Vampires, Scones, and Edmund Herondale

The Bane Chronicles #3

by Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brennan

Magnus Bane leverages his alliances with Downworlders and Shadowhunters on a venture to Victorian London. One of ten adventures in The Bane Chronicles.

When immortal warlock Magnus Bane attends preliminary peace talks between the Shadowhunters and the Downworlders in Victorian London, he is charmed by two very different people: the vampire Camille Belcourt and the young Shadowhunter, Edmund Herondale. Will winning hearts mean choosing sides?

This standalone e-only short story illuminates the life of the enigmatic Magnus Bane, whose alluring personality populates the pages of the #1 New York Times bestselling series, The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices series. This story in The Bane Chronicles, Vampires, Scones, and Edmund Herondale, is written by Sarah Rees Brennan and Cassandra Clare.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Short Stories, Paranormal, Vampires, Urban Fantasy, Magic

61 pages, ebook

First published June 18, 2013

About the author

Cassandra Clare was born to American parents in Tehran, Iran and spent much of her childhood travelling the world with her family, including one trek through the Himalayas as a toddler where she spent a month living in her father’s backpack. She lived in France, England and Switzerland before she was ten years old.

Since her family moved around so much she found familiarity in books and went everywhere with a book under her arm. She spent her high school years in Los Angeles where she used to write stories to amuse her classmates, including an epic novel called “The Beautiful Cassandra” based on a Jane Austen short story of the same name (and which later inspired her current pen name).

After college, Cassie lived in Los Angeles and New York where she worked at various entertainment magazines and even some rather suspect tabloids where she reported on Brad and Angelina’s world travels and Britney Spears’ wardrobe malfunctions. She started working on her YA novel, City of Bones, in 2004, inspired by the urban landscape of Manhattan, her favourite city. She turned to writing fantasy fiction full time in 2006 and hopes never to have to write about Paris Hilton again.
Cassie’s first professional writing sale was a short story called “The Girl’s Guide to Defeating the Dark Lord” in a Baen anthology of humor fantasy. Cassie hates working at home alone because she always gets distracted by reality TV shows and the antics of her cats, so she usually sets out to write in local coffee shops and restaurants. She likes to work in the company of her friends, who see that she sticks to her deadlines.

City of Bones was her first novel. Sword Catcher is her most recent novel.

Reviews

[MischaS_ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have the feeling that most of the boys written by CC have the same personality and that's annoying.

[Stephanie (Bookfever) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Herondale fix!

The most remarkable thing about him were his eyes. They were laughing eyes, at once both joyous and tender: they were the radiant pale blue of a sky slipping toward evening in Heaven, when angels who had been sweet all day found themselves tempted to sin.

So far this was the best Bane Chronicles so far. So many familiar people and names and of course Edmund Herondale, who is like a mix between Will and Jace. *fans herself*

“Excuse me, Bane?" said Roderick Morgenstern. "Are you attending?"
"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.”

And the dislike for ducks keeps returning...

“I shall never eat duck again. I cannot believe I used to like duck. The duck betrayed me.”

Anyway...
Magnus + any Herondale = Lots of fun and wit! <3
I loved how he was there when Edmund met Linette. SO cute!

“No fewer than four of my esteemed elders told me I was on no account to ever converse with you, so I vowed that I would know you. My name is Edmund Herondale. May I ask your name? They reffered to you only as 'that disgraceful one-warlock show.”

Aside from Edmund Herondale I loved seeing Magnus conversing with Camille. So much flirting fun! Also we saw a glimpse of little Charlotte.

Overall it was an overload of feelings once again but it was so amazing. Can't wait for the next instalment!

[Melanie (meltotheany) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I was born to be a warrior, and I was born to be with her.”

Holy shit, all the stars! ALL THE STARS! I loved this one so much! Not only did we get to see Will’s parents, Edmund and Linette (which broke and warmed my heart), we got to see Woolsey’s older brother, Ralf, a baby Charlotte, Benedict Lightwood (yikes), some Morgensterns, and Camille herself (who I have honestly always liked)! This story surrounds a meeting were the downworlders are trying to make a treaty with the shadowhunters; but like always, the shadowhunters are shitty to them. But seeing so many faces, and so many relatives, of people that we know and love from TID – ahhh, I just loved it so much! This was perfection, and give me all the 1857, London Institute, stories with Magnus going on adventures with these people and fighting demons. Also, this story beautifully emphasizes the power of unconditional love and how it is always worth everything.

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(I read this in The Bane Chronicles!) ✨

[human · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three things I know to be true:

1. This story was far better than either of its predecessors.
2. All Herondale men are basically the same but we love them for it.
3. I hate Camille :)

[Jess the Shelf-Declared Bibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

I forgot how sad this story was. Making shadowhunters choose between love and their destiny is heartbreaking.

[Lazaros · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy hell, this is the best of the three short stories I've read. Edmund Herondale is such a bonus add to this book. And once again I'm struck by how much love Magnus gives. His very existence radiates love and care and he's one of the most humane characters to ever be created without even being human. I'll save some stories for later. I'll just say that reading about Magnus and Edmund meeting and talking and Magnus witnessing Edmund falling in love and forsaking everything he believes in for that, well, it was priceless.

[Claudia Lomelí · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have only one thing to say: This Herondale boys always make me cry.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars!

"I have very few rules in life, but one of them is to never decline an adventure. The others are: to avoid becoming romantically entangled with sea creatures; to always ask for what you want, because the worst thing that can happen is embarrassment but the best thing that can happen is nudity; to demand ready money up front; and to never play cards with Catarina Loss."

This short story, the 3rd of The Bane Chronicles, is my favorite so far.

London, 1857...we see some familiar characters from TID series, in their more youthful days. The Accords are being negotiated between the Nephilim and representatives of downworlders, Magnus included, of course, representing warlocks. And we meet Edmund Herondale, Will's father.

"No fewer than four of my esteemed elders told me I was on no account to ever converse with you, so I vowed that I would know you. My name is Edmund Herondale. May I ask your name? They referred to you only as 'that disgraceful one-warlock show.' "
"I am deeply moved by that tribute," Magnus told Edmund, and made his own bow. "Magnus Bane, at your service."

We also get to meet Linette Owens, Will's mother, a Mundane traveling to London from Wales and see how their marriage came to be. There is also the first meeting between Magnus and Camille Belcourt, which ties in to some of Camille's backstory learned in Clockwork Angel.

Of the 3 short stories I've read so far, this had the most going on in it that tied into TID series. I really enjoyed this look into this part of Magnus's past.

[Athena ღ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Η αγάπη μου προς τους Χέροντεϊλ δεν θα σβήσει ποτέ ❤

[Radmila · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STARS!!!

I have very few rules in life, but one of them is to never decline an adventure. The others are: to avoid becoming romantically entangled with sea creatures; to always ask for what you want, because the worst thing that can happen is embarrassment but the best thing that can happen is nudity; to demand ready money up front; and to never play cards with Catarina Loss.





Short story about Magnus and Edmund Hernoldale, who is also known as father of Will Hernodale (The Infernal Devices).

[★MC's Corner★ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edmund: Excellent. Very few people are willing to have real adventures. Haven’t you found that out, Bane? Isn’t it sad?

Magnus: I have very few rules in life, but one of them is to never decline an adventure. The others are: to avoid becoming romantically entangled with sea creatures; to always ask for what you want, because the worst thing that can happen is embarrassment but the best thing that can happen is nudity; to demand ready money up front; and to never play cards with Catarina Loss.

Edmund: What?

Magnus: She cheats, never mind that one.

THE BEST BANE CHRONICLES BOOK YET!!!

Funny, Heart-whelming, Heart-breaking and VERY GAY.

I think the purpose of Bane Chronicles is for us(readers) to understand more about the Shadowhunters and Downworlders life cycle before The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices. Its amazing and magical.

“I think we need scones!”

@gleekidMC

[Beenish · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just loved this a lot!!
It's amazing how Cassie gave us details if Herondales that even without Edmund Herondale's character development, I realized I loved him and it hurt me to read his little story.
Plus Camille, I hate her.

[Althea ☾]

"Magnus could not say Edmund Herondale was wrong to seize love when he had found it, he could say Nephilim law was wrong for making him choose."

OMG I LOVED THIS ONE!! This was the closest to the shadowhunter vibe that I have read from this collection so far AND I JUST LOVED IT. I got my first hit of nostalgia that CC just loves to do with her books.

And also: I LOVEEE THE VOICE ACTOR OMY

COFFEE SHOP JAZZ AMBIENCE ROOM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0_ej...

1. What Really Happened in Peru - ★★★☆☆
2. The Runaway Queen - ★★☆☆☆
3. Vampires, Scones, and Edmund Herondale - ★★★★★
4. The Midnight Heir - ★★★★★
5. The Rise of the Hotel Dumort - ★★☆☆☆
6. Saving Raphael Santiago - ★★★★☆
7. The Fall of the Hotel Dumort - ★★★★☆
8. What To Buy the Shadowhunter Who Has Everything - ★★★★☆
9. The Last Stand of the New York Institute - ★★★★★
10. The Course of True Love [and First Dates] - ★★★★★
11. The Voicemail of Magnus Bane - ★★★☆☆

⟹ BLOG | SUPPORT ME ON KO-FI | BOOKSIRENS ⟸

[Ferdy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Spoilers

I did find Vampires, Scones and Edmund Herondale better than the previous Bane novellas, though that's not saying much. There were a couple of somewhat interesting/enjoyable things that happened: 1. Edmund (Will's dad) meeting Linette (Will's mum) 2. The Shadowhunters and Downworlders trying to reach some sort of truce and 3. The little Camille and Ralf angst and potential romance.

I thought a lot of it was pointless though: 1. Magnus moaning about his life (though not as much as earlier installments) 2. Magnus getting horny for anyone remotely attractive, this time it was Camille and Edmund and 3. Magnus describing what he and other people were wearing - I get it, he's fashion obsessed. Why keep banging on about it?

Again, I wasn't a fan of Magnus's - he was a spoilt horny bore. I quite like Edmund though, he was a lot like Will… Only he was a touch more likeable. Linette and Camille were decent enough characters even though they only had small roles.

I found the mentions of Edmund/Linette's romance sort of depressing since I already knew that their future would be rubbish — Edmund's gambling problem and losing his home/children is hardly a HEA. How dumb was Edmund keeping that Pyxis box (as a memento no doubt) that contained a demon in a house full of young curious children? It was his fault his daughter died. What an idiot.

I was annoyed by the random use of weird nonsensical words (noindentattered, noindentushed, renoindentection, trinoindente… WTF?! Am I missing something?). It just made the writing seem odd.

Enough with the duck jokes! They've been done to death!

[Nat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one will pull at your heartstrings just a bit, I think. Will your heart find room for another Herondale, because you're probably going to need it.

You'll find just how much Magnus Bane knows about Shadowhunters, which makes him even more interesting than he already is. That is something that I didn't think was possible.

Again, Cassie and Sarah explore the family ties amongst Shadowhunters and you'll get to understand a few more things about certain items that are passed among the generations. I find that quite awesome!

I love the introduction of characters that you've heard of, but haven't really known as they are introduced here. You'll see why certain people from the TID and TMI series are the way they are.

What I also like is the fact that Shadowhunters continue to have all kinds of flaws and yet despite that fact, there are still a few that stand out as worthy warriors.

There's also some humor here and there, and luckily it doesn't detract from the serious nature between other scenes, but gives a reprieve before having to deal with those less-than-laughable parts, which brings me to this point...

you might actually want to have some tissue ready when you read this.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

“One can give up many things for love, but one should not give up oneself.”

Narrated by Cecil Baldwin, Jamie Bamber, George Blagden, Gareth David-Lloyd, Jordan Gavaris, Stephen Lunsford, David Oyelowo, Andrew Scott, Michael Trevino, Jesse Williams

Three of ten adventures in The Bane Chronicles.

What a treat this one was, Vampire, Scones, and Edmund Herondale brought us to the Shadowhunters and a Clave meeting with the Downworlders. Most we have met, others we know by last name. The initial flirting interaction between Magnus and Camille Belcourt, but he is not alone in his quest for her attention, we meet the young Ralf Scott and get to see his determination and frustration with the Shadowhunters. There was even the origin of Isabelle Lightwood famous Ruby pendant. Love getting all these glimpses of a world I come to love and see the past and how it affected the future events.

[Grace (LovingDemBooks) Z. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Buy this book HERE on Amazon

3 of 5 stars (Please read my rating system further below). WILL'S DAD IS JUST SO GREAT. I MEAN SO GREAT. I LOVE THE HERONDALE MEN BEYOND MEASURE. IT'S CONFIRMED. AND ALWAYS HAS BEEN CONFIRMED.

My rating system: (I do use half stars.)
5 - I do not use the 5 star. Not because a book might not be worthy, but because a book is never perfect.
4 - I loved it! There weren't too many flaws, and I had no trouble getting through it. (A 4 star rating is the highest rating I've ever given a book.)
3 - I enjoyed the book, but there we're flaws that made me enjoy it less.
2 - I finished the book, but there were too many flaws for me to enjoy it.
1 - I could not finish the book, and I probably did not finish it....

[Andre · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was 99% boring. If you don't read it, you will miss absolutely nothing; it is neither well written nor structured nor anything positive. As bad as the other books were, they at least caused an emotional reaction within me; this at most caused a small amount of annoyance. Often I asked myself: What is this crap?
The only fitting part of the title was Edmund Herondale. Calling it "Magnus, Edmund and Camille" would have been better.

Character complexity is just an illusion and a sign of the authors' bad writing.
The characters are not even new. Edmund is just another version of Jace (that they are related is no excuse as so many fans claim) and his girlfriend is clearly Clary in disguise. I knew the first demon (stupid enough to hunt in Nephilim territory) was an Eidolon (which I recently found out is not an original term either) the moment the book mentioned the green eyes. And there is more. Apparently Clare or whoever wrote this cannot think of anything new, smart or realistic. Maybe they got out off cultures and books to steal from.

The only way to actually believe people in this book are the way the book tells you they are is by not noticing how they act. Otherwise you notice what dicks and caricatures they are. Magnus is basically a fashion obsessed, cock crazy diva that cares about nothing but himself. Edmund is an arrogant idiot, the Shadowhunters stereotypical jerks and Camille a bland damsel in distress. And you would think she would get the ages at least right, but both Woolsey Scott and Charlotte appear here and both their ages do not match, at all. Woolsey was described to be in his early twenties in Clockwork Prince and here he must be at least a teenager (or else we get into pedophile territory with Magnus) and Charlotte was described here as barely more than a toddler, which would mean she must be at least 3 years old (more likely 4 years). However this here happens 23 years before Clockwork Angel where she was unambiguously stated to be 23 years old and it was later confirmed in Clockwork Princes when it was stated that at the time Will had arrived 5 years prior to Clockwork Angel she was 18 years old. She is allegedly an important character and Clare cannot get her age correctly?

In addition there are once again the typically useless similes, weird phrases where you ask yourself what they actually mean, a forced plot and there was a certain "typo" where I can only say: that is laziness. The print version of this book doesn't have it anymore, but the fact that this obvious error actually came into the published e-book is very telling of how little the makers actually care.

Well this was the short and spoiler free version, now there will be the spoilers:


The "typos"
Only 6 pages had passed and I already found 3 "typos." The very first on page 1 and it was trinoindente. At first I thought it was some sort of old or made up word, but not only could google only find the text of this book with it, there was no explanation of that word in the book. Others followed: renoindentected, nonindentirtation, nonindentirt, nonidentustered, noindentourish etc.
I guessed the authors tried to look smart (failed immediately) and then I noticed what was going on:
Apparently the book replaced "fl" with "noindent". Which is so sloppy and lazy it's hard to believe. The first of these words was on the first two pages. How could they not have noticed that? Do they care that little about their product?


The weird phrases
Once again: the weird phrases of thesebooks where you have to ask yourself what they actually mean. To keep the examples to a minimum:
"Morgenstern" sounded like a goat chewing gravel
…but with the intense green eyes of a fanatic and the thin determined face of a fanatic who was actually competent
…a defiant flourish of his pen
…Dripping glittering jewels like a duchess
…Edmund's quality of bright wonder and surprise
…Her eyes looked like grass under the dew
…He starred at Magnus with blurred, wounded surprise, like a child slapped from sleep.
In reference to Fairchild's voice there was a slight suggestion of a kitten crying all alone in a large cave.

In other cases the phrases were understandable but I asked myself who talks/writes that way:
How does a whip curl around a waist like gentlemen's hand around a lady's waist during a waltz?
The man started at the unexpected onslaught and Edmund started badly? Did she mean startled or stared? An angel brought to his knees, wild and bewildered by pain? Seriously what does that mean?
I found out that twpsyn is modern welsh for idiot. So would it have been around in 1857?

In addition she had the needless similes like writing that the wide wings scorched-black leather like the aprons of blacksmiths? Was scorched-black leather not specific enough?

I really believe that neither of these authors actually knows what they are writing there. But I also start to wonder whether they put these strange phrases in so readers can just make up about the books what they like.


The Accords
These "Accords" or better Accord-attempts make no sense. Accords are a pretty big deal later so why is there so little here? And why this whole idea was started in the first place is never told.
During the first mentioned attempt there was no hint of them benefitting Downworlders and if the Accords don't benefit any then why did the Shadowhunters think they would sign them? And if that talking down by Nephilim was so common and they are such tyrants, why did those few Downworlders accept the invitation? Magnus is apparently there because he fancies that "boy" Ralf. And if the faeries were against the idea of the Accords, why was that mermaid there? Or are they not faeries?
Also that stupid werewolf Ralf thinks there will be seats on the Council for Downworlders after hearing a Shadowhunter say that he would want all their heads as trophies if it were up to him? Are the authors capable of writing anything but idiots? If he is so dumb, why is he there? He can't be a representative. And neither can the others. Why is this here in the first place?


The Shadowhunters
They read like being written by a fourth grader.
The Morgensterns we met here make Valentine look downright moderate. Wasn't the whole Morgenstern topic about the righteous but arrogant falling from grace? Well not here, these are plain jerks.
Plus, I know they are vilified here for referring to Magnus as that disgraceful one-warlock show but considered how he acts here, I think they have a point.
Of course we get the old whining that rare is the Shadowhunter with an intact family despite nearly every family actually shown in TMI still had all members.
And how did these morons think Downworlders would act if it stuns them that they have requests of their own and shout them down for one very reasonable demand? Do they even try to negotiate or are they just that dumb? They are called "Accords" and not "Demands" so by their very names there would need to be negotiations. What happened here would never work unless you have superior force and if they had that they wouldn't need the Accords.
And of course they are all assholes here. After all why else should they have a later meeting where everyone can hear Edmund scream, right? And all of them are ok with such a thing? Seriously, that makes no sense. Also if Edmund got stripped of his marks back then for this, why didn't Jocelyn Fairchild later?
And this whole punishment for Edmund wanting to stay with Linette is weird to begin with. I can't be the first one so there should be rules for such cases when someone does not want to or can't be a Shadowhunter but both lovers want to stay. And why would becoming one keep Linette from caring for the people on her estate? According to CoB back then women usually weren't warriors among the Shadowhunters. And shouldn’t they just wait for the tests mentioned in CoB to see whether Linette would be suitable? In fact CA had mundanes working for Shadowhunters, why not here?
You could say that it is this way because they stem from medieval Europe, but considered how much Clare ignores and romanticizes history it is clear that they are only such dicks so she can paint her main characters as great people.
And they apparently can neither think of guards to make sure no one eavesdrops nor to warn them of danger approaching. They got attacked by "Achaieral demons" at their base in such numbers that they blanketed the night, blotting out the moon and wiping away the stars. Apart from the fact that blanketed the night is a weird phrase it also begs the question as to how they were not spotted earlier by anyone.
Also since Shadowhunters and Downworlders had already fought side by side in 1857 with success, why was it so anathema to the Shadowhunters in City of Glass? And why did the Shadowhunters suddenly protect Ralf and Arabella (whom Magnus only refers as werewolf and mermaid) if only minutes ago they couldn't stand them?
And why had they decided that Magnus and Camille were the most reasonable among the assembled Downworlders, despite doing the least of all to get the Accords done? Ralf did more than both together. And what spoke against deQuincey or the mermaid?
What idiot writes this? Well the same that cannot remember what she wrote about the physical capabilities of Shadowhunters in her first TMI books as they now have the swiftness of Angels.


The main characters

Magnus
Magnus makes a scandal in front of the Shadowhunters and gives them even more reasons to be dicks. Supposedly he was there to help Ralf and that it was a shame to see the boy's airy dreams come to this. But instead of listening to what happens he was flirting with Camille, couldn't remember consul Morgenstern's name, was annoyed by the meeting, tells everyone he didn't pay attention because somebody incredibly attractive came into the room (a remark he referred to as perhaps ill-judged). And despite having done nothing to support it (he could have later saved it but chose to remain silent), he stated that he inclined to give the Accords up as hopeless. Well he definitely seems to play his part in making sure a truce between the factions will never come to pass.
And for someone who defends all he does, he seems pretty quick to judge the ways of others.

Also later when Ralf has a face set in lines of pain Magnus doesn't care because he was not bound to care overmuch for his broken heart. But the fate of Edmund causes Magnus a heavy heart and suddenly he cannot see Ralf's dream die. Well … he doesn't seem to have given a fuck before.

Magnus's stereotypical bisexuality is "explained" by stating that he is open for love and allegedly pretty much looks at everybody, but the claim of preferring black hair (again, it gets annoying) makes it so that he of course settles only for Will/Jace lookalikes. Plus it was stated that it was a decided preference. Decision implies a conscious act and how do you chose a preference? Were they meaning to say "definitive?"
And wasn't there something in the first Bane Chronicles that he supposedly met homophobia in the past? Well there was once again no mentioning, it was way too easy with his flirtations (respectively he gets even openly flirted at by guys); there is no hint that it is generally more difficult to date guys here. Only when it's convenient to paint the Shadowhunters in a bad light does homophobia suddenly exist in Victorian England. And not just that, a rule of his is to always ask for what you want because the worst thing that can happen is embarrassment. This guy has been alive since the 17th century? Where was he all that time? And it doesn't end there: Magnus chose the last name Bane for himself because whenever he heard anything described as it he felt sure he would like it. What life did this guy have? And for a guy that is so old Magnus knows astoundingly little about taste in looks, he just suspects that everyone finds Edmund attractive (by the way he only mentions details in looks, never character). Fuck the guy even thinks that Linette must be in London in search for love. Does he have no idea about Victorian customs?
And speaking of carnal delights in a balloon are not romantic speculations. It is pure sex, nothing more, nothing less.
And despite his whining in book 1 that he always feels like a stranger, most people here that want to know him are tiresome. Wow look how grateful he is that people are interested.
And there was the painful background again: there were many who could not read anything but evil in Magnus's own eyes, even his stepfather once said: devil's child, Satan's get, born to be damned, forsaken by God. Not only is this just old news in new dress, there are also no people ever shown who actually act like he describes.
When reading I asked myself whether the authors consciously write him so or whether their memory is so bad. He states that Marie Antoinette was an exciting but not comfortable traveling companion when she was mostly unconscious in book 2. And why does he wince at that memory? Because of Axel? The guy he abandoned after only a few weeks?
Magnus complains about self-importance, despite being the guy who constantly acts on a whim. He appreciates honesty but constantly lies about his age?
The biggest crap is that they write that Magnus despises to be wealthy, that he wants to get rid of money as soon as he has it. So where does he get all his clothes, trinkets and everything else? Why does he like to be in the White's club? We are supposed to believe that? He took Alec on a fucking world tour and went through the high society of Paris. How did he do that? Handouts? Theft? But hey, suddenly Magnus said that a loss of words is a novel and good experience for Edmund when just two pages ago he was awestruck by that blabbermouth. But remember, he is not into blonds… yeah right, the descriptions here say otherwise.

And speaking of the club:
Why did Catarina bet Magnus could not get into White's Club? He can do magic. Why could Magnus be in that White's club anyhow? Is he suddenly not "Asian" anymore? I mean this book plays during the second opium war between British, French and Chinese, so would he really be so welcome considered his alleged looks? The authors once again either don't seem to care what it is they created or they have no idea. However considered that TID claimed him to be mixed Indonesian and Dutch would suggest he could actually be mistaken for Indian. Of course Book 2 in this had him have gold skin again, so the authors apparently go back and forth here. Also he states that he never much felt like explaining his origins to white-skinned Europeans who didn't care to know the difference between Shanghai and Rangoon, given the troubles in India, it was not actually a good idea for Magnus to be taken for Indian. Doesn't it ever occur to him that some people might not know any better? Seriously, if that man took him for Indian he probably has no idea. This is 21st century 1st world annoyance of the wealthy at its finest.
And the first thing Magnus says under his breath when that gentlemen (who might be Richard Pepper Arden, 3rd Baron Alvanley) in White's club approached him was that he believes the guy was drunk when he got dressed. So nice of Magnus to insult people right away. And even if he said it under his breath, why didn't the guy here him?

That Magnus envisioned the Shadowhunters basically as weapon crazy with superiority complexes during their spare time only proves what a self-centered and arrogant dick he is. And when Magnus states that he doesn't believe that the Shadowhunters are serious about the dignity of a conclave being impaired if they do it in the park and some oblivious mundane has a picnic between them… I don't really know how to respond to that nonsense. Not only was it totally pointless plotwise, but the hunters have a point. Also pretty much everyone could overhear them and it's not as though the glamour is foolproof.

That Magnus found the way a small compliment could please a woman (at other cases he refers to Camille as a girl) who had been beautiful for centuries delightful and sympathetic, makes Camille (whom he just suddenly noticed to love) sound desperate. And will we ever know anything he likes about her that does not have to do with her looks?


Edmund
There is no doubt that Edmund is Jace. He is described as the most beautiful (blue eyes, white skin, blond hair) and elegant; always admired and with a troubled past. Even the older Mrs. Morgenstern is reduced to blushes and smiles by him just because he made a play with his long golden eyelashes. He was even taken in by the Fairchilds (you know Jocelyn's family). He had to know Magnus because of the warning of four esteemed elders and not even surprised about Magnus mentioning homosexual behavior and has no problem with that whatsoever. There is only one woman (a girl/woman [the book switches] called Linette who is Clary all over) he could love, was charming (at least not rude) and constantly likened to an angel. Magnus even describes his body as angelic and athletic without ever seeing him in anything but a dress and a simple coat (where he strangely has many whips hidden). That is clearly not possible and the most logical explanation is that the authors just wrote Jace.

But in one case he is worse than Jace:
Basically Edmund tells us that due to him breaking the heart of a girl named Barbara she rushed into marrying Benedict Lightwood. Someone with, according to him and Magnus, extremely deviant demon related sexual behavior and who is called Bad News Benedict, Benedict Lightworm and Bestial Benedict and all he does is saying that the hearts of ladies are plenty and easily broken and he shrugs it off and is only a little rueful but mostly amused?!?!? Magnus says and thinks nothing off this, ever, and I am supposed to route for these assholes?
This makes me absolutely not sympathetic to the badly done foreshadowing of Edmund's later wrecked life. Of course I don't buy Magnus being so wise of seeing that coming because not only could everyone have seen that, but Magnus mostly acts like an idiot and asshole who can't decide whether Edmund is a boy or a man and neither him nor Edmund know how to reconcile their problems (how about striking a deal with the Shadowhunters).


Camille
Camille here is totally bland and just a fashion obsessed damsel in distress, maybe even a female version of Magnus. She is "great" because she is charming and into the absolute height of fashion. And all roads led back to Lady Camille's bosom.
Of course the instinctual hatred between werewolves and vampires described in City of Ashes doesn't exist here, Camille's skin is porcelain (rip-off!) and she only defends Ralf because she seems fond of him. As if any woman could have other reasons. Who cares about 3 dimensional characters right?
And as for her being a damsel in distress, she:
- just tumbles onto the ground and was shaking instead of just landing or transforming into a bat or dust. (which is of course not possible because she is a woman and Clare forgot she gave her vampires that ability in CoB)
- cries and is suddenly so fragile feeling to Magnus
- is so shaken because a fortune teller did tell her that death will come to her as a surprise
- tells Magnus personal stuff despite barely knowing him
Her whole characterization during the book seems to ignore that she is a centuries old vampire. The only positive thing might have been that she seems less foolish and less easily hurt than Magnus, but that was it.

[luciana · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I loved the references to The Infernal Devices!

[Stephanie Bedell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just be aware that most of the ebooks have a typo error that significantly effects the story. The letters "fl" are replaced with "no indent." So the word "fly" becomes "noindenty" and "flourish" becomes "noindentourish". It is incredibly frustrating until you know what is going on. Its a shame the publishers didn't take a little more time with this one. Its quite a massive error. It was a great story once I figured out the typo issue.

[Sinead · Rating 5 out of 5]

“One can give up many things for love, but one should not give up oneself.”

Any book that contains the Herondales, Tessa Gray or Alec Lightwood will always be a favourite in my eyes. This book tells the story of Magnus's first meeting with the infamous Herondales, Edmund, Will's father, and how far he'll go to be with the woman he loves. I loved it, needless to say! I love how fond Magnus is of the Herondale family and the lengths he'll go to help them.

[karlé · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just keep loving The Bane Chronicles more and more and more and more!! Although this one is a tad bit short cause there's a lot of things happening! But it's okay cause it is THAT good. And by the title, yes.. another Herondale will catch your heart. And My Magnus is perfect as always, this deserves a Leo gif.

[✨faith✨trust✨pixiedust✨ Dead Account; Not Coming Back · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best so far! I loved Edmund, and Magnus was actually a real person in this, not a ridiculous caricature. The audiobook narrator was excellent as well, so that definitely helped.

[fiona ☁️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5 stars

The best one so far!! TID references are my new favourite thing. Also, my love for Magnus Bane seems to grow with every page I read about him.

------------------------------------------

FAVOURITE QUOTES:

“Excuse me, Bane?” said Roderick Morgenstern. “Are you attending?”
“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.”


"Noindentirting? We were merely indulging in a little risqué conversation," Magnus said, offended. "When I begin to noindentirt, I assure you the entire room will know. My noindentirtations cause sensations."


'Magnus had been alive hundreds of years himself, and yet the simplest things could turn a day into a jewel, and a succession of days into a glittering chain that went on and on. Here was the simplest thing: a pretty girl liked him, and the day shone.'


"I have very few rules in life, but one of them is to never decline an adventure.
The others are: to avoid becoming romantically entangled with sea creatures; to always ask for what you want, because the worst thing that can happen is embarrassment but thebest thing that can happen is nudity; to demand ready money up front; and to never play cards with Catarina Loss.”
“What?”
“She cheats,” Magnus explained.


“You do not strike me as the sort of man to step aside and renounce a claim for the benefit of another!”
“Ah, but I am not a man. Am I? I have years, and so do you,” he added, and that w a s glorious too, the idea of loving someone and not fearing they would soon be lost.'


“I shall never eat duck again. I cannot believe I used to like duck. The duck betrayed me.”

[dia&#x1f48b; · Rating 3 out of 5]

perhaps the main reason why i didn’t enjoy it very much is that alec hadn’t appeared yet

[nefeli · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5 ⭐


Buddy read this with Sanyam😊
Read his review here!!


This was my least favourite out of the three stories so far :/

The things I liked about it:

~Edmund Herondale

“The most remarkable thing about him were his eyes. They were laughing eyes, at once both joyous and tender: they were the radiant pale blue of a sky slipping toward evening in Heaven, when angels who had been sweet all day found themselves tempted to sin.”

When he mentioned ducks 😂 now we undertand why thhis rivarly between ducks and Herondales exist

“I shall never eat duck again. I cannot believe I used to like duck. The duck betrayed me.”

I'm pretty sure the next story is about Will Herondale so hopefully it will be better 🤞


~I loved how we got to see some TID characters when they were younger and their ancestors!
Like young Chralotte <3


~Magnus Bane
How can anyone not like him?

“Somebody incredibly attractive just came into the room, and I ceased to pay attention to a word you were saying.”

“One can give up many things for love, but one should not give up oneself.”

“After all, attractive and interesting persons do not simply drop out of the sky.”

[Sanyam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Buddy Read with Nefeli
2.5 stars

This was my least favourite of the first three stories. Although I enjoyed the parts where Edmund meets Linette.
Most of the book was just Shadowhunter-Downworlder meeting. It wasn't boring, but y'know, when you write something named "The Bane Chronicles", it should contain more about Magnus the Magnificient Bane than Shadowhunter politics.
Also, thw werewolf love of Camille's they mention in The Clockwork Angel, whom De Quincey killed? Was it the same Ralf Scott as in this one?

[Sonja · Rating 4 out of 5]

❝One can give up many things for love, but one should not give up oneself.❞

The best Magnus Bane short story I have read thus far! The writing seems to have improved, and the story was far more interesting than the previous two short stories..

❝My lady, with me, every night is an adventure.❞

____________________
I read this in The Bane Chronicles 💫

[katia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

“I was born to be a warrior, and I was born to be with her.” 🫶 it’s so tragic that edmund had to give up everything for love.

[Mairéad (is roaming the Undying Lands) · Rating 4 out of 5]

{March 11th, 2015} MINI REVIEW

4.5 stars.

SPOILERS i guess

Pg 147.
*heart lays broken* This one was actually pretty decent compared to the first two, thankfully we're getting somewhere! >.<

I was SO glad to finally discover one of the stories were to my liking. Actually I was growing worried that I wouldn't like many of the eleven listed within this colossal tome of a book featuring these stories. I was delighted that we returned to Victorian England, although this story is situated prior to The Infernal Devices, it is rather heartbreaking by the end of it. But it shows why and how Magnus Bane seems so up in arms against Shadowhunters in general until the Magnus we know from The Mortal Instruments he has really changed overtime. From bitterness to gradually warming up to the sheer possibility of rejoining and having hope for peace between Downworlders and Shadowhunters.

Alas it won't happen for some time as we all know... < / 3