Review // The Bane Chronicles

The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brennan, & Maureen Johnson
Pages: 528
Published: November 11, 2014
Genre(s): Fantasy, YA, Magic
Cover Rating: ✰✰✰ (not bad, I like the picture and the title placement but it's not amazing imo)

This collection of eleven short stories illuminates the life of the enigmatic Magnus Bane, whose alluring personality, flamboyant style, and sharp wit populate the pages of the #1 New York Times bestselling series, The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices.

I'm so glad I read this book. I kind of already had a soft spot for Magnus Bane...his flair, his sass, and his continual help even though at times he seemed reluctant or cold (and of course he had the right to be). 

But now I think I understand better how hard it could be to continue on through the centuries, continually finding and losing people. And how it would most definitely be easier to not care. Magnus is so strong. 

He continued to help people, to risk breaking his own heart, because he couldn't abandon anyone. THAT, my friend, is true heroism. In the end, morals matter much less in the face of kind actions. 

Sass though. We can't do a review with Magnus Bane in it and skip the sass.

I am completely convinced that the brain of the fabulous Magnus Bane represents book bloggers/tumblr-ers as a whole. I dunno. :D We are fabulous though. 

There was also a page of beautiful cartoon/graphic novel work for each short story which I loved and thought added a lot. It was unique!

The (Shadowhunter) family history was, as always, intertwined throughout in really cool ways. But I STILL have a hard time remembering all those last names. It takes me five minutes to try to remember Will's last name. It's a problem (I understand you Magnus). 

Some of my favorite lines from this book were... 

What Really Happened in Peru

Ragnor's suspicious nature continued to make Magnus very sad and disappointed in him as a person.

~~

Magnus refused to wallow. Wallowing was for elephants, depressing people, and depressing elephants.

Vampires, Scones, and Edmund Herondale

"I'm so sorry," Magnus said politely. "Somebody incredibly attractive just came into the room, and I ceased to pay attention to a word you were saying."

~~

"Very well," Magnus said. "Let us pause for a moment and consider--Oh, you have already run off. Splendid."

The Midnight Heir

"Betrayed!" Will muttered. "Cruelly maligned by my friend and now by my own cherished wife, scorned, my name blackened--"

"I see you are still fond of histrionics, Will," said Magnus. "As well as still handsome."

Saving Raphael Santiago

"Oh no, Raphael, please don't leave me," Magnus said in a monotone, "Where would I be without the light of your sweet smile? If you go, I will throw myself upon the ground and weep."

What to Buy the Shadowhunter Who Has Everything

personal note: hilarious interaction with the demon squid.

The Last Stand of the New York Institute

Every age thought they were so enlightened, and every age was stumbling around in much the same darkness of ignorance and fear.

The Course of True Love (And First Dates)

personal note: Magnus and Catarina being cutie BFFs.

~~

The redheaded guy squawked, revealing braces, and flapped his hands in what seemed to be either urgent surrender or a very good panicked duck impression.

~~

personal note: Erik the werewolf waiter. 'Nuff said. 

My Rating:

✰✰✰✰

Disclaimer: I was not reimbursed for this review in any way. All opinions or thoughts expressed are my own.