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2.21k reviews for:
Ghosts of the Shadow Market: The Companion to the Mortal Instruments and Infernal Devices
Cassandra Clare
4.25 AVERAGE
2.21k reviews for:
Ghosts of the Shadow Market: The Companion to the Mortal Instruments and Infernal Devices
Cassandra Clare
4.25 AVERAGE
I absolutely LOVED this book. It was everything I needed in a Cassandra Clare book. It tied all of her series together so nicely, with appearances from all of my favourite characters. Did not disappoint.
I'm now super excited to read The Last Hours and The Wicked Powers!
I'm now super excited to read The Last Hours and The Wicked Powers!
Average rating of novellas: 4.25 stars
Before I get into my thoughts about each novella I just want to say that overall I did really enjoy this anthology. It was the first of Cassie’s that I read and I thought for the most part it was a very strong book. I loved getting to read even more about some of my favorite characters from the Shadowhunters Chronicles.
(Also, I tried to make this as non-spoilery as possible. I will say though that if you’re not completely caught up there might be a few minor details that could spoil you, so proceed with caution)
Cast Long Shadows: (4 stars) Matthew is absolutely adorable, I loved reading about TLH’s gang. Kinda really, incredibly sad with Matthew’s love of life disappearing and I’m like pre-sad to read further on how he handles his previous actions. (trying to write this without spoilers is high key difficult)
Every Exquisite Thing: (4.5 stars) Anna is an absolutely phenomenal character and I can’t wait to read more about them (sorry if I use the wrong pronouns, please tell me what the right one would be if so. I’d hate to use the wrong one!) The whole thing with Ariadne made me really mad and my heart completely broke for Anna. But the way Cecily and Gabriel acted at the end was amazing and I’m happy that it was included for all the readers who relate to Anna. (I feel like Cassie is really good at being inclusive with her books and that makes me really happy for all of her LGBTQ+ readers)
Learn About Loss: (3 stars) I wasn’t a big fan of this one, to be honest. Like, I didn’t hate it, but I did think it could’ve been a lot better. The majority of the story wasn’t really that enjoyable for me, I was only genuinely enjoying it at the end and that only lasted a couple pages. Don’t get me wrong I’m happy we got to see the beginning of that one plot twist in TDA and I love reading about Brother Zachariah, but it wasn’t that good compared to the first 2.
A Deeper Love: (5 stars) Just when I started to get scared with the potential of not liking this book because of the last story, this one came up and basically shattered my heart and put it back together again ten times (at least). The only thing that makes me swoon as much as Wessa is Jessa. And man, was there a beautiful amount of Jessa. But, also, the events at the beginning in the Shadow Market were intense and honestly left me so scared for Brother Zachariah, even though I know we see him later on in the universe’s time line and ya know the rest of this book is about him. And seeing Catarina and Tessa’s friendship was really nice too! Jem leaving at the end though was absolutely heartbreaking and the only reason I was able to come back from that was Tessa touching the jade pendant. That is all.
The Wicked Ones: (4.5 stars) I really enjoyed this novella. I think it was quite a nice backstory behind Jace’s parents and Kit’s parents, so I really did like that. I was not expecting Céline’s story to play out the way it did, it’s possible I may of missed an important detail or so in the main series and that’s why her story shocked me so much. I wasn’t really expecting to see a young Crow/ Rook either, I don’t know why considering the circumstances of this bind up, but I guess I could only picture him as the middle aged Crow/ Rook we know and love.(?) For the most part, I thought this novella had a really good plot and I loved most of the writing. There were some parts though that were just too descriptive and like it was trying too hard to make a point. It pains me to say this because of how much I rave over Jem and Tessa, but I feel like their little get together on the bridge fits my previous description quite a bit. I don’t know, that part just seemed a little much to me. Overall, though, I really enjoyed this story and that little grievance didn’t affect my concluding rating too much to the point of me absolutely despising this novella, so that’s good.
Son of the Dawn: (5 stars) I’m an emotional wreck. This novella brought back so many memories from the main series and now I just want to cry and do nothing else. Every single one of these characters played with my heart strings and I had to scream/cry many a times.
The Land I Lost: (5 stars) I don’t even know how to express how I feel about this novella. I’m completely in love and I don’t know what to do. This was fantastically beautiful and I will forever love Malec. That is basically all.
“‘My bapa is Ultra Magnus,’ Max pronounced proudly. ‘And Daddy is a Shadowhunter.’” Lemme tell ya: I COMPLETELY BROKE WHEN I READ THIS PART THOUGH
Through Blood, Through Fire: (3.5 stars) Here’s the thing, it’s not that I didn’t like this novella, it’s just that I didn’t find myself enjoying it and much as I did the other ones. Like compared to the “The Land I Lost” this one can barely stand next to it. It’s kind of disappointing considering how much I love Tessa and Jem, but I don’t know I just didn’t really enjoy this one that much. I don’t know how else to describe it.
The Lost World: (3 stars) I don’t know why, but I was kind of bored while reading this one. I enjoyed seeing Kit again and also the Jessa baby, but besides that I didn’t really have much of an interest in this one. Hopefully, it’s just because there wasn’t much room for development and not a foreshadow of me not liking TWP, that would be awful.
Forever Fallen: (5 stars) This is definitely one of the best novellas in this anthology and I couldn’t of asked for a better ending for it. I loved seeing the relationship between Kit and Jem bloom. It was nice to see Kit being happy after being orphaned and lost to himself. I only want to talk about the happy things in this novella so I’m not gonna mention that jerk from Thule, but just know I’m not too fond of him right now and I swear to goodness if he harms my babies- Anywho! I loved “Forever Fallen” it was so beautiful and it had such a great plot considering it was only like 60 pages! (also Mina/ Kit already own my heart, they’re definitely gonna be up there with my favorite sibling relationships)
Before I get into my thoughts about each novella I just want to say that overall I did really enjoy this anthology. It was the first of Cassie’s that I read and I thought for the most part it was a very strong book. I loved getting to read even more about some of my favorite characters from the Shadowhunters Chronicles.
(Also, I tried to make this as non-spoilery as possible. I will say though that if you’re not completely caught up there might be a few minor details that could spoil you, so proceed with caution)
Cast Long Shadows: (4 stars) Matthew is absolutely adorable, I loved reading about TLH’s gang. Kinda really, incredibly sad with Matthew’s love of life disappearing and I’m like pre-sad to read further on how he handles his previous actions. (trying to write this without spoilers is high key difficult)
Every Exquisite Thing: (4.5 stars) Anna is an absolutely phenomenal character and I can’t wait to read more about them (sorry if I use the wrong pronouns, please tell me what the right one would be if so. I’d hate to use the wrong one!) The whole thing with Ariadne made me really mad and my heart completely broke for Anna. But the way Cecily and Gabriel acted at the end was amazing and I’m happy that it was included for all the readers who relate to Anna. (I feel like Cassie is really good at being inclusive with her books and that makes me really happy for all of her LGBTQ+ readers)
Learn About Loss: (3 stars) I wasn’t a big fan of this one, to be honest. Like, I didn’t hate it, but I did think it could’ve been a lot better. The majority of the story wasn’t really that enjoyable for me, I was only genuinely enjoying it at the end and that only lasted a couple pages. Don’t get me wrong I’m happy we got to see the beginning of that one plot twist in TDA and I love reading about Brother Zachariah, but it wasn’t that good compared to the first 2.
A Deeper Love: (5 stars) Just when I started to get scared with the potential of not liking this book because of the last story, this one came up and basically shattered my heart and put it back together again ten times (at least). The only thing that makes me swoon as much as Wessa is Jessa. And man, was there a beautiful amount of Jessa. But, also, the events at the beginning in the Shadow Market were intense and honestly left me so scared for Brother Zachariah, even though I know we see him later on in the universe’s time line and ya know the rest of this book is about him. And seeing Catarina and Tessa’s friendship was really nice too! Jem leaving at the end though was absolutely heartbreaking and the only reason I was able to come back from that was Tessa touching the jade pendant. That is all.
The Wicked Ones: (4.5 stars) I really enjoyed this novella. I think it was quite a nice backstory behind Jace’s parents and Kit’s parents, so I really did like that. I was not expecting Céline’s story to play out the way it did, it’s possible I may of missed an important detail or so in the main series and that’s why her story shocked me so much. I wasn’t really expecting to see a young Crow/ Rook either, I don’t know why considering the circumstances of this bind up, but I guess I could only picture him as the middle aged Crow/ Rook we know and love.(?) For the most part, I thought this novella had a really good plot and I loved most of the writing. There were some parts though that were just too descriptive and like it was trying too hard to make a point. It pains me to say this because of how much I rave over Jem and Tessa, but I feel like their little get together on the bridge fits my previous description quite a bit. I don’t know, that part just seemed a little much to me. Overall, though, I really enjoyed this story and that little grievance didn’t affect my concluding rating too much to the point of me absolutely despising this novella, so that’s good.
Son of the Dawn: (5 stars) I’m an emotional wreck. This novella brought back so many memories from the main series and now I just want to cry and do nothing else. Every single one of these characters played with my heart strings and I had to scream/cry many a times.
The Land I Lost: (5 stars) I don’t even know how to express how I feel about this novella. I’m completely in love and I don’t know what to do. This was fantastically beautiful and I will forever love Malec. That is basically all.
“‘My bapa is Ultra Magnus,’ Max pronounced proudly. ‘And Daddy is a Shadowhunter.’” Lemme tell ya: I COMPLETELY BROKE WHEN I READ THIS PART THOUGH
Through Blood, Through Fire: (3.5 stars) Here’s the thing, it’s not that I didn’t like this novella, it’s just that I didn’t find myself enjoying it and much as I did the other ones. Like compared to the “The Land I Lost” this one can barely stand next to it. It’s kind of disappointing considering how much I love Tessa and Jem, but I don’t know I just didn’t really enjoy this one that much. I don’t know how else to describe it.
The Lost World: (3 stars) I don’t know why, but I was kind of bored while reading this one. I enjoyed seeing Kit again and also the Jessa baby, but besides that I didn’t really have much of an interest in this one. Hopefully, it’s just because there wasn’t much room for development and not a foreshadow of me not liking TWP, that would be awful.
Forever Fallen: (5 stars) This is definitely one of the best novellas in this anthology and I couldn’t of asked for a better ending for it. I loved seeing the relationship between Kit and Jem bloom. It was nice to see Kit being happy after being orphaned and lost to himself. I only want to talk about the happy things in this novella so I’m not gonna mention that jerk from Thule, but just know I’m not too fond of him right now and I swear to goodness if he harms my babies- Anywho! I loved “Forever Fallen” it was so beautiful and it had such a great plot considering it was only like 60 pages! (also Mina/ Kit already own my heart, they’re definitely gonna be up there with my favorite sibling relationships)
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I would like to inquire as to who gave Cassandra Clare and co. permission to write a book of short stories about a bunch of separate characters just so she could make me cry on multiple different timelines? It would cost ZERO dollars to just let these characters be dead without backstories but she really brought back people who I haven't thought about in eight years just to make me SAD. But I read the whole thing and I'd do it again.
Cassandra Clare's universe is insanely complex. Everyone is tied to everyone in some way even though it spans over a hundred years. It can get confusing, especially when, like I said, she likes to bring back oldies just to remind us that no one has lived without tragedy. I think that it's so amazing though that she's able to keep all these characters straight enough to co-write short stories about them just to destroy me further.
I don't know how I could give this anything but five stars when the last story was about Jem and Tessa. Or when Jem pretty much narrated the whole thing and made me cry the whole time with his emotional turmoil. These stories are all so short and I was like short stories? I don't need them. But honestly, they're so integral to the story lines of all these characters, even ongoing ones in TLH and what is going to come up in TWP. I'm so excited to see it all come together.
But yeah, would recommend one hundred percent even if you think you don't need them. Like, who allowed Cassandra Clare to contextualize a fictional immortal character in the tragedy of the contemporary world's World War II? Again, she was just trying to get me to cry which she totally achieved.
This review and all my others can be found at: https://aworldshapedbybooks.blogspot.com/
Okay, I definitely enjoyed this but Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy are still my favourite Short story collection of Cassandra Clare.
I think my favorite story was Anna's (every exquisite thing) and Alec's (the land I lost)
Cast long shadows
I was really fearful in the beginning. I have come to the conclusion that I do not like reading about cheating. It makes me really frightful and uncomfortable. I think it is the deceit of someone who is the closest to you, I don’t know how to deal with. Also it is lying in a very intimate way. I am also fearful for these children. We already knew James wasn’t doing to good and now Matthew isn’t doing great either. I haven’t known these characters for long but I just want them to be happy. Is that to much to ask Cassy?
Every exquisite thing
I did absolutely love this second short story. It made me think how incredibly difficult it must have been during this time period, to be different, race, sexuality, non cis-gender. I really loved Anna as a main character and I am really excited about the Wicked Powers and all these characters because I do love them as an extended family. I also absolutely adored Cecily and Gabriel’s quiet acceptance. (I did absolutely adore Cecily in infernal devices and I love her as a mom) They knew their daughter liked girls and like to wear ‘men’s clothing’ and they just accepted it. No problem, no fight, no trying to change her mind. I just which (I truly wish it with all my heart) that every LGBTQA+ member had a experience like this.
(also Tessa is a daughter of a prince of Hell. She and Magnus should start a club. And I think this is going to be very epic)
learn about loss
I really enjoyed this. I loved Emilia I do hope we will see her as a sister in a future book. But Jem and Will could be together one last time before death. It warmed my heart. It is really fun knowing how things develop in the future as we know that Jem and Tessa are having a baby. After all that time he finally has what he always wanted and it is both sweet and heartbreaking to see how he suffers while he is a silent brother. Jem and Will being together again was something I had wished to see for a very long time and I am not ashamed to say, a tear rolled down my cheek. I cannot explain how wholesome and right I thought it was. And I am so incredibly happy I got to read it.
A deeper love
This book centered around Tessa and Jem and their love. I do definitely love Jem even more after this reread of the infernal devices but I just can’t handle the “AAAhhhhhh, I love you so much I can’t live without you, but no we can’t be together!’ I am really sick of it. It just enoys me whenever I read it and it takes me out of the book. The enjoying part is that I know Cassandra Clare’s books all involve at least such a romance so I will need to read it in the wicked powers. That is the only aspect I am not looking forward to (that and the love triangle) All things said it is sweet how much they still love each other and Will, my heart...
St Paul’s Cathedral stood like their love will stand. Will helped save his Parabatai’s life even in death. And I fear for Tessa when Jem will eventually die. Although Parabatai will be reunited in death, they will leave behind their love.
the Wicked ones
first things I noticed. I love that in these stories we see Valentine’s influence. We heard of it in TMI but now we can see for our selves. He is truly a master manipulator. There are these little things which are so subtle yet very impactful. It is also devastating. Luke, Valentine’s Parapatai was forced to turn into a werewolf because he disagreed with Valentine. Robert, after his Parabatai killed himself because he told him he was in love with him and rejected, was never the same. And Stephen, mundaine raised, own personality completely left behind all thing that he loved, because Valentine said so.
Also Celine does not have a healthy infatuation with Stephen. She pushes away the fact that he is married away in her head and presents they are on a romantic midnight stroll. Thinking to herself; “I can be anything you want me to be.” She also bad-mouths Amatis everywhere she goes and is convinced she would be a better wife. This is extremely troublesome and of course exactly the reason Valentine chose her. Proving my point from earlier.
Son of the dawn
It has been a long time since I read City of Heavenly Fire but a scene that has always stood out was Raphael's sacrifice. Him talking about it right now, knowing that seven years later it is going to happen and it is going to be emotional was beautiful to read.
another thing I noticed was Alec. He never has a lot of scenes and in this he hasn't either but his character stood out to me because one of the things I loved about the Mortal Instruments is Alec's character development. To see him again, scared of his sexuality, was heartbreaking. I wanted to take him into my arms, hug him and tell him that it will be okay.
Jace also didn't remind me of Jace and I found it strange but then again not because this boy was not the Jace we know. In this story he truly is valentine's son. I hated it because I could see the damage Valentine inflicted upon him. It truly stood out how much Jace changes over the years.
The Land I Lost
I had really hoped we would get this story and we did! It was so wholesome as well! I absolutely adore Alec and it makes me so happy to see how much he has grown. Also Rafe is amazing and I liked that we saw Juliette (from red scrolls of magic) again. I just love the implication of how much a little kindness can do. I just loved this
Through Blood, through fire
I honestly didn’t care for this one to much. Rosemary just didn’t grip me, neither did Johnny rook and I was little tired of “I can’t live without you!” Blah blah blah. This however did make me excited for the wicked powers. I am very interested how the fairy thing will resolve and also Kit and Ty are to die for. They were my favorites in Queen of Air and Darkness but I didn’t like the ending (seems it was so for every story line in that book) But I am excited for it! Also Tessa and Jem are having a baby! (I want to see a play date with Magnus, Alec, Max and Rafael. Please Cassie)
The lost world
yay Ty and Livvy! I just want to say that I do not like necromancy and Ty should not have done it but it will be interesting. Also I love Kit and Ty and I want them to be together!
forever fallen
I did not like Janus (other Jace) Why can’t he just go away. But Tessa, Jem, Kit and Mina are such a cute family. Honestly they are such good parents. Also I adore Kit.
All in all this has just made me excited (and a little anxious) for the last hours and the wicked powers!
I think my favorite story was Anna's (every exquisite thing) and Alec's (the land I lost)
Cast long shadows
I was really fearful in the beginning. I have come to the conclusion that I do not like reading about cheating. It makes me really frightful and uncomfortable. I think it is the deceit of someone who is the closest to you, I don’t know how to deal with. Also it is lying in a very intimate way. I am also fearful for these children. We already knew James wasn’t doing to good and now Matthew isn’t doing great either. I haven’t known these characters for long but I just want them to be happy. Is that to much to ask Cassy?
Every exquisite thing
I did absolutely love this second short story. It made me think how incredibly difficult it must have been during this time period, to be different, race, sexuality, non cis-gender. I really loved Anna as a main character and I am really excited about the Wicked Powers and all these characters because I do love them as an extended family. I also absolutely adored Cecily and Gabriel’s quiet acceptance. (I did absolutely adore Cecily in infernal devices and I love her as a mom) They knew their daughter liked girls and like to wear ‘men’s clothing’ and they just accepted it. No problem, no fight, no trying to change her mind. I just which (I truly wish it with all my heart) that every LGBTQA+ member had a experience like this.
(also Tessa is a daughter of a prince of Hell. She and Magnus should start a club. And I think this is going to be very epic)
learn about loss
I really enjoyed this. I loved Emilia I do hope we will see her as a sister in a future book. But Jem and Will could be together one last time before death. It warmed my heart. It is really fun knowing how things develop in the future as we know that Jem and Tessa are having a baby. After all that time he finally has what he always wanted and it is both sweet and heartbreaking to see how he suffers while he is a silent brother. Jem and Will being together again was something I had wished to see for a very long time and I am not ashamed to say, a tear rolled down my cheek. I cannot explain how wholesome and right I thought it was. And I am so incredibly happy I got to read it.
A deeper love
This book centered around Tessa and Jem and their love. I do definitely love Jem even more after this reread of the infernal devices but I just can’t handle the “AAAhhhhhh, I love you so much I can’t live without you, but no we can’t be together!’ I am really sick of it. It just enoys me whenever I read it and it takes me out of the book. The enjoying part is that I know Cassandra Clare’s books all involve at least such a romance so I will need to read it in the wicked powers. That is the only aspect I am not looking forward to (that and the love triangle) All things said it is sweet how much they still love each other and Will, my heart...
St Paul’s Cathedral stood like their love will stand. Will helped save his Parabatai’s life even in death. And I fear for Tessa when Jem will eventually die. Although Parabatai will be reunited in death, they will leave behind their love.
the Wicked ones
first things I noticed. I love that in these stories we see Valentine’s influence. We heard of it in TMI but now we can see for our selves. He is truly a master manipulator. There are these little things which are so subtle yet very impactful. It is also devastating. Luke, Valentine’s Parapatai was forced to turn into a werewolf because he disagreed with Valentine. Robert, after his Parabatai killed himself because he told him he was in love with him and rejected, was never the same. And Stephen, mundaine raised, own personality completely left behind all thing that he loved, because Valentine said so.
Also Celine does not have a healthy infatuation with Stephen. She pushes away the fact that he is married away in her head and presents they are on a romantic midnight stroll. Thinking to herself; “I can be anything you want me to be.” She also bad-mouths Amatis everywhere she goes and is convinced she would be a better wife. This is extremely troublesome and of course exactly the reason Valentine chose her. Proving my point from earlier.
Son of the dawn
It has been a long time since I read City of Heavenly Fire but a scene that has always stood out was Raphael's sacrifice. Him talking about it right now, knowing that seven years later it is going to happen and it is going to be emotional was beautiful to read.
another thing I noticed was Alec. He never has a lot of scenes and in this he hasn't either but his character stood out to me because one of the things I loved about the Mortal Instruments is Alec's character development. To see him again, scared of his sexuality, was heartbreaking. I wanted to take him into my arms, hug him and tell him that it will be okay.
Jace also didn't remind me of Jace and I found it strange but then again not because this boy was not the Jace we know. In this story he truly is valentine's son. I hated it because I could see the damage Valentine inflicted upon him. It truly stood out how much Jace changes over the years.
The Land I Lost
I had really hoped we would get this story and we did! It was so wholesome as well! I absolutely adore Alec and it makes me so happy to see how much he has grown. Also Rafe is amazing and I liked that we saw Juliette (from red scrolls of magic) again. I just love the implication of how much a little kindness can do. I just loved this
Through Blood, through fire
I honestly didn’t care for this one to much. Rosemary just didn’t grip me, neither did Johnny rook and I was little tired of “I can’t live without you!” Blah blah blah. This however did make me excited for the wicked powers. I am very interested how the fairy thing will resolve and also Kit and Ty are to die for. They were my favorites in Queen of Air and Darkness but I didn’t like the ending (seems it was so for every story line in that book) But I am excited for it! Also Tessa and Jem are having a baby! (I want to see a play date with Magnus, Alec, Max and Rafael. Please Cassie)
The lost world
yay Ty and Livvy! I just want to say that I do not like necromancy and Ty should not have done it but it will be interesting. Also I love Kit and Ty and I want them to be together!
forever fallen
I did not like Janus (other Jace) Why can’t he just go away. But Tessa, Jem, Kit and Mina are such a cute family. Honestly they are such good parents. Also I adore Kit.
All in all this has just made me excited (and a little anxious) for the last hours and the wicked powers!
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes