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The Shadowhunter Chronicles #20
Secrets of Blackthorn Hall
Julian and Emma are on their travel year when the Clave sends Julian a message: clean up Blackthorn Hall or ownership reverts back to the Clave. Amidst the clutter and disrepair they discover secrets that Blackthorn Hall has kept hidden for years... They find out something... or someone... else might be sharing the space with them. They’ll also entertain visitors like Jem, Tessa, Cristina, Mark, Kieran, Kit, Ty, Dru and more.
Emma and Julian of The Dark Artifices move temporarily to London to fix up the crumbling Blackthorn Hall... only to find that among the various objects that belonged to their ancestors, there might be a spectral presence that wishes them harm...
Secrets of Blackthorn Hall is an illustrated serialized epistolary novel by Cassandra Clare that was released online for free and now in print as part of the Seasons of Shadowhunters Kickstarter campaign.
The story takes place roughly starting in January 2014—about a year and a half after The Dark Artifices—and takes course over the span of a few months—ending about a year before The Wicked Powers. It centers on the characters from The Dark Artifices but also delves into the history of those from The Last Hours and The Infernal Devices through books and old papers found in the house.
For a better understanding of the story, please make sure you have read all of the Shadowhunter books released as of 2024, as there will be spoilers (TLH being the last book series released before this book.)
Emma and Julian of The Dark Artifices move temporarily to London to fix up the crumbling Blackthorn Hall... only to find that among the various objects that belonged to their ancestors, there might be a spectral presence that wishes them harm...
Secrets of Blackthorn Hall is an illustrated serialized epistolary novel by Cassandra Clare that was released online for free and now in print as part of the Seasons of Shadowhunters Kickstarter campaign.
The story takes place roughly starting in January 2014—about a year and a half after The Dark Artifices—and takes course over the span of a few months—ending about a year before The Wicked Powers. It centers on the characters from The Dark Artifices but also delves into the history of those from The Last Hours and The Infernal Devices through books and old papers found in the house.
For a better understanding of the story, please make sure you have read all of the Shadowhunter books released as of 2024, as there will be spoilers (TLH being the last book series released before this book.)
269 pages, Hardcover
First published July 9, 2021
About the author
Cassandra Clare
230 books281k followersCassandra 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 801 reviews
July 16, 2024
that's literally my family idk what to tell you
July 9, 2024
No one can prove that I start to get emotional any time an Infernal Devices character (especially Will) is mentioned.
This was so good!
This was so good!
August 2, 2026
This took me back to my pre-teen Shadowhunters obsession. I read my first Cassandra Clare book at ten years old, and have dutifully read every release (normally on release day, exams or not) since then.
This felt reminiscent of the 2010s urban fantasy where the slice of life is fun and fluffy, but there’s an adventure behind it.
Basically, Emma and Julian from The Last Hours trilogy inherit the Blackthorn Hall which is being haunted. Cue the investigation.
Expect cameos from fan favourites, text messages (that are so Gen Z, I am in awe is Clare), beautiful art, letters, and diary entries.
Dear Magnus,
Mark this date down! For once I am writing to you with answers instead of questions. You probably felt a sinking sensation when you saw the letter was from me and considered going into the Witness Protection Program (Warlock Protection Program?), but I'm actually only writing to give you the latest updates.
Cassandra Clare has always been an author who understands her characters and fans so well that everything feels like fan service, without it ever getting cringy or pandering.
I would not recommend reading this without reading EVERY SINGLE other main Shadowhunters novel. You will be spoiled. You have been warned.
I would recommend reading this before The Wicked Powers trilogy coming out in November as there are Easter Eggs and a crazy ending that I felt was quite rude. Like, I have to wait to November?!
I’m sure Clare will drop small recaps in The Wicked Powers for those who didn’t read the Kickstarter book, but this is one you won’t want to miss.
Physical arc gifted by Daphne Press.
DO NOT read on if you have not read The Infernal Devices, The Last Hours, The Mortal Instruments, and The Dark Artifices:
Jem thinks we should let him work it out on his own, as he is a teenager, but then I remember my first two children, when they were teenagers, how there were times when they did need my help. (I am very much hoping that Kit is not having a tempestuous affair with a ghost. Certainly I don't want to go through that again.)
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This felt reminiscent of the 2010s urban fantasy where the slice of life is fun and fluffy, but there’s an adventure behind it.
Basically, Emma and Julian from The Last Hours trilogy inherit the Blackthorn Hall which is being haunted. Cue the investigation.
Expect cameos from fan favourites, text messages (that are so Gen Z, I am in awe is Clare), beautiful art, letters, and diary entries.
Dear Magnus,
Mark this date down! For once I am writing to you with answers instead of questions. You probably felt a sinking sensation when you saw the letter was from me and considered going into the Witness Protection Program (Warlock Protection Program?), but I'm actually only writing to give you the latest updates.
Cassandra Clare has always been an author who understands her characters and fans so well that everything feels like fan service, without it ever getting cringy or pandering.
I would not recommend reading this without reading EVERY SINGLE other main Shadowhunters novel. You will be spoiled. You have been warned.
I would recommend reading this before The Wicked Powers trilogy coming out in November as there are Easter Eggs and a crazy ending that I felt was quite rude. Like, I have to wait to November?!
I’m sure Clare will drop small recaps in The Wicked Powers for those who didn’t read the Kickstarter book, but this is one you won’t want to miss.
Physical arc gifted by Daphne Press.
DO NOT read on if you have not read The Infernal Devices, The Last Hours, The Mortal Instruments, and The Dark Artifices:
Jem thinks we should let him work it out on his own, as he is a teenager, but then I remember my first two children, when they were teenagers, how there were times when they did need my help. (I am very much hoping that Kit is not having a tempestuous affair with a ghost. Certainly I don't want to go through that again.)
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July 4, 2024I don’t think it’s really fair to give this a star rating but I have to appreciate cassandra clare’s commitment to writing fanfiction about her own characters
July 3, 2024
“Remember that you are of the steel and temper of those who have gone before you.”
i enjoyed this soo much and i think all shadowhunter fans should read it!!! the way this connected TDA witH TLH and TWP is so good!!
this was also a great example of how well cassandra clare can connect her series in subtle ways ugh so good!
yes i did cry more than once (it’s not a shadowhunter book if i don’t shed some tears).
also…… i need the wicked powers to come out ASAP. this came with a sampler of the first chapter and i’m going to read it, scream, then read it again. 2026 is too far.
“I believe in you, Emma. When I see you, I see Carstairs past; I see bravery, and the flame of Cortana.”
i enjoyed this soo much and i think all shadowhunter fans should read it!!! the way this connected TDA witH TLH and TWP is so good!!
this was also a great example of how well cassandra clare can connect her series in subtle ways ugh so good!
yes i did cry more than once (it’s not a shadowhunter book if i don’t shed some tears).
also…… i need the wicked powers to come out ASAP. this came with a sampler of the first chapter and i’m going to read it, scream, then read it again. 2026 is too far.
“I believe in you, Emma. When I see you, I see Carstairs past; I see bravery, and the flame of Cortana.”
July 28, 2024
i fear that i missed my besties
August 1, 2024
I finally have it! Received it a few days ago, and loved going through all that lovely art by Cassandra Jean. Can’t wait to re-read it! (Idk when I’ll get to my re-reads though... 😭)
***
So, even this one’s getting published for all readers?! (no surprise there) I guess I could get my hands on it after all (I hope).
***
I can’t hold this in my hands, but at least it’s still available for free on tumblr 🥹
***
So, even this one’s getting published for all readers?! (no surprise there) I guess I could get my hands on it after all (I hope).
***
I can’t hold this in my hands, but at least it’s still available for free on tumblr 🥹
April 14, 2026
October 2026:
Had to sneak a reread in before picking up my TLKOF arc (that is so surreal to say!!!!)
“The long sunny day of Kit's childhood is nearly over. I shudder to think what he will have to face when night arrives.”
This book is incredible. My angels😭😭😭🫶🏻
April 2026:
My third infinity star read of 2026!!♾️⭐️!!!💓
HOW does Cassandra Clare manage to do it? How does she write a novella that has me tearing up on one page and bursting out laughing the next? These characters mean more to me than I could ever put into words. Growing up with them these past eighteen years has been one of the greatest joys of my life.
This is an epistolary novella (told entirely through letters, journal entries & documents) that chronicles the journey of Julian and Emma fixing up the gothic, crumbling Chiswick House. As in….THE Chiswick House of Clockwork Princess where some of the most beloved shadowhunters battled a ginormous worm 150 years before.
This was full of nostalgia and nods to the past, easter eggs for the future and it wove the perfect tapestry to set up Kit and Ty’s story. All of her beloved characters are mentioned at some point and each POV was as charmingly sarcastic and deeply wise as ever. I was especially obsessed with Kit and Drue’s text messages. MY HEART IS SO FULL! I NEED NOV 3RD NOW!
Had to sneak a reread in before picking up my TLKOF arc (that is so surreal to say!!!!)
“The long sunny day of Kit's childhood is nearly over. I shudder to think what he will have to face when night arrives.”
This book is incredible. My angels😭😭😭🫶🏻
April 2026:
My third infinity star read of 2026!!♾️⭐️!!!💓
HOW does Cassandra Clare manage to do it? How does she write a novella that has me tearing up on one page and bursting out laughing the next? These characters mean more to me than I could ever put into words. Growing up with them these past eighteen years has been one of the greatest joys of my life.
This is an epistolary novella (told entirely through letters, journal entries & documents) that chronicles the journey of Julian and Emma fixing up the gothic, crumbling Chiswick House. As in….THE Chiswick House of Clockwork Princess where some of the most beloved shadowhunters battled a ginormous worm 150 years before.
This was full of nostalgia and nods to the past, easter eggs for the future and it wove the perfect tapestry to set up Kit and Ty’s story. All of her beloved characters are mentioned at some point and each POV was as charmingly sarcastic and deeply wise as ever. I was especially obsessed with Kit and Drue’s text messages. MY HEART IS SO FULL! I NEED NOV 3RD NOW!
August 4, 2024
never been so glad to have make poor financial decisions as i am after receiving this in the mail, my family forever
April 7, 2026
try not to cry every time herondale lore gets mentioned challenge (impossible)
August 25, 2024
Secrets of Blackthorn Hall feels like coming home after an extended vacation. It’s fun and nostalgic as readers catch up with their favourite characters in a low stakes mystery about a ghost haunting Blackthorn Hall.
Told from letters, diary entries, and text messages, Secrets of Blackthorn Hall tells the story of Emma and Julian restoring Blackthorn hall with the help of their family and friends. While the story isn’t as fully fleshed out as I would have liked (though that is because of the medium), I had a great time catching up with the characters in this interlude before The Wicked Powers.
I never read this as it was releasing, so I backed the Kickstarter as soon as possible. The quality of the book is incredible with full colour illustrations on photo quality paper.
A couple minor criticisms: the use of the wrong its/it’s, missing spaces, double spaces, and the placement of a few illustrations was incorrect as the text would say something like “I enclosed a photo” then would start the next ‘chapter’ without the photo only for the photo to be at the end of that following chapter.
“Remember that you are of the steel and temper of those who have gone before you.”
Told from letters, diary entries, and text messages, Secrets of Blackthorn Hall tells the story of Emma and Julian restoring Blackthorn hall with the help of their family and friends. While the story isn’t as fully fleshed out as I would have liked (though that is because of the medium), I had a great time catching up with the characters in this interlude before The Wicked Powers.
I never read this as it was releasing, so I backed the Kickstarter as soon as possible. The quality of the book is incredible with full colour illustrations on photo quality paper.
A couple minor criticisms: the use of the wrong its/it’s, missing spaces, double spaces, and the placement of a few illustrations was incorrect as the text would say something like “I enclosed a photo” then would start the next ‘chapter’ without the photo only for the photo to be at the end of that following chapter.
“Remember that you are of the steel and temper of those who have gone before you.”
January 4, 2025
i will never be free from this series i fear
July 13, 2024
Totally a future comfort read!
April 25, 2026
★★★★ │ 🪽✒️🎨 i missed the dark artifices crew 🥹 thats MY family fr ✊🏽♥️
this bonus story was cute af and i loved the little illustrations throughout ✌🏽
this bonus story was cute af and i loved the little illustrations throughout ✌🏽
October 31, 2026
Oh my gosh this was so fun😭 Reading SOBH really made me miss the gang in TDA, especially Emma and Julian🥹 And all the art throughout the book!!!!! Oh it was so so cute my hearttt ugh I love these guys so much. (also the way the 2nd last entry nearly made me cry??) Seriously cannot wait to reunite with the gang in TLKOF !!
March 22, 2026
Secrets of Blackthorn Hall felt like a cozy little reunion wrapped in mystery and Shadowhunter chaos. I loved getting back to Emma, Julian, and the rest of the LA Institute crew. The epistolary format was fun and made everything feel more personal. The haunted house vibes and hidden family secrets added just enough intrigue and the cameos from familiar faces were such a treat. This was a quick, nostalgic read that felt like catching up with old friends. It was a good way to hold me over until The Last King of Faerie comes out!
July 7, 2024
اعمامي و اعمام عيالي
August 5, 2024
“Remember that you are of the steel and temper of those who have gone before you.”
Cassandra Clare’s Shadowhunter Chronicles will forever be my comfort reads.
Every time, without fail, they take me back to 2013 when I made the decision to pick up City of Bones after years of not reading. I went to see The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones film at the cinema, not realising that my life was going to change for the better. So, over ten years later, I’m still loving everything about this fantasy world Cassandra Clare has created - and I wish it could go on forever and ever(although I know she deserves, as a writer, to explore new worlds/characters like she did in Sword Catcher)
Secrets of Blackthorn Hall was an absolute delight to read! I never did follow it when she posted it online, so reading this was entirely new. I loved the epistolary format - the diary entries and the letters alongside artwork done by the amazing Cassandra Jean. It felt so special to have this edition in my hands. I’d never used Kickstarter before, had no real idea how it even worked but I quickly learnt as soon as Cassie announced Seasons of Shadowhunters.
Loved everything about this and I’m insanely excited for the next three!
Cassandra Clare’s Shadowhunter Chronicles will forever be my comfort reads.
Every time, without fail, they take me back to 2013 when I made the decision to pick up City of Bones after years of not reading. I went to see The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones film at the cinema, not realising that my life was going to change for the better. So, over ten years later, I’m still loving everything about this fantasy world Cassandra Clare has created - and I wish it could go on forever and ever(although I know she deserves, as a writer, to explore new worlds/characters like she did in Sword Catcher)
Secrets of Blackthorn Hall was an absolute delight to read! I never did follow it when she posted it online, so reading this was entirely new. I loved the epistolary format - the diary entries and the letters alongside artwork done by the amazing Cassandra Jean. It felt so special to have this edition in my hands. I’d never used Kickstarter before, had no real idea how it even worked but I quickly learnt as soon as Cassie announced Seasons of Shadowhunters.
Loved everything about this and I’m insanely excited for the next three!
August 12, 2024
Reread thoughts - I think this works well to bridge the gap between The Dark Artifices and The Wicked Powers. There are definitely some hints towards what is coming. I loved all the artwork too!
I'm a sucker for Shadowhunter family moments and references to all the series, what can I say...
I'm a sucker for Shadowhunter family moments and references to all the series, what can I say...
June 2, 2026
never forget what she took away from us
November 9, 2024
2024 reads: 306/250
this novella takes place in the time between the dark artifices and the wicked powers, following the blackthorn and carstairs-gray families, as well as a few other characters. the dark artifices series has some of my favorite characters in the shadowhunter chronicles, so i really loved getting to see what they were up to! i enjoyed how this novella included prose, text messages, character art, letters, etc. this was also a nice set up for the wicked powers and made me even more eager to get my hands on that series!
this novella takes place in the time between the dark artifices and the wicked powers, following the blackthorn and carstairs-gray families, as well as a few other characters. the dark artifices series has some of my favorite characters in the shadowhunter chronicles, so i really loved getting to see what they were up to! i enjoyed how this novella included prose, text messages, character art, letters, etc. this was also a nice set up for the wicked powers and made me even more eager to get my hands on that series!
June 6, 2026
NEED the last king of faerie now omfg
December 9, 2025
Sempre bello leggere tutti loro, Emma mi fa sempre morire dal ridere.
Adesso ho bisogno di avere il libro su Kit e Ty, tipo subito.
Adesso ho bisogno di avere il libro su Kit e Ty, tipo subito.
August 11, 2024
it’s good to have my family back i’m gonna km now
December 3, 2025
The kit & ty story was like a punch in the gut. god when ty asked when he’s going to forgive him I choked on my tears.
Want to Read
November 14, 2025More content from Emma and Julian? That’s all I wanted.
Shadowhunter Chronicles:
1. Clockwork Angel ★★★
2. Clockwork Prince ★★★★
3. Clockwork Princess ★★★
1. Chain of Gold ★★
2. Chain of Iron ★★★★
3. Chain of Thorns ★★★
1. City of Bones ★★★
2. City of Ash ★★★
3. City of Glass ★★★★
4. City of Fallen Angels ★★★
5. City of Lost Souls City ★★★★
*. The Bane Chronicles ★★
6. City of Heavenly Fire ★★
*. Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy ★★
1. Lady Midnight ★★★★
2. Lord of Shadows ★★★★
3. Queen of Air and Darkness ★★★★
*. Ghosts of the Shadow Market ★★
Shadowhunter Chronicles:
1. Clockwork Angel ★★★
2. Clockwork Prince ★★★★
3. Clockwork Princess ★★★
1. Chain of Gold ★★
2. Chain of Iron ★★★★
3. Chain of Thorns ★★★
1. City of Bones ★★★
2. City of Ash ★★★
3. City of Glass ★★★★
4. City of Fallen Angels ★★★
5. City of Lost Souls City ★★★★
*. The Bane Chronicles ★★
6. City of Heavenly Fire ★★
*. Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy ★★
1. Lady Midnight ★★★★
2. Lord of Shadows ★★★★
3. Queen of Air and Darkness ★★★★
*. Ghosts of the Shadow Market ★★
November 10, 2025
4.5⭐️
Ho letto per la prima volta "I Segreti di Blackthorn Hall" ai tempi in cui Cassandra Clare condivideva il progetto su Tumblr settimana per settimana, ma rileggere tutto in cartaceo è stato ancora più bello.
Il mondo di Shadowhunters è una parte fondamentale della mia vita, sono legatissima ai personaggi creati dalla Clare, e leggere questa raccolta di lettere, pagine di diario e chat è stato come tornare a casa.
Ne avrò mai abbastanza di questo mondo?
Assolutamente no, anzi, ho bisogno del prossimo volume della saga adesso più che mai.
Ho letto per la prima volta "I Segreti di Blackthorn Hall" ai tempi in cui Cassandra Clare condivideva il progetto su Tumblr settimana per settimana, ma rileggere tutto in cartaceo è stato ancora più bello.
Il mondo di Shadowhunters è una parte fondamentale della mia vita, sono legatissima ai personaggi creati dalla Clare, e leggere questa raccolta di lettere, pagine di diario e chat è stato come tornare a casa.
Ne avrò mai abbastanza di questo mondo?
Assolutamente no, anzi, ho bisogno del prossimo volume della saga adesso più che mai.
November 6, 2024
Honestly no author does it for me like Cassie Clare. My love for these characters runs so deep, I was choking back tears the entire way through. And the BEAUTY of this special edition printed version of SOBH… i’ll forever be grateful for this kickstarter project.
August 30, 2024
Plot a mess and a half, but you best believe I was lapping up those Wicked Powers crumbs!
October 24, 2024
Blackstairs and Backthorns are my family fr.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 801 reviews