Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy

This is a re-read, because I originally read these as shorts when they were first released in 2015. But it’s also my first time reading these stories together in one book.

This book/series was one of my favorites when it was released. I love the character of Simon, and the Shadowhunter Academy setting was really fun. I also enjoyed all of the “flashback” stories. The stories feel more tied together than the Bane Chronicles(I liked those too, but they felt more standalone). It was also nice reading about young Julian and Emma now that I’ve read their series as well. The cast of additional characters felt more cohesive to me on this reading.

I read this as part of my “chronological-ish” reread of Shadowhunter books. I had just show more finished reading The Mortal Instruments. One very important thing happens in Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy that didn’t happen much in all of The Mortal Instruments books. Time passes. That’s right. School years go by and the characters age! It’s just really satisfying, after reading a six book series over the span of years which all took place within the span of three months. Simon turned 19? How did that happen? Time passed, characters developed, and it was amazing. show less

https://iwriteinbooks.wordpress.com/2018/04/07/tales-from-the-shadowhunter-acade...

I could kiss Cassandra Clare, right now.

I had this book on my list because it was just part of the series. I assumed that it was sort of like The Bane Chronicles in that it was random short stories that didn’t further the plot but were, of course, delightful.

Imagine my surprise when I realized that this is the bridge between The Mortal Instruments and The Dark Artifices! And, more importantly, it answers the question of “What now becomes of Simon Lewis”. I think I can say that vaguely enough to spoil nothing.

Y’all, I am so grateful for this series. It’s funny and smart but it is also, as I’ve said before, wonderfully vulnerable. The entire show more book is told from Simon’s days at The Shadownhunter Academy in Idris with a few excellent guest storytellers worked in. In perfect Clare fashion, the inner workings of her characters’ thoughts are put on full display, honing and solidifying the entire dynamic of the group while building individual spark.

Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy is, perhaps, my second favorite of the whole set, behind only The Bane Chronicles. This is saying a lot because I am not usually one for short story collections. There is some way that Clare tells these stories, though, that makes each smaller tale come into focus to form a beautiful tapestry, almost like a Magic Eye picture.

I’m really glad someone suggested reading this one before I dove into The Dark Artifices or I would be rightly lost.

I will make my regularly scheduled plug to read this series if you haven’t. The world building is so rich and knows absolutely no bounds. Do as I say and thank me later. Happy reading! show less

I actually enjoyed this a lot. Compared to the Bane Chronicles which I was extremely disappointed in, I really liked this collection of novellas. I loved how some of the short stories there were character appearances from TID and TDA. I loved Simon's wittiness and how we get to see his development throughout the Academy. I absolutely loved loved loved George, everything about him was amazing. Although that sixth and last novella just hit me with a ton of bricks GEORGE LOVELACE DID NOT DESERVE IT

Welcome to Shadowhunter Academy: 3 stars
The Lost Herondale: 3 stars
The Whitechapel Fiend: 4 stars
Nothing but Shadows: 3 stars
The Evil We Love: 3 stars
Pale Kings and Princes: 5 stars
Bitter of Tongue: 3.5 stars
The Fiery Trial: 3 stars
Born to show more Endless Night: 5 stars
Angels Twice Descending: 3.5 stars show less

This was a collection of short stories, or that's the way it read. Simon Lewis, bereft of his memory, struggles through training at the Academy, with a new friend, his roommate, George Lovelace, at his side. Almost everyone from previous books shows up, and there's a lot of backstory here. You fall in love with Simon all over again, and George, and shock!!! even Alec. I never really warmed to Alec in any of the previous books, but in this volume, he finally captured my heart too. If you're a fan of the Shadowhunter world, you will just love this book. If you're new to Shadowhunters, you might want to start somewhere else first - with City of Bones, for example. Otherwise, it's another winner, for sure!

I never was a big fan of Clary and Jace or much of the Mortal Instrument's storyline but I did fall for some of the side characters and for characters from The Infernal Devices trilogy and this book did a great job of showing off those side characters and also kind of connecting the two series together through time. Some stories were better than others, but the best ones were definitely worth a read.

I loved everything about this. How it bridges the gap between series’. Gives us a glimpse into Shadowhunter past, present and future.

Most of all, I loved Simon and how he learned to believe in the person he is, was and plans to become.

And of course, this means Lady Midnight and Lord of Shadows are next and I’m a little scared because I’m not sure if I’m ready for more Shadowhunters to continue breaking my heart but I’m going to let them break it good.

Haven't read a Cassandra Clare book in a while. I think when my library finally got in Clockwork Princess and the Bane Chronicles, it had been too long for the properly enjoy the former, and I never had high hopes for the latter so I just assumed I'd fallen out of love with her work. And then while I was interested in reading Lady Midnight, too many people said you had to read this first and I wasn't that keen.

But this was very good. It definitely felt like it was a bunch of ebooks put into one, but they all told one overarching story. I also liked how it went back into the past and explored characters we know from the previous series and reflected on how the Academy has changed and not changed over the years.