I’m rapidly becoming one of those people love everything Cassandra Clare has written.
This is 500 pages of Magnus is like a glittery present of fabulousness. The Bane Chronicles contains 11 short stories about Mangus.
(You can also buy the short stories individually on Amazon as ebooks.) A lot of the short-stories are set in the past and go through his lovers, the magical trouble he spreads, when he meets Raphael or Valentine, or the trouble he gets into with his warlock friends. And it ends with 3 stories about Alec and Magnus which is the most cutest ship of the universe.
I’ll go quickly through each story, but basically, this book is hilarious and perfect and go read it. It doesn’t have the emotional stabbing of The Mortal Instruments series. This is fun and glittery and exactly what I needed.
STORY #1: What Really Happened In Peru
This is a reference to in one of the TMI books Magnus mentions he’s banned from Peru. He doesn’t say why. Guess what? HE DOESN’T SAY WHY HERE EITHER. He does, however, fall in love with a plate. I can understand that feeling.
STORY #2: The Runaway Queen
Imagine Magnus in Paris during Marie Antoinette’s era. I KNOW, RIGHT?! He enjoys the fashion and makes a lot of vampiric enemies as well as nearly gets Marie Antoinette turned into a vamp. (He doesn’t, btw. But, if you know your history, that’s not a spoiler.)
STORY #3: Vampires, Scones, and Edmund Herondale
This was about a meeting between Downworlders and Magnus found another Herondale to love but…it didn’t work out quite normally.
STORY #4: The Midnight Heir
I haven’t read The Infernal Devices series but I KNOW it would’ve been helpful to know more about the Herondales and Tessa before reading this. But whatever. I’M A REBEL. (Or just lazy.) This is about Tessa’s son and how he’s a brat and how Magnus drags the brat home (drunk as anything) to his parents. It’s probably my least favourite, but then, I don’t know the backstory.
STORY #5: The Rise of the Hotel Dumort
Magnus watches the stock market crash, entertains endless parties for drunk worthless mundanes and fights a demon. Not really my favourite. Not as much sparky wit.
STORY #6: Saving Raphael Santiago
Now this little vampire, Raphael, is a regular pain in the Mortal Instruments series…so it was interesting to learn his origins! Magnus saved him! Okay that’s not true at all, but I won’t say why exactly (mwah ha ha). But Raphael is really mean to Magnus and their banter is hilarious.
STORY #7: The Fall of the Hotel Dumort
Drugged vamps, is all I can say. Cool, but not as good as the last story.
STORY #8: What To Buy The Shadowhunter Who Already has Everything (And Who You’re Not Officially Dating Anyway)
OKAY I THINK THIS IS MY FAVOURITE. It’s back in TMI world, where Magnus and Alec aren’t even official yet. And Magnus is doing so much to try and think up the perfect present. But he has to summon a demon for a client (a hilarious, chatty demon) and also calls his warlock friends who make absolute fun of his love life. It’s hilarious. I giggled.
STORY #9: The Last Stand of the New York Institute
This one is the only one I felt was in the wrong order. It should have come before story 8. So far they’d all been in order chronologically, but this skips back to when Valentine was a teen.
What an awful teen he was.
STORY #10: The Course of True Love (And First Dates)
This is absolutely hilarious. It’s Magnus and Alec’s first official date and it’s HORRIBLE. Everything goes wrong! I’m sorry….but let me just lie on the floor and laugh for ten years.
STORY #11: The Voicemail of Magnus Bane
This is purely voicemail messages from everyone to Magnus after he breaks up with Alec. It’s hilarious but sad and very very poignant. We never found out in TMI what everyone said when they called Magnus to tell him to get back together with Alec — SO NOW WE KNOW. Isabelle’s are very violent and extremely Isabelle. The phone ends up incinerated.
The Bane Chronicles are so funny and the writing is perfect…the stories are short and sweet and I sped through the whole book so so fast. I loved the backstory and I loved more scenes of Magnus. I could read an entire series narrated by him.
Thank you to Walker Books Australia for the review-copy! The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare hit shelves in November, 2014.
★★★★★
Fans of The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices can get to know warlock Magnus Bane like never before in this collection of New York Times bestselling tales, in print for the first time with an exclusive new story and illustrated material.
This collection of eleven short stories illuminates the life of the enigmatic Magnus Bane, whose alluring personality, flamboyant style, and sharp wit populate the pages of the #1 New York Times bestselling series, The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices.
Originally released one-by-one as e-only short stories by Cassandra Clare, Maureen Johnson, and Sarah Rees Brennan, this compilation presents all ten together in print for the first time and includes a never-before-seen eleventh tale, as well as new illustrated material.
Goodreads | Walker Books
OH MY GOD WHAT THIS EXISTS YESSSSSS. I’m so excited! Thank you for sharing this holy crap now I have something to read on my flight to Disneyworld/HP world tomorrow! Also, you should definitely, definitely read The Infernal Devices.. it’ll break your heart all over again like TMI probably did.
I will totally read TID this year! I was actually going to pick up the first book from the library yesterday buuuut it wasn't there. SADNESS. I shall reserve it. xD
I hope you read TID. It will break your heart. It will be like isabelle and walk all over your heart in stelletos. You will fall in love with it. It shows a new and deeper side of mgnus. I mean there is will & jem and their both perfection. I wish there were more stories with them. It’s a must read.
I loved these stories! I bought the individual stories on my Kindle app and THEN bought the hardcover. So don’t feel too bad about your Shadowhunter fangirlness because I’m right there with you.
To truly understand The Midnight Heir you sooo need to read TID. Just so you get the full effect of the feels. That story was my favourite, but that’s cos I’m a Herondale junkie.
I loved the stories, for the most part. I thought the addition of other authors not familiar with the characters was kind of obvious because there were a bunch of character inconsistencies. And the Malec stories annoyed me because the Alec in those stories wasn’t the same as the Alec in the main canon. Plus, I’m one of the Shadowhunter fanatics who actually can’t stand Malec. I think Magnus could do waaayyyy better.
Rant over! How psyched are you for Clare’s NEXT set of short stories?!
*hi fives* We shall fangirl and flail unanimously TOGETHER. I definitely thought that's why Midnight Heir didn't mean a thing to me. *sigh* I should've read the trilogy first, but I had this book and it was pretty and I didn't have the other book SO I JUST WENT AHEAD AND ATE IT. Just means a reread later, right?! x)Really?! I didn't think Alec was too different…nicer, maybe, and more insecure?OF COURSE I AM FREAKING EXCITED. I HEARD THERE WOULD BE SIMON/ISABEL ONES? I AM SO FLAILING!
You’re almost making me want to read Cassandra Clare again. Are the Infernal Devices better than the Mortal Instruments? I did like Magnus Bane, actually.
Oh my gosh, Cait, stop being so persuasive.
*sends self to corner of shame*But really…Eeeeeemily *whispers* They are so so good.
I completely forgot about these stories! Even though my CC fangirl days are long over, I still have a soft spot for Magnus Bane, he’s pretty much the only character I didn’t end up hating by the fifth book. I also had an odd obsession with Raphael, so I’m really curious about the two of those together in a story. Does it explain why Raphael is a grumpy cat? xD I need more Raphael and Magnus in my life. I also agree with Bec. I use to ship Malec furiously, but now I think he could do WAY better than Alec. ._.
I like short stories and novellas. Maybe it’s because I like to write them, but there’s something about telling a full story in so few words that’s really challenging. It’s also nice as a reader to take a break from the epically long novels every once in a while. 🙂
Heh, I'm opposite and I hated Raphael, but loved mostly everyone else! Except I wasn't happy with Clary/Simon from book 4 onwards. I feel like they petered out and died a bit in interesting-ness. *sigh* Awk, I shall remain a Malec shipper. xD
YOU HAVEN’T READ THE INFERNAL DEVICES?! Oh Cait, you poor creature. To think that you haven’t been properly acquainted with Will Herondale! *faints* I NEED to get this as Magnus is such a fantastic character and he’s SO FUNNY and I need to read a book(s) centered around him. But seriously, read TID as soon as possible and let me know when you do and we can fangirl and flail and cry (well, I will and you won’t because you’re a Vulcan) but really, they’re amazing! Fantastic review! x
I HAVE NOT. How awful is this? I have a Herondale shaped hole in my existence. *looks sad and dejected* I will cry on the INSIDE. I have already caught whiff of so many spoilers though, because I'm an umbrella brain and read this book first.
I’ve never read a Cassandra Clare book, but I think it’s cool that she released a series of short stories as a companion to The Mortal Instruments series. Magnus seems like such a funny and quirky character, and really fun to read about. I generally like reading novellas or short stories that accompany a series that I really love. I read The Lunar Chronicles novellas and I also plan to read the novellas for the Tales of Goldstone Wood series. Then again, one novella from that series is about 50k, so it’s more of a book.
I haven\’t read any of the Lunar Chronicles novellas! *gasps* How bad am I ??! I think there\’s even one in the back of the Scarlet edition I have and yet I haven\’t tried it. >.> But I WILL DO THAT.
I’m one of the few people I know who doesn’t like Cassandra Clare. I read the first book of TMI and the whole thing gave me Harry Potter deja vu, but written in the style of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Both of which I love, but City of Bones just felt TOO familiar. Or something. IDK. All of this is unrelated to this book, which I haven’t read.
ANYWAY.
I have really mixed feelings about novellas. On the one hand, NEW CONTENT ABOUT CHARACTERS THAT I LOVE GIVE IT TO ME IMMEDIATELY. But on the other, WHY IS THIS NEW CONTENT SO SHORT AND WHY IS IT SO DAMNED EXPENSIVE. I mean, when they charge $2.50 for an e-book that’s 50 pages long? That’s just crazy talk. This is why I love it when they pull together an entire series of novellas into a single published book. (See also: The Assassin’s Blade) Because then I can fiiiiiiinally justify spending money on novellas. You know?
I never read Harry Potter as a kid, so sometimes I wonder if that\’s why I don\’t mind the similarities?? >_< I understand though! But still afjdklasfd I have tooooo many feels for CC\'s books. XD
AWK! YES. Novellas need to be free. Especially when they\'re less than 50-pages, which most of them totally are. Like, 50 pages is good, but I still wouldn\'t pay $2+ dollars for it. Gawsh. You can get an entire BOOK on sale for $2.
The Assassin\'s Blade is EXACTLY what novellas should be. xD
Hmmm…still haven’t got around to re-trying The Mortal Instruments (I have, however, dragged it from the recesses of my cupboard and returned it to my TBR. Achievement.), but I quite fancy reading that novella about the voicemails. My favourite character is Isabelle (or Alec – I’m never sure which I like more) and that sounds amusing.
The first PJO I ever read was the World Book Day one which was essentially a novella. I would never have picked up one of my favourite series if it hadn’t been for that, so I quite like novellas as an entry point into a series. Also, they’re generally written for existing fans, so they leave my with questions. Anything short is a big bonus when I consider that I have a finite amount of time for writing, reading, revising for exams and eating.
WOOT! Am I convincing or what?!! *flails* hehe. Isabelle is my favourite character too! oh, well, it depends on her and Simon. I adore Simon, but he grew on me as the series went on, while Isabelle was THE BEST from book 1. xD
Oh my gosh, this is like my first comment in Paper Fury #achivementunlocked. I missed reading your posts, Cait though I’ve been reading your reviews in goodreads, still, reading through your blog makes it a little different, special even 🙂 *cue for the tears*.
Who doesn’t love Magnus Bane?
*shakes head* Everyone loves that glittery warlock. I am so sad that I haven’t read this! And how coo is those graphics included in the book. A big YASSSS. I am ready to cackle while reading their epic fail first date! 😀
TID is another “OH CASSANDRA CLARE WROTE IT SO 5-STARS AND LET ME JUST FLAIL A SECOND.” series. 😉 😉 😉
HELLO, ABBY!! A VOICE FROM THE PAST!! XD
Exactly waht I\’m saying though….Magnus has like 999999 thousand reasons to love him.
I WILL READ TID AS SOON AS I CAN GET MY CLAMMY PAWS ON IT. I PROMISE.
Yes. /Yes./ YES CAIT!
I needed this post in my life. *flings cake* The awesomeness of Magnus Bane shall never cease to exist. HE ROCKS. Did I even mention the glitter? XD
Aww, I’ll always remain a Malec shipper. Gosh yes <3 I really need this piece of fabulousness. Great review!
*catches cake*
*eats it all*
I WILL MENTION THE GLITTER FOR YOU. THE GLITTER IS LIFE. I\’m glad you\’re a Malec shipper. XD So far I\’m fighting against the multitude of not-Malec shippers, ehehe.
I am currently making my way through TMI. I read The Infernal Devices quite awhile ago and loved them so, so, so much! (seriously, they are like some of my most favorite books of all time now) I probably should’ve read TMI first, though. There are a couple pesky spoilers in The Infernal Devices that I can’t very well erase from my brain, but that’s okay. I love Magnus so much! He makes me literally laugh whenever I’m reading a scene with him. Anyway, great review! And you should totally read The Infernal Devices!
There were spoilers in TMI for TID. So…so I think I know a lot of things I wish I didn\’t. BUT WHATEVER. I\’m still excited to start TID next! x) Mangus is hilarious, just totally absolutely gloriously hilarious. xD
OMG MAGNUS BANE IS LIFE I LOVE HIM SO MUCH HE IS A BEAUTIFUL BABY ANGEL AND I ADORE HIM IN ALL HIS GLITTERY GLORY. *massive flails*
Ok, I think that’s out of my system. I am currently making my way through City of Heavenly Fire and have become a massive Cassandra Clare fangirl. When I finish TMI I’m moving on to her other stuff because she is wonderful.
Also, I love short stories. I think they’re absolutely wonderful and I read them all the time.
P.S. *more Magnus flails*
HIS GLITTERY GLORY IS FABULOUS TO BEHOLD, I TELL YOU. HILARIOUSLY FABULOUS. *massively extraordinarily flails with you* CoHF is massive right?! I usually peter out when reading series..but this one I stuck through till book 6 and now these novellas, and next I\’m on to TID and I CANNOT GET ENOUGH.
Hmmm… well, obvs I’ve only read City of Bones, which I thought was OK, and… I thought Magnus Bane was OK! I don’t know. I haven’t read enough about him yet to have a big opinion on him. So.
So. Very understandable. I will forgive you. 😉
I’m raising my paw in the air and you definitely need to read The Infernal Devices! YOU MUST!! This book is gorgeous. Mangus is a gorgeous being..in all sense~ He can just make you laugh and feel everything! I CANNOT wait to see more of him in the next Shadowhunter books :DD
*hi fives your paw* I WILL! I PROMISE! It\’s like top of my 2015 reading list plan. I have a plan! omg! I am so proud of me. xD heh.
I love Magnus Bane with all my heart. I flailed when I saw him in the movie (even if the movie was a bit crappy) and I fell in love with his beautiful eyes. That being said, I should read this book when I finish the Infernal Devices… seeing as I got spoiled a little bit there. Hhahahaa
The movie was a little crappy but I actually liked it a lot. XD I think the casting was perfect! (Except for Alec. Alec looked like 36 when everyone else at least looked like teens. Grrr.) I\’m just amazed because his actor in the movie looks exactly like the cover. I wonder if it\’s the same model??
Magnus Bane is the reason I plan on reading the rest of the books in all these series! He’s the definition of “the bomb diggity.”
I WANT THIS BOOK. I shall probably have to finish TMI and TID, but then I’ll get it 😉 And maybe by then it’ll be in paperback, so it’s cheaper. Wouldn’t that be fab?
It\’s in paperback now!! At least…it is in Australia. I have the glorious paperback. XD
Magnus is definitely a good reason for reading. *nods* But also Simon and Isabelle in TMI. XD
AAAAA CAIT I agree! MAGNUS BANE = PERFECTION. Let us fangirl together! I am an absolute DIE HARD fan of this series, and Magnus is one of my favorite characters EVER. IN THE YA WORLD. AND MALEC <3 I shall stop with the CAPS for a now. I haven't read this series yet (dont hurt me) but I understand that I'm a tool and I'm getting to it. Because Magnus. I love you, Cait. Magnus <3
AFDJKLFSD WE SHALL FANGIRL UNTIL DAWN! HUZZAH! I\’m sooo glad you love the series! I adore it and I see so many people don\’t like it and it makes my fangirlish heart weep. It is absolutely my favourite. XD
I was such a fan of TMI series, Magnus was fab-u-lous-ly flamboyant. But I tried to read the first story when it was first released as a tiny novella and could barely get through it. It wasn’t the lovely Magnus, but I found his story completely uninspiring and boring. I think I was more disgruntled that Cassandra Clare didn’t really do him justice, and I expected more, I dunno, glitter and flamencos (I’m not being judgmental, but that’s how he rolls.) I decided not to continue with them until they were all released, hoping they might be put into context a little better.
I think I want to read this for story 11 actually, it sounds brilliantly funny. Something CC doesn’t really do usually. Brilliant review smushie, might add this one and just pick it up when I’m looking for a quick story <3
Aw, this makes me sad, but I do understand. I don\’t think the first novella was the best. THE BEST was definitely the date with Alec. It was so hilarious I just snorted all over the place.
The Bane Chronicles actually looks really good. (Also the guy on the cover is actually quite cute)
Aaaaand Cait, I’ve been wondering for a while and still haven’t managed to figure it out – how do you add the thingy at the end of your posts which says what you’re doing and whatnot?
Amy;
Little Moon Elephant
He looks EXACTLY like the actor from the movie too! I wonder if they\’re the same?? Or if it\’s just the hair style. XD
Oooh, I KNOW there\’s like widgets and stuff you can use, but to be honest, I\’m 98% technologically challenged. #epicfail So I actually just put a divider there (you\’re on blogger, right? There\’s a divider in your tools when you draft a post) and then write underneath it with an indent. Super cheaterish, I know. 😉
SO BASICALLY I REALLY REALLY MUST READ THIS BOOK EVEN THOUGH CAIT. HELP. I HAVEN’T EVEN READ COHF YET AND IM DYING BC AVOIDING SPOILERS IS SO HARD AND SO MUCH EFFORT IT’S LIKE DODGING RAINDROPS IN THE UK. I LIVE IN THE UK OK. SO. EXTREEEEEMEELLLY HARD HELP I THINK I HEAR A SPOILER ABOUT A CERTAIN CHARACTER AKA ONE OF MY FAVOURITE CHARACTERS AND IDK WHAT TO THINK ANDFHDDJKHFJDKSXNFHJDSXNFH
HELP
But yh The Bane Chronicles.
I’ll get in that.
If my library has it.
[i doubt they do]
yeah it’s thAT type of library..
STAHP PROCRASTINATING AND JUST READ CITY OF HEAVENLY FIRE THEN. YOUR TROUBLES WILL BE OVER. OR JUST BEGUN. MWH AH AH AHA. BUT REALLY, IT\’S NOT THE WORST FINALE I\’VE EVER READ. SO GO ON. DO IIIIIIIT.
*glares at your library* That is sadness.
I couldn’t really get into TMI, but I did really like TFD, and Magnus was the strong point in both books! His sassy mouth really hooked me. I might have to look for this at the library just so I can have an added dose of sass in this cold, cold month.
Sass is EPIC to read, especially when it\’s Magnus Bane. XD The things he pops out saying….it\’s so self-deprecating yet glittery sometimes, I just love it.
YOU LOVEE??? I NEED TO READ THIS ONE! I only read one of the stories when they first came out. The one with the trio from Clockwork BECAUSE I WAS HAVING WITHDRAWAL ISSUES OK BUT I miss Magnus. I need this one
YOU DO NEED THIS ONE. It is perfect for Magnus withdrawal. And, once I finished reading The Infernal Devices, I\’ll go back and reread the short-stories that go with ti. xD
I’ve been seeing this so much at work! It’s pretty popular. O_O I wondered what it was about. I’m not really into the Clare books, I must admit. But I like reading your reviews when you’re flailing. Very entertaining. :3 Glad you enjoyed your book! What’s the next one you’re gonna read?
I LIKE FLAILING. I cannot help it. I just get so enthused. XD
I just finished There Will be Lies by Nick Lake. Still trying to figure out what I thought of it. o.O WEEEEIRDNESS. But addictive. heh.
Oooh, sounds creepy.
*looks on Goodreads* O_O
It IS creepy!! But it sounds soo interesting. Adding to TBR.
*hides* Don’t hate me. I didn’t get past City of Bones in the TMI series because Clary and Jace and basically ALL the main characters annoyed me. I absolutely LOVED TID though and I loved Magnus in there but he seemed really different in City of Bones and I didn’t like him as much. I might check out this book just for the one story that involves Tessa.
Maybe I’ll give TMI a second chance… maybe. It’s a small maybe though I’m sort of interested in what happens the same way one can’t look away from a train wreck. That’s terrible. I know. I’m a terrible person sometimes =P
I WILL NOT HATE YOU. I will keep my sad face to myself. 😉 hehe. But HEY. Not every book is for everyone, right?! (You could always take a peek at the ebook version of Tessa, if you didn\’t want the ENTIRE collection of novellas too, right?!)
*coughs* Well, you know my opinion on the Cassie Clare book I read, so I’m not sure how I’d do with this one. BUT your review is so incredibly persuasive that I almost just want to go out and buy a copy – ha! But I’m so glad you liked it Cait! It sounds really intriguing and a nice way to give backstory to the characters. Thanks for sharing and, as always, fabulous review! <3
I do know. I can\’t force you to be right, after all, Zoe.
*dies laughing*
JUST KIDDING. XD I\’m pretty extra sure you wouldn\’t enjoy this if you didn\’t like TMI. xD
Tho I hate to sprinkle on your parade, I have to confess: I couldn’t make it through the first TMI book.
>.< However, even though I know I wouldn't understand 90% of it or more, I'm still tempted to read the Bane Chronicles. You just make it sound so fun!! XD And anyway, my brother LOVES the TMI books. Maybe I'll get this for him? Yes, perhaps. ^.^
*puts up umbrella* IT\’S OKAY. I will still socialise with you. xD hehe. You can totally buy this for him and then steal it for several days. I do that to my sister. I call it \”purposeful yet not malicious relocation\”.
*WHEW!* That’s good. And I may have to do that. I may have to CALL it that, as well. XD
I so need to read this one! I love Magnus Bane… but really, who doesn’t?! About novellas / short stories, I’m really only likely to read them if they’re some sort of extension of a series I love. So, like this one, or the ToG novellas for example. Other than that I can’t say I’m a huge short story fan. xD
I KNOW RIGHT?! I think it\’s impossible not to like him. XD Oh I\’m in total agreement about the ToG novellas. They were perfection, although I have to admit I think they should\’ve just been one prequel book. Because they wouldn\’t have made a lot of sense on their own. YOU NEEDED THEM ALL.
This helped me remember what a fun author Cassie Clare was HAHA she still is though. I’m still hoping that she’ll write another series as good as TMI. I truly love this post, but I think the title should be Does anyone actually dare to hate Magnus Bane? HAHAHA JKJK but seriously…I love Magnus. Who could ever hate the guy? He’s hilarious and downright jolly like Santa Claus. HAHA
Have you read The Infernal Devices?? I haven\’t yet, but everyone SWEARS by them! Even people who tell me they didn\’t love TMI! So I\’m sold. xD
I haven’t read this book yet since i haven’t done reading TMI, but this book sound hilarious and funny (especially story #8 and #10)! Magnus has always been my one of my fav character since i first read TID. After reading your review, you make me want to finish TMI as fast as i can so i could read this book sooner!
By the way, if you haven’t read TID, YOU HAVE TO! Its so great and the boys will make you swoon! <33
Ohh, definitely finish TMI. Although there aren\’t as many spoilers for it as there are for TID. Except for who Magnus\’ father is. *nods* I forgot about that spoiler.
I AM GOING TO READ TID THIS YEAR! I PROMISE!
I was basically over the Shadowhunter thing but… I do love me some Magnus. I mean, he has to be everyone’s favorite character, no? If he isn’t, then I don’t know if I can associate with those particular people anymore. Because he is great. Simon would come next for me, then Isabelle, and then in some distant last place beyond the plate that Magnus has fallen in love with would be Clary. Yawn.
Now I kind of want to read this, even though I promised myself NO MORE. I blame you, as usual, Cait.
I think it\’s a tie between him and Simon and Isabelle, to be honest, but MAGNUS. He just shines wherever he strolls. I seriously wish there were more characters like Magnus in YA. XD
Clary…I can understand the yawn. I loved her at the beginning, but kind of got bored because she never ever changed. I think character development is a MUST.
Blame me. I accept.
To be honest, I’m sick of Cassandra Clare’s world. PLEASE DON’T HATE ME CAIT! I just am completely over it. I loved the Infernal Devices or but TMI? Nope. But yes, I love Magnus Bane! He’s probably one of my favourite characters from her books. I still haven’t read this one yet, but I’m definitely considering it!
Lovely review, hun <33
I WILL NOT HATE YOU. I only just kind of discovered Cassandra Clare so….I AM FRESH FOR THIS. And that kind of paranormal stuff is my life . I will happily flail quietly in the deserted fandom. XD
Magnus Bane is one of the greatest fictional characters ever invented.
That being said, I read “What Really Happened in Peru”, and I’ll admit, I wasn’t a huge fan…
But, then again, it’s the overall story and the characters that I love about The Shadowhunter books, not the writing.
I have very big issues with the writing.
However, that all being said, if I ever see this book at the library I will borrow it, and I will read it, and I will take pictures of it because it’s Magnus.
He is. Without a single doubt. HE IS. *hugs Magnus* I was annoyed with What Happened in Peru because IT DIDN\’T SAY WHAT HAPPENED IN PERU. *growls* But there are some glorious ones. I particularly enjoyed his stay in Paris and the snark of when he met Raphael. XD
I admit it; I haven’t read the Mortal Instruments series. I tried the first book a few times but never got into it. (I’d like to try the Infernal Devices, though, because historical fantasy, yay!) However, I don’t know much about Cassandra Clare, but I remember hearing about this series of short stories when it was first announced and I know Sarah Rees Brennan and Maureen Johnson helped write them, and those two ladies are PRETTY hilarious, so. This sounds like such a fantastic collection! So glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
I’m SO GOING TO READ THIS!! After I read The Infernal Devices and finish reading the other half of The Mortal Instruments. GAH. Magnus is AMAZING!!! (I can’t wait for this short story collection…it sounds brilliant, I need to reserve all the books by Cassandra Clare RIGHT NOW). I think I’ll like the one about Magnus bringing the drunk Herondale back home after reading TID (although the little I have read of Tessa and Will – through quotes – suggest that this’ll be awesome). 😀
I’ve read the first 2 TMI books and haven’t felt inclined to continue because it’s such a massive and massively hyped series! I am curious about this Magnus Bane fellow though, he seems like a hilarious chap.
I enjoyed the first three books in TMI (I read until the 5th), and I LOVE Magnus, but I doubt I’ll be reading this one. Or any other Cassie Clare books with shadowhunters. I love Cassie’s humorous writing, which is why I’ll be waiting for her to write something different. Oh, and this book has Alec, sooo… *cringes* Ugh. Never liked that guy. -___-
Anyway, fabulous review, Cait! I can totally see you and Magnus having a very long and very fun chat if ever he magically comes out of the books and into your home. xD
I basically skimmed through your review because I haven’t read the book yet. It’s sitting idly on my bookshelf, put it off because I’m trying to get to Infernal Devices first. Darn, I have to read fast!
I have this in my TBR stack right now and I am sososo excited to read it. Magnus is one of my favorite characters from The Mortal Instruments. And I definitely agree about just wanting to rate everything Cassandra Clare writes as 5-stars; I’ve loved every single one of her books. It’s not like me to be able to say ‘I legitimately have no criticism of this’, but I really can’t think of anything I *disliked* about TMI or The Infernal Devices.
How did I not know that this was 500 pages?! I thought it was just a short novella type of thing so I never picked it up. BUT 500 PAGES OF MAGNUS BANE?! I NEEEEEEDDDDD. Literally, love him so much. And him in the movies is even better. Yum.
Okay the one thing I am excited about getting back to school for is…..THE LIBRARY!!! I MUST BORROW THE BOOK!!! I MUST KNOOOOWWWWW!!!!! MAGNUS AND ALEC ARE THE BEST SHIP!!!! <3 <3 <3
This sounds wonderful to me! I loved the Mortal Instruments and cannot wait to try this book all about Magnus. All those stories he referred to must get explained here and well, 500 pages of Magnus and some of Alec too sound awesome! I need this in my lifeeeee
READ THE INFERNAL DEVICES IT IS SO AMAZING AND MAGNUS AND WILL AND RAGNOR UGHGUGHGUHGUH
I HAVE NOW AND I LOVED IT. OF COURSE. :’)
Everyone makes mistakes.
Alec did and SO DID MAGNUS.
I just don’t get why people say Magnus could do better if he is the one that chose to go after Alec. It seems like Magnus already made up his mind with who he wants to be with.
They deserve each other. They balance out. It’s unlikely which makes it so amazing!!!!