Reviews

But Simon Lovelace was still here, and it was time to make that count.

In the grand scheme of things, I would have much preferred this to have been a spinoff novel. I hate short stories; I find them underwhelming, uninteresting and not relatable. But because I knew Simon, and I knew Clary, Jace, Isabelle, and what happened in the TMI series, I found this collection more enjoyable than I would have otherwise. I really enjoyed following Simon through his transition from being a mundane to a Shadowhunter; I loved the dynamics of the school; the characters and their friendship; Simon overcoming his demon amnesia; and his training. But I can't help but wish this was a full length novel; I would have been more engaged, and less bored at times.

But, despite this, I enjoyed it. When do I never not enjoy something by Cassandra Clare? Her writing is phenomenal, improving with each new release. And, surprisingly, she worked well co-writing with the contributing authors. When I read The Iron Trial, which she co-authored with Holly Black, I found that I could easily differentiate between who wrote what, but in this collection I couldn't. So, congrats on that.

Undoubtedly, my favourite story was the final one, Angel Twice Descending . After reading nine other stories about Simon's journey through the Academy, it was nice getting to see him rewarded for all his hard work.

Spoiler

Although this was pleasing to read, I was also filled with utter devastation when George drank from the Cup and died. Besides Simon, George was my favourite character from the collection, and seeing him get an undeserved ending was heart-breaking. I'm just relieved that Simon decided to honour him by adopting his Shadowhunter last name, Lovelace. It's appropriate, and right, and George's memory will be passed on from it. (But why did he have to die, Cassie? Why? )

. Cassie makes sure her stories are bittersweet - writing something that you'll enjoy, even if it does leave a bad taste in your mouth - and I like that. I don't want the authors to sugar-coat things, and be afraid of killing off (etc.) characters - I need to feel emotion, which Cassie always delivers.

I'm just feeling a whole bunch of emotions right now, like I always do when I've read something by Cassie. If you would like to know my individual thoughts on each story, see my activity on the book. I updated it each time I finished a story, so you'll find individual ratings and a brief review.

sophah's review against another edition

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adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

30dollarbookshelf's review against another edition

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4.0

I enjoyed seeing more of Simon's thoughts as an "outsider" to the Shadow Hunter world. His character is noble and easy to identify with. The academy was an interesting setting to see deeper into Shadow Hunter culture. I was a fan of the ongoing growth of the romantic relationships as well as the new friendships that formed. The least interesting story was The Evil We Love because, while it was relevant, it had a completely different tone that disrupted the cohesion of the stories for me.

velebilje's review against another edition

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Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

tifflovesfandoms22's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5; im devastated by the final chapter, though the book did have malec so im saved from being depressed over how george and simon would have been a Thing.

librarycutie's review against another edition

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4.0

i listened to all of these on audible (many of the narrators were sooo good)! i loved seeing simon going from remembering no one and nothing to finding where he belonged on this book. i loved this book so much, especially because SIZZY and george lovelace was one of my faves in this.

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