The Bane Chronicles

Shadowhunters is a universe I don't get bored of at all, even if some books are not that great or the storylines get repetitive sometimes. It's just something in Cassie's writing that makes me care so much for the characters and I want to keep reading more about them. So, here I am with another book from the series about the most colorful character ever. Magnus is the most entertaining person to read about and this book has all his shenanigans over the centuries. But we also see a vulnerable side to him, all the pain and longing he suffers because of losing so many people he loved and it's heartbreaking. But he never becomes a cynic or loses his ability to love and watching Magnus and Alec together is just too beautiful. Below are my individual reviews for the various short stories:

What Really Happened in Peru

This was quite an anticlimactic story but with the usual playful charms and wistfulness of Magnus. It also showcases his strong friendship with Ragnor and Catarina. But I really didn't understand the whole point of it.

Rating: ⭐⭐

The Runaway Queen

A boring story overall. I liked Magnus's descriptions about Paris and the aristocracy and setting of the revolution was interesting, but the plot just ended up being hopeless and tedious.

Rating: ⭐

Vampires, Scones, and Edmund Herondale

This one made me so sad. These Shadowhunters are so heartless. The story definitely explains Magnus's fascination for Camille and his fondness for Will and also how helpless must he feel when he can't help those he wants to. The tale of Edmund is so full of love but also tremendous pain.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Midnight Heir

It was amazing to see Jem, Tessa and Will together again. Their eternal love for each other is so beautiful. But it was also sad to see the plight of their beloved son James, who is unable to find the same joy in love as his parents. Magnus's reminiscing of his love for Camille and her treachery showed a hurt and vulnerable side to him. This story was sad and beautiful at the same time.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Rise of the Hotel Dumort

The history behind Hotel Dumort and it's link to the Great Depression was very fascinating to read. And why am I not surprised that Magnus ran an illegal drinking establishment during prohibition.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Saving Raphael Santiago

A wonderful story about the relationship between Magnus and Raphael. And Raphael is such a genuine, loving person, that it broke my heart that he had to work so hard to even be close to his family. But he proves that he is strong, a born leader and probably the only one sassy enough to handle Magnus.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Fall of the Hotel Dumort

I've never liked Camille and every time Magnus is reminded of his love for her, and how she treated him, it just makes me so angry. So, actually seeing her in the throes of addiction seemed very fitting and I think Magnus showed tremendous strength of character in this story, trying to protect her from herself and also preserve his sanity.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

What to Buy the Shadowhunter Who Has Everything

Magnus is besotted and I love it. Reading about Magnus remembering his memorable moments with Alec, and then try to think too hard about a birthday gift for him was too sweet. Despite the hilarious ideas he got from the demon Elyass, I think his choice of gift was exactly what Alec would love. Beautiful story.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Last Stand of the New York Institute

This story just increases my hate for Valentine – how much he manipulated yound Shadowhunters who had great potential for doing good. And I love Magnus more, because despite witnessing Valentine's unscrupulous actions, he decided to see the good in Jocelyn.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Course of True Love

Malec's first date – WOWWWW!!!! It was all I expected – awkward, hesitant, fighting, saving and finally some making out. It's always nice to read about the beginning of this beautiful couple's relationship.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Voicemail of Magnus Bane

I've never actually read City of Lost Souls, and since this story occurs immediately after a particular incident from it, I was confused a little but managed to get the context. The voicemails are hilarious, especially the threatening ones from the ever protective Izzy and Alec seems so heartbroken... my poor boy.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

2021 Reread: So I've decided these short story bindups are really not meant to be reread. At least not for me. I found they dragged and I really didn't care what was happening.

“To them, as to Magnus, time was like rain, glittering as it fell, changing the world, but something that could also be taken for granted. Until you loved a mortal. Then time became gold in a miser's hands, every bright year counted out carefully, infinitely precious, and each one slipping through your fingers.”

This book was really great. I loves all the little snapshots into Magnus Bane's life. You could definitely tell this was written by people other than Cassandra, but I really enjoy both Sarah and Maureen's writing so I was not too bothered by it. My full review with snipets about each story can be found here. Overall this was a 4 star book. And that is largely due to how much I like Magnus as a character.

Favorite stories included The Midnight Heir, What to Buy the Shadowhunter Who Has Everything, and The Course of True Love.