconciled? Because, sorry to be rude, but this is incredibly awkward to sit through. I'm not here to witness your relationship growth. I just want to defeat the evil cult."
Can't wait to read on and, more importantly, can't wait to backtrack!
4 "Shadowhunters, however loving, were all reckless lunatics" stars
** I received an ARC from the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
I have so many quotes I want to use in this review and there's no way this is going to be long enough to use them all. Woe.
It was very clear Alec had not been on a proper vacation before. He kept trying to plan the holiday as if they were going into battle.
Anyway, it's been a long (long) time since I read CITY OF BONES or any books from the main, or first spin-off, series. And I have yet to finish The Dark Artifices series. But I had actually made plans to reread all of the Clare books, in order, in 2019 in a bid to see how they stood up to the test of time. And then THE RED SCROLLS OF MAGIC landed on my doorstep and I regretted not starting said reread sooner because damn.
"Respectable Shadowhunters are not supposed to bring my sort home to meet Mom and Dad. I have a past. I have several pasts. Besides, good Shadowhunter boys aren't meant to bring home boyfriends at all."
Clare does a good job of reminding readers where this book takes place amongst the main series (though it's thanks to her author's note that I was able to figure out the when = CITY OF FALLEN ANGELS and not the final The Mortal Instruments, whoops; see, this is why I need a reread!) and it's a total delight not only to see young Alec and Magnus (as opposed to older Alec and Magnus as they are in The Dark Artifices) but also see some faces we are introduced to later on.
"What about you, Vampire Without A Cause?"
"I'm not gay. I'm not straight. I'm not interested."
"Your sexuality is 'not interested'?"
"That's right."
"I can also assume the appearance of a tree!"
"I did not say, 'not interested unless you're a tree'."
Also, Raphael makes a memorable and hilarious (endlessly hilarious; was he this funny in the other books? I can't remember!) guest appearance and you will love.
"Take him to the Pit, Bernard."
"Don't take me to the Pit, Bernard. I hate the word 'pit'. It sounds ominous, and grubby. Also, hello, evil cult member Bernard!"
So, what else to say? I don't know, this was just so fun! Malec is one of my favourite parts of this series and I loved living through the early stages of blooming romance. I loved their doubts, their insecurities, their closeness, and their constant romantic-interlude interruptions. The plot, too, was interesting. I won't say that I didn't see certain things coming, and I might not have liked all the new characters, but I was forever being entertained so I'm happy.
"All reconciled? Because, sorry to be rude, but this is incredibly awkward to sit through. I'm not here to witness your relationship growth. I just want to defeat the evil cult."
Can't wait to read on and, more importantly, can't wait to backtrack!
4 "Shadowhunters, however loving, were all reckless lunatics" stars
** I received an ARC from the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
September 21, 2020
AJHGFDGGHJGFDGHJFDDSDGH SO MANY FEELINGS I LOVE IT SO MUCH IT IS PERFECTION MAGNUS AND ALEC ARE MY FAVOURITES OH MY GODDD SO GOOD AHHHHHHHHHH!! ALSO HELEN AND ALINE OMG MY HEART! JUST MY HEART IN GENERAL THIS BOOK OH MY GOD SO MANY FEELINGS MY SHIP SO MUCH PAIN SO MUCH FLAILING AHHHHGFHJKGFDHJ!!!
Coherent review to come hopefully??
Coherent review to come hopefully??
September 16, 2020
Soy una enamorada de esta autora y su pluma, sin embargo, esta vez me he quedado un poco fría; algo así como un vaso repleto de hielo en otoño. De todas maneras, sé que continuaré leyendo sus novelas...
June 7, 2022
"He belonged with Alec. His wandering heart could rest."
°�*⁶�
This first story focused entirely on Alec and Magnus always surpasses my expectations, and with every read it only gets better. I love that it stays so true to where they leave off in , even though it was released a decade later. The questioning of where they both are in their feelings while also being so in love... it's a contradiction and a gift. Magnus is centuries old and this boy comes into his life and changes everything and that's expressed so beautifully. I love it. I love them.
Every time I read their dance in Venice my heart just about bursts out of my chest. Every moment they share, every thought they have, I love knowing that there is still so much happiness ahead of them. that this book is truly the start of their beautiful life together.
The focus on Magnus and where he came from, who he is. Even though he's in every single book, up until this book, we had only scratched the surface. Alec comments multiple times how Magnus always managed to stay kind. It's half the reason why I love him so much, that no matter what he's gone through, he's always been kind. Because it shows in everything he does. Everything he says. He's sarcastic, and funny, but he's good, too.
The love they share has the most beautiful progression of almost any love I've ever read about. I love that this story is a part of it.
- Paige
°�*⁶�
This first story focused entirely on Alec and Magnus always surpasses my expectations, and with every read it only gets better. I love that it stays so true to where they leave off in , even though it was released a decade later. The questioning of where they both are in their feelings while also being so in love... it's a contradiction and a gift. Magnus is centuries old and this boy comes into his life and changes everything and that's expressed so beautifully. I love it. I love them.
Every time I read their dance in Venice my heart just about bursts out of my chest. Every moment they share, every thought they have, I love knowing that there is still so much happiness ahead of them. that this book is truly the start of their beautiful life together.
The focus on Magnus and where he came from, who he is. Even though he's in every single book, up until this book, we had only scratched the surface. Alec comments multiple times how Magnus always managed to stay kind. It's half the reason why I love him so much, that no matter what he's gone through, he's always been kind. Because it shows in everything he does. Everything he says. He's sarcastic, and funny, but he's good, too.
The love they share has the most beautiful progression of almost any love I've ever read about. I love that this story is a part of it.
- Paige
June 27, 2019
“If only the world were a fairy tale, Nephilim.�
I have finally got around to my most anticipated release of 2019 and it really didn’t disappoint! After the disaster that is Queen of Air and Darkness, I was really scared to read this but this reminded me of the Cassie Clare that I’ve loved all along.
Spoiler Free Overview
This book takes place I believe during City of Fallen Angels, but definitely after the war in City of Glass. It’s been so long since I’ve read The Mortal Instruments I’m not exactly sure the perfect timeline. BUT anyways, Red Scrolls of Magic is about Alex and Magnus on their first trip out of the country to the beautiful Paris. It’s supposed to be a nice relaxing vacation after the events of the war and of course, nothing goes as it’s supposed to in a Cassie Clare book. While on vacation a cult becomes rowdy and a favorite character of all ours seems to be attached to them. So forget the beautifully romantic vacation that they had planned, and now a mystery is stirring and both Alec and Magnus� life could be on the line.
I never once felt bored while reading this book and as someone who has been a Malec Stan for well over five years, I loved every second. There are so many sweet moments between the two that I was tabbing away at the book and ended up almost using a whole sheet. It is so wonderful to find out more about Magnus� past and how he came to be his spectacular sparkly self. And it was also great to see more into Alec’s head and how he deals with his sexuality while growing up in such a constricting society. Alec is someone I’ve always looked to see myself in and I actually managed to grow to love him more in this book (I truly didn’t think this was possible.) Getting to experience the events that brought them closer and closer truly just punched me right in the heart. Overall, seeing their relationship grow and flourish was beautiful and I couldn’t be happier.
“He knew what he had done and what he had fought for, and he knew what he would fight for in the future. And he knew exactly who he loved.�
Cassie and Wesley managed to mix sexiness, wittiness, and great on your toes action very well. This reminded me so much of the Shadowhunter Stories I fell in love with when I was younger. It was so incredibly exciting to see some old favorites of mine again even if it did make me a little emotional. Years later, having to read about JemWillTessa makes me tear up and I hate it but OH WELL. I seriously cannot wait to see what they do with the rest of this series and who else will make a reappearance.
Now, I will say definitely hold off on reading this until you’ve finished reading The Dark Artifices Trilogy. There isn’t a lot of spoilers for that series, or any spoilers really. But you do meet some characters from TDA that are introduced in that trilogy and it just makes for a better experience if you wait to read those three books first.
This is a great installment to the Shadowhunter Chronicles and this really made me want to just dive in and reread all of Cassies� Books. But honestly, no one has the time for that lol.
I have finally got around to my most anticipated release of 2019 and it really didn’t disappoint! After the disaster that is Queen of Air and Darkness, I was really scared to read this but this reminded me of the Cassie Clare that I’ve loved all along.
Spoiler Free Overview
This book takes place I believe during City of Fallen Angels, but definitely after the war in City of Glass. It’s been so long since I’ve read The Mortal Instruments I’m not exactly sure the perfect timeline. BUT anyways, Red Scrolls of Magic is about Alex and Magnus on their first trip out of the country to the beautiful Paris. It’s supposed to be a nice relaxing vacation after the events of the war and of course, nothing goes as it’s supposed to in a Cassie Clare book. While on vacation a cult becomes rowdy and a favorite character of all ours seems to be attached to them. So forget the beautifully romantic vacation that they had planned, and now a mystery is stirring and both Alec and Magnus� life could be on the line.
I never once felt bored while reading this book and as someone who has been a Malec Stan for well over five years, I loved every second. There are so many sweet moments between the two that I was tabbing away at the book and ended up almost using a whole sheet. It is so wonderful to find out more about Magnus� past and how he came to be his spectacular sparkly self. And it was also great to see more into Alec’s head and how he deals with his sexuality while growing up in such a constricting society. Alec is someone I’ve always looked to see myself in and I actually managed to grow to love him more in this book (I truly didn’t think this was possible.) Getting to experience the events that brought them closer and closer truly just punched me right in the heart. Overall, seeing their relationship grow and flourish was beautiful and I couldn’t be happier.
“He knew what he had done and what he had fought for, and he knew what he would fight for in the future. And he knew exactly who he loved.�
Cassie and Wesley managed to mix sexiness, wittiness, and great on your toes action very well. This reminded me so much of the Shadowhunter Stories I fell in love with when I was younger. It was so incredibly exciting to see some old favorites of mine again even if it did make me a little emotional. Years later, having to read about JemWillTessa makes me tear up and I hate it but OH WELL. I seriously cannot wait to see what they do with the rest of this series and who else will make a reappearance.
Now, I will say definitely hold off on reading this until you’ve finished reading The Dark Artifices Trilogy. There isn’t a lot of spoilers for that series, or any spoilers really. But you do meet some characters from TDA that are introduced in that trilogy and it just makes for a better experience if you wait to read those three books first.
This is a great installment to the Shadowhunter Chronicles and this really made me want to just dive in and reread all of Cassies� Books. But honestly, no one has the time for that lol.
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