I can’t believe I loved this so much. I was never a big fan of Simon. Now, I love him. This helped flush out the history of the Shadowhunter World. It did feel like a lot of set-up for The Dark Artifices series. We’ll see if I’m right about that when I finally read it.
I did do a little review of each story as I read them. They are below if you’re interested.
Welcome to the Shadowhunter Academy
Reading this made me realize how much I forgot from the main series. But I was able to get by. I’ve had such a love-hate relationship with Simon, but I really liked him here. And I like being at the Shadowhunter Academy. The characters are interesting and I hope they show up through the other novellas. I especially like this Lovelace guy.
The Last Herondale
I enjoyed this. I was never the biggest Simon fan, but I definitely like him here. This was fairly predictable, but I still was invested. I definitely want to see Simon continue to grow. And I feel bad for Isobel.
The White Chapel Fiend
I really liked this one. I did get a little creeped out when Tessa was telling her story. Is a lot of this fan service? Probably. Do I care? No. George is still great and a good friend for Simon. And Simon continues to grow and evolve.
Nothing But Shadows
This is probably my favorite so far. I really liked James. I hope this is part of the new series with Chain of Gold. And George is still great. I’m irrationally attached to him.
The Evil We Love
I’m not surprised I liked this one. I love the Simon/Isobel relationship-I forgot that. Plus, I have always wanted more information on the Circle. I just think it’s interesting to see how people like Valentine manipulate people. So, I’m happy to see more of this.
Pale Kings & Princes
More Izzy and Simon! I forgot about Helen. This definitely made me want to get on with my Dark Artifices read. And that ending was heartbreaking. How can I care so much so fast?
Bitter of Tongue
Are these supposed to make me want to read The Dark Artifices? It’s working. I definitely feel for the Blackthorns. But Simon and Izzy are also great. Their interactions in Faerie were amazing. There’s an amazing lack of George. I need more of him.
The Fiery Trial
This is another big tease for the Dark Artifices. I’m OK with that and it does stand on its own. It was nice to have some Clary and Simon friendship. Still not enough George though.
Born to Endless Night
This is my least favorite so far, but it was still good. It just felt a little random. I love Magnus and Alec, but this was a randomly huge story about them. I did like the development between Alec and Simon. Like many of the others, this felt like a lot of set-up for future books. Also, still not enough George!
Angels Twice Descending
What the hell?! I wasn’t planning on crying while reading this. I’m not going to say much because of spoilers, but that ending. And Simon’s name!
Thanks for reading!
Holly