Magnus and Alec’s relationship is new. They go on their first vacation together. Though things do not go as planned when they learn that Magnus might have started his own cult. Their time together becomes a race to find out what this cult is up to and to stop things before everything falls apart.
“It’s romantic because it’s sharing knowledge about the world… The one who knows about stars teaches the one who doesn’t know. That’s romantic.”
Magnus – pg. 20
Alec and Magnus have always been my favorite characters in the Shadowhunters series. I was drawn to them because they were real and I felt like they were different then the other stories. I was very happy to see that they were going to get their own series.
This story took place when Magnus and Alec go on their vacation together after the initial battle in the first half of the Mortal Instruments series. It was interesting to go back and see what they were thinking and doing during this part of the story. I always saw the vacation as just a fun moment between them. I didn’t think there was too much that happened but this book showed that were was a lot more.
I think my favorite part of this book was that this story showed us the issues creeping up in their relationship. You see Alec wondering if this is right for him. You see Mangus wondering if Shadowhunters and warlocks can work or if they are always doomed.
I think it helped reading this knowing how this relationship ends up. I didn’t get too angry at some of the things that other characters said to them because I know they win in the end. I don’t know if this takes away from the emotional impact of the story though.
I also liked that this series is going to reference a huge issue I had with the Dark Artifices series. A certain character returns and there is no real explanation for it. In this series it seems like that will get answered.
“Sometimes, love worked, past any hope of change, when no other force in this world could. Without love, the miracle never came.”
Magnus, pg. 79
I think the only true issue I am going to have with this series is that I know how this all ends. I know that Magnus and Alec figure things out. I know that they will be happy. Knowing all of this makes it hard for me to worry about the angst and issues brought up.
I like that we get to see where these thoughts creep in but I thought the original series did this well. I thought it did a good job at letting us know why Alec had issues with immortality. I feel like it will be more of me reading it going “Oh, so that is why he thought that,” instead of sitting on the edge of my seat upset and scared about what is going to happen to them.
I also wonder if this series is going to work inside the other story. I feel like there is going to be a lot that has to happen, but there was a lot going on in the other books too. I hope there isn’t a moment where things are just forgotten.
“Fear is all some people understand.”
Shinyun, pg. 234
There was nothing that really through me out of this story. I enjoyed it. I did feel like some of the moments were a bit ridiculous, like the whole hot air balloon thing. I think some of the moments could have been toned down and more realistic but I still enjoyed the book.
I gave this book four stars. I am eager to see how it continues and if nothing else more Malec time is fine with me.
Stories Have Power 