What do you think?
Rate this book
Seasons of Shadowhunters #3
Careful of Books
Careful of Books is a collection of four novellas by Cassandra Clare. One of the stories follows a Shadowhunter on an adventure, two are updated fantasy retellings of classic stories, and one is a new fantasy project.
Here you will find:
"A SEA CHANGE", the long-awaited Matthew Fairchild novella that narrates an adventure on board of a ship, set after The Last Hours.
"A SCANDAL AT UNDERSHAW", a novella with a take on the Sherlock Holmes books that takes place in the modern world.
"WENDY DARLING", a screenplay that Cassie wrote as a TV series pilot episode but never saw the light, it's a modern-day retelling of Peter Pan, in which Wendy goes to a boarding school for problematic kids where strange things happen as soon as she arrives.
"IN FIRE FORETOLD", a story about magic portals and alternate worlds. This title may sound familiar to you because this novella shares the name with Cassie's upcoming YA series that she will be writing after The Wicked Powers. The original idea began its life as a novella before she decided to expand it into a duology of novels, and this is that novella.
Here you will find:
"A SEA CHANGE", the long-awaited Matthew Fairchild novella that narrates an adventure on board of a ship, set after The Last Hours.
"A SCANDAL AT UNDERSHAW", a novella with a take on the Sherlock Holmes books that takes place in the modern world.
"WENDY DARLING", a screenplay that Cassie wrote as a TV series pilot episode but never saw the light, it's a modern-day retelling of Peter Pan, in which Wendy goes to a boarding school for problematic kids where strange things happen as soon as she arrives.
"IN FIRE FORETOLD", a story about magic portals and alternate worlds. This title may sound familiar to you because this novella shares the name with Cassie's upcoming YA series that she will be writing after The Wicked Powers. The original idea began its life as a novella before she decided to expand it into a duology of novels, and this is that novella.
378 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2025
51 people are currently reading
1400 people want to read
About the author
Cassandra Clare
198 books279k 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
June 12, 2025
Careful of Books is officially a must-have for any Cassandra Clare fan. This collection of four novellas is part of the Seasons of Shadowhunters series, a special edition project.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect, along with my thoughts after reading them all:
📖 "A Sea Change"
This is the only novella set in the Shadowhunters universe, and it focuses on Matthew Fairchild’s future. Yes, we finally got more Matthew content, and though it was short, it was sweet! Cassie managed to pack in a couple of great twists despite the limited length, which is honestly impressive. I liked it a lot. And Sylvain Allard? Very intriguing.
🔍 "A Scandal at Undershaw"
This one took me by surprise in the best way. It’s a Sherlock Holmes-inspired retelling, and even though I don’t usually read mysteries, I loved it. Sherlock and Watson gave me parabatai vibes, not going to lie. I wasn’t familiar with the Holmes universe, but I looked it up and recognized names like Irene and Moriarty, which made it even more fun. They're teenagers in high school solving mysteries, and the younger tone somehow made it even better. I would absolutely read a full book about these two.
🧚 "Wendy Darling"
Holy. This one was spooky. Cassie described it as an "updated Dark Academia Peter Pan" and that’s so accurate. It’s written like a script, which I’ve never read before, but it worked so well. You could picture everything like a movie in your head. This was originally a pilot she wrote for TV, and I have no idea why it wasn’t made. It was that good. Peter and John also had total parabatai energy 😂. The story leaves you with so many unanswered questions since it’s just the first “episode.” It needs to be a show or a book series. Also if anyone figures out who “JB – NL – S” are from the letter at the end, let me know?? I’m guessing JB is J.M. Barrie, NL maybe Neverland, and S… no clue.
🔥 "In Fire Foretold"
This is the foundation for a whole new YA fantasy duology and I can’t WAIT. The novella is basically a pitch excerpt Cassie sent to her publisher, but it still drew me in completely. I already like Alix a lot. Cassie teased that Alix would be torn between two brothers, Corin and Bram, and SAME. Bram was immediately likable and I’m a sucker for childhood friends-to-lovers. Corin was kind of a bully at first, but later saves her and is upset she doesn’t remember him?? So maybe he was mean because he liked her already, and was jealous of Bram?? Their personalities are total opposites. Corin reminded me of Jace and Alix of Clary a little. I already know I’m going to obsess over this new series.
✨ Extras & Aesthetics
• Cover art by Jenny Zemanek = STUNNING.
• Endpapers by Cassandra Jean (the first features Matthew & Oscar 👀, and the second shows Alix and Corin from In Fire Foretold. I love them already. Corin lowkey looks a lot like Jace, and Alix is like a black-haired Clary).
• The title? It’s a quote from Tessa Gray in Clockwork Angel: “One must always be careful of books…” Iconic.
• Originally, this shared a title with a Chain of Iron short story, but it was shortened for the sake of cover design. I’ve got to say, it works.
• Each corner of the cover has a symbol for one of the novellas, which is such a cute detail.
🌸 The book represents spring in the Seasons series, which fits the soft, literary vibes perfectly.
📌 Final Thoughts: If you’re into exclusive Shadowhunter content, literary retellings, or just here for the aesthetics (no judgment), this is a beautiful blend of old favorites and new beginnings. I wasn’t expecting to love the non-SH stories so much, but they all brought something unique. Wendy Darling really surprised me. It didn’t drag at all and left me wanting way more. The first two stories felt a little slower in parts (maybe just my mood?), but they were still super enjoyable and had some great twists. In Fire Foretold totally absorbed me, and now I’m obsessed. I need that duology ASAP. 😭💛
Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect, along with my thoughts after reading them all:
📖 "A Sea Change"
This is the only novella set in the Shadowhunters universe, and it focuses on Matthew Fairchild’s future. Yes, we finally got more Matthew content, and though it was short, it was sweet! Cassie managed to pack in a couple of great twists despite the limited length, which is honestly impressive. I liked it a lot. And Sylvain Allard? Very intriguing.
🔍 "A Scandal at Undershaw"
This one took me by surprise in the best way. It’s a Sherlock Holmes-inspired retelling, and even though I don’t usually read mysteries, I loved it. Sherlock and Watson gave me parabatai vibes, not going to lie. I wasn’t familiar with the Holmes universe, but I looked it up and recognized names like Irene and Moriarty, which made it even more fun. They're teenagers in high school solving mysteries, and the younger tone somehow made it even better. I would absolutely read a full book about these two.
🧚 "Wendy Darling"
Holy. This one was spooky. Cassie described it as an "updated Dark Academia Peter Pan" and that’s so accurate. It’s written like a script, which I’ve never read before, but it worked so well. You could picture everything like a movie in your head. This was originally a pilot she wrote for TV, and I have no idea why it wasn’t made. It was that good. Peter and John also had total parabatai energy 😂. The story leaves you with so many unanswered questions since it’s just the first “episode.” It needs to be a show or a book series. Also if anyone figures out who “JB – NL – S” are from the letter at the end, let me know?? I’m guessing JB is J.M. Barrie, NL maybe Neverland, and S… no clue.
🔥 "In Fire Foretold"
This is the foundation for a whole new YA fantasy duology and I can’t WAIT. The novella is basically a pitch excerpt Cassie sent to her publisher, but it still drew me in completely. I already like Alix a lot. Cassie teased that Alix would be torn between two brothers, Corin and Bram, and SAME. Bram was immediately likable and I’m a sucker for childhood friends-to-lovers. Corin was kind of a bully at first, but later saves her and is upset she doesn’t remember him?? So maybe he was mean because he liked her already, and was jealous of Bram?? Their personalities are total opposites. Corin reminded me of Jace and Alix of Clary a little. I already know I’m going to obsess over this new series.
✨ Extras & Aesthetics
• Cover art by Jenny Zemanek = STUNNING.
• Endpapers by Cassandra Jean (the first features Matthew & Oscar 👀, and the second shows Alix and Corin from In Fire Foretold. I love them already. Corin lowkey looks a lot like Jace, and Alix is like a black-haired Clary).
• The title? It’s a quote from Tessa Gray in Clockwork Angel: “One must always be careful of books…” Iconic.
• Originally, this shared a title with a Chain of Iron short story, but it was shortened for the sake of cover design. I’ve got to say, it works.
• Each corner of the cover has a symbol for one of the novellas, which is such a cute detail.
🌸 The book represents spring in the Seasons series, which fits the soft, literary vibes perfectly.
📌 Final Thoughts: If you’re into exclusive Shadowhunter content, literary retellings, or just here for the aesthetics (no judgment), this is a beautiful blend of old favorites and new beginnings. I wasn’t expecting to love the non-SH stories so much, but they all brought something unique. Wendy Darling really surprised me. It didn’t drag at all and left me wanting way more. The first two stories felt a little slower in parts (maybe just my mood?), but they were still super enjoyable and had some great twists. In Fire Foretold totally absorbed me, and now I’m obsessed. I need that duology ASAP. 😭💛
May 16, 2025
Should give it 5 stars purely because of how much work it was to get it to me but we're going to rate fairy:
1. Matthew's novella: As #1 Matthew stan I was actually a bit dissapointed. I liked the story, but I thought Matthew's pov lacked his personality, I can't really describe why. Anyways 4/5
2. Sherlock Holmes retelling: 5/5 soooo good, could read a whole book about these
3. Peter pan screenplay retelling: 3.5/5 I just have an aversion to Peter pan and retellings so this just wasn't for me. Story was interesting though
4. Sneak peak from het upcoming series: 5/5 immediately need more. Girl living in the normal word returning to her original place of birth aka a magical world? Sign me up (pls let that blond man be the love interest)
1. Matthew's novella: As #1 Matthew stan I was actually a bit dissapointed. I liked the story, but I thought Matthew's pov lacked his personality, I can't really describe why. Anyways 4/5
2. Sherlock Holmes retelling: 5/5 soooo good, could read a whole book about these
3. Peter pan screenplay retelling: 3.5/5 I just have an aversion to Peter pan and retellings so this just wasn't for me. Story was interesting though
4. Sneak peak from het upcoming series: 5/5 immediately need more. Girl living in the normal word returning to her original place of birth aka a magical world? Sign me up (pls let that blond man be the love interest)
May 28, 2025
I'm struggling with my rating. On the one hand, it's Matthew Fairchild, who I love. Wonderful to see him finding forgiveness and love. So of course I wanted more!
And the thing is there was space. Cassandra Clare could have written more. A Sea of Change could have been it's own book. Instead she filled up the remainder of Careful of Books with 3 non Shadowhunter stories. Which I didn't bother to read because the whole reason I backed the Seasons of Shadowhunters Kickstarter was for SHADOWHUNTERS. Yes this was mentioned in the original campaign but it keeps it from being the 5 stars it could have been.
And the thing is there was space. Cassandra Clare could have written more. A Sea of Change could have been it's own book. Instead she filled up the remainder of Careful of Books with 3 non Shadowhunter stories. Which I didn't bother to read because the whole reason I backed the Seasons of Shadowhunters Kickstarter was for SHADOWHUNTERS. Yes this was mentioned in the original campaign but it keeps it from being the 5 stars it could have been.
September 26, 2025
these were so good i feel bad for everyone that doesn't have the kickstarter books
July 21, 2025
Damn Cassandra, can Matthew stans have anything?!
October 21, 2025
2.5★ | One must always be careful of books, and what is inside them, for words have the power to change us.
I just don’t get why a collection of four stories, which, by the way, have nothing in common whatsoever, have been compiled together under this title, “Careful of Books.” *shrugs*
I just don’t get why a collection of four stories, which, by the way, have nothing in common whatsoever, have been compiled together under this title, “Careful of Books.” *shrugs*
July 17, 2025
A Sea Change- 3.5/5
A Scandal at Undershaw- 4/5
Wendy Darling- 1.5/5
In Fire Foretold- 3/5
A Scandal at Undershaw- 4/5
Wendy Darling- 1.5/5
In Fire Foretold- 3/5
July 21, 2025
this was so good for no reason. At first I was pissed because only 1/4 stories was shadowhunters and I didn’t know that …. But the shadowhunter story ended up being the worst one??? Don’t get me wrong I loved the Matthew content but the other stories had me on the EDGE of my seat/wanting so much more!! I hope CC publishes full versions of all of them.
June 11, 2025
A Sea Change - 4 Stars
A Sea Change is the only Shadowhunter story in Careful of Books and follows Matthew. A Sea Change takes place after the events of Chain of Thorns, so mild spoilers abound.
Matthew finds himself traveling in search of something when he meets Sylvain on a boat heading to Constantinople. Someone is murdered on board, so Matthew and Sylvain must crack the case while managing their burgeoning chemistry.
I enjoyed A Sea of Change more than I thought I would. It’s a good time with Clare’s signature Shadowhunter shenanigans and tension. I was expecting a little more from Matthew’s POV, but A Sea Change is only 80 pages.
A Scandal at Undershaw - 5 Stars
A Scandal at Undershaw is the best novella in Careful of Books. It’s a Sherlock Holmes retelling, but Sherlock and John are new roommates at a boarding school.
A Scandal at Undershaw is essentially Veronica Mars but with an LGBTQ Sherlock and John. I loved every second of it and would read novel after novel of Sherlock and John solving mysteries while slowly falling for each other.
Wendy Darling - 4 Stars
Wendy Darling is a Peter Pan retelling as Wendy begins school at an all-boys school where she meets Peter and James. Not all is as it seems as mysterious things start happening at the school.
Wendy Darling is told entirely in script format. I didn’t think I’d like reading from that format, but I surprisingly enjoyed it.
The fact that this takes place at an all-boys school with Wendy as the only girl is my only criticism. Not only did this break my suspension of disbelief, but like why?
In Fire Foretold - 4 Stars
In Fire Foretold is a reverse portal fantasy. Readers follow the main character as she’s pushed through a portal to our world where she forgets the world she’s from and her magical abilities.
All I could think while reading In Fire Foretold is that it’s essentially The Mortal Instruments 2.0. The main character (so far) is blond and standoff-ish just like Jace.
Despite In Fire Foretold being what appears to be The Mortal Instruments 2.0, I would definitely continue reading it.
A Sea Change is the only Shadowhunter story in Careful of Books and follows Matthew. A Sea Change takes place after the events of Chain of Thorns, so mild spoilers abound.
Matthew finds himself traveling in search of something when he meets Sylvain on a boat heading to Constantinople. Someone is murdered on board, so Matthew and Sylvain must crack the case while managing their burgeoning chemistry.
I enjoyed A Sea of Change more than I thought I would. It’s a good time with Clare’s signature Shadowhunter shenanigans and tension. I was expecting a little more from Matthew’s POV, but A Sea Change is only 80 pages.
A Scandal at Undershaw - 5 Stars
A Scandal at Undershaw is the best novella in Careful of Books. It’s a Sherlock Holmes retelling, but Sherlock and John are new roommates at a boarding school.
A Scandal at Undershaw is essentially Veronica Mars but with an LGBTQ Sherlock and John. I loved every second of it and would read novel after novel of Sherlock and John solving mysteries while slowly falling for each other.
Wendy Darling - 4 Stars
Wendy Darling is a Peter Pan retelling as Wendy begins school at an all-boys school where she meets Peter and James. Not all is as it seems as mysterious things start happening at the school.
Wendy Darling is told entirely in script format. I didn’t think I’d like reading from that format, but I surprisingly enjoyed it.
The fact that this takes place at an all-boys school with Wendy as the only girl is my only criticism. Not only did this break my suspension of disbelief, but like why?
In Fire Foretold - 4 Stars
In Fire Foretold is a reverse portal fantasy. Readers follow the main character as she’s pushed through a portal to our world where she forgets the world she’s from and her magical abilities.
All I could think while reading In Fire Foretold is that it’s essentially The Mortal Instruments 2.0. The main character (so far) is blond and standoff-ish just like Jace.
Despite In Fire Foretold being what appears to be The Mortal Instruments 2.0, I would definitely continue reading it.
May 23, 2025
He disfrutado muchísimo el primer relato, me encanta como escribe Cassandra las parejas entre hombres y ya iba siendo hora de ver a Matthew vislumbrar algo de felicidad. Instalove?? No mucho si te paras a pensarlo y, en cualquier caso, me da lo mismo. 5⭐
El 2º y 3º me han encantado también, la ambientación genial, unas adaptaciones estupendas. El de Peter Pan me gusta mucho más que la versión original o cualquier otra que se haya hecho. Ambos me han dejado con ganas de sus continuaciones y he amado a sus personajes. 5⭐
El 4º ha sido el problema, 3⭐. No he empatizado con la protagonista, me ha resultado aburrido, poco interesante y "feo" para lo que es la autora. Al final mejora y promete pero... pum! se acaba.
El 2º y 3º me han encantado también, la ambientación genial, unas adaptaciones estupendas. El de Peter Pan me gusta mucho más que la versión original o cualquier otra que se haya hecho. Ambos me han dejado con ganas de sus continuaciones y he amado a sus personajes. 5⭐
El 4º ha sido el problema, 3⭐. No he empatizado con la protagonista, me ha resultado aburrido, poco interesante y "feo" para lo que es la autora. Al final mejora y promete pero... pum! se acaba.
May 15, 2025
Loved this collection and I can’t wait to see what Cassie has in store next!
May 28, 2025
Rating - 4 stars
(Physical Book)
Honestly I wish that this book was adversited right with part of the shadowhunters novel. It was part of a series for shadowhunters and we only got the first story about Mathew Fairchild and then glorified fanfictions?! I was really interested at the last story the upcoming portal fantasy duology. It was really good and I wish there was so much more to read. But the middle two stories were just fanfiction and I could have done without. I am very glad that Mathew Fairchild did get his happy ending. Only one more Kickstarter book to go.
(Physical Book)
Honestly I wish that this book was adversited right with part of the shadowhunters novel. It was part of a series for shadowhunters and we only got the first story about Mathew Fairchild and then glorified fanfictions?! I was really interested at the last story the upcoming portal fantasy duology. It was really good and I wish there was so much more to read. But the middle two stories were just fanfiction and I could have done without. I am very glad that Mathew Fairchild did get his happy ending. Only one more Kickstarter book to go.
December 31, 2025
En general, le doy 4 estrellas a todo el libro. Después hablaré de cada obra que se encuentra en esta antología.
Actualización:
4⭐ para el relato de Matthew Fairchild:
Estuvo bien, estuvo normalito. La verdad esperaba más. Le pongo 4, pero es más como un 3.5, solo lo redondeo porque Matthew me gusta bastante y por fin lo vemos en una etapa de sanación y de inicios de felicidad.
Además, HAY MARICONES. Y todos amamos la representación. Viva la bola de jotos! 🗣️
MATTHEW FAIRCHILD'S NOVELLA IS FINALLY HERE!!!!😭💙 IF YOU READ THE LAST HOURS YOU CANNOT MISS THIS ONE!!!
Actualización:
4⭐ para el relato de Matthew Fairchild:
Estuvo bien, estuvo normalito. La verdad esperaba más. Le pongo 4, pero es más como un 3.5, solo lo redondeo porque Matthew me gusta bastante y por fin lo vemos en una etapa de sanación y de inicios de felicidad.
Además, HAY MARICONES. Y todos amamos la representación. Viva la bola de jotos! 🗣️
MATTHEW FAIRCHILD'S NOVELLA IS FINALLY HERE!!!!😭💙 IF YOU READ THE LAST HOURS YOU CANNOT MISS THIS ONE!!!
July 18, 2025
i was planning on giving this 5 stars for matthew fairchild alone tbh
a sea of change: 4/5
being back in the shadowhunter world is always a joy ESPECIALLY when we are back with my beloved, matthew fairchild<3 i thought this was very cute but i felt like a lil something was missing and matthews voice and personality wasn't quite as strong as the original series. also
a scandal at undershaw: 5/5
ok sherlock holmes retelling???!! who would've thought i would enjoy this so much? i want SO MUCH MORE from these charaters pls cassie
wendy darling: 3.5/5
a very interesting take on the peter pan story, but really just felt like the introduction of a much bigger story and concept and it just felt a bit incomplete!
in fire foretold: 5/5
this is a little taste of what is to come in a future series cassie is planning on writing and this has made me so excited for that! a reverse portal fantasy with such intriguing characters (and lots of cats) say less! i love it!
overall, i was pleasantly surprised by this collection of novellas! i thought i would only really enjoy the shadowhunter one and struggle through the others but now i'm wishing we had even more of all these stories!
a sea of change: 4/5
being back in the shadowhunter world is always a joy ESPECIALLY when we are back with my beloved, matthew fairchild<3 i thought this was very cute but i felt like a lil something was missing and matthews voice and personality wasn't quite as strong as the original series. also
a scandal at undershaw: 5/5
ok sherlock holmes retelling???!! who would've thought i would enjoy this so much? i want SO MUCH MORE from these charaters pls cassie
wendy darling: 3.5/5
a very interesting take on the peter pan story, but really just felt like the introduction of a much bigger story and concept and it just felt a bit incomplete!
in fire foretold: 5/5
this is a little taste of what is to come in a future series cassie is planning on writing and this has made me so excited for that! a reverse portal fantasy with such intriguing characters (and lots of cats) say less! i love it!
overall, i was pleasantly surprised by this collection of novellas! i thought i would only really enjoy the shadowhunter one and struggle through the others but now i'm wishing we had even more of all these stories!
March 15, 2026
3.75⭐️
I enjoyed these for the most part! the first three were my faves and I kinda just thought the fourth one was whatever
the sherlock and john one was really good? I haven’t consumed any sherlock content in my life though, so this might be a sign
I enjoyed these for the most part! the first three were my faves and I kinda just thought the fourth one was whatever
the sherlock and john one was really good? I haven’t consumed any sherlock content in my life though, so this might be a sign
Read
August 9, 2025MATTHEW MY BELOVED 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
I reallyyyy enjoyed all the other stories in this as well especially the sherlock holmes one and the sneak peek to her upcoming series (ahhhhhh) !!!!!!!
I reallyyyy enjoyed all the other stories in this as well especially the sherlock holmes one and the sneak peek to her upcoming series (ahhhhhh) !!!!!!!
September 1, 2025
I would read this women's grocery list so heck yeah im reading 4 short stories
Read
May 27, 2025Wtf la parte final me voy a pensar cómo narices puntúo todo esto
June 2, 2025
i fear cassie can do no wrong.
happiness for matthew fairchild? modern/queer/hs sherlock retelling? horror peter pan screenplay? sneak peak at new fantasy series? i stan
happiness for matthew fairchild? modern/queer/hs sherlock retelling? horror peter pan screenplay? sneak peak at new fantasy series? i stan
May 28, 2025
(not the whole book - just A Sea Change)
"...how much better it was to have a Christopher to mourn, than never to have had a Christopher at all" oh my christopher. this broke me. i miss him so much, i've missed matthew so much and this novella filled that hole.
also hilarious for CC to nod towards the (somehow) popularised theory that matthew up and became a vampire after tlh and have the entire conflict involve vampires. she doesn't miss a beat.
"...how much better it was to have a Christopher to mourn, than never to have had a Christopher at all" oh my christopher. this broke me. i miss him so much, i've missed matthew so much and this novella filled that hole.
also hilarious for CC to nod towards the (somehow) popularised theory that matthew up and became a vampire after tlh and have the entire conflict involve vampires. she doesn't miss a beat.
June 19, 2025
sorry but i only care about matthew fairchild
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2025
Careful of Books features four short novellas.
1) a story featuring Matthew Fairchild and his journey to find peace and love.
2) a Sherlock Holmes academia retelling
3) a Peter Pan pilot for a show that almost was real
4) a preview of Cassie’s newest YA duology coming.
I’ve got to admit, starting it with Matthew’s journey and Sylvain started out so strong. 5 stars incredible novella. Cassie’s Shadowhunter world has wrapped me up for so many years now and I will be sad to see it go.
Not a big Sherlock fan. But I enjoyed this modern retelling. It was easy to read and digest.
The Peter Pan pilot was okay, but I wasn’t wrapped up in the story.
Finally, the last story is a preview of what is to come in her new YA duology. Of course I will read it, but like Sword Catcher it didn’t immediately pull me in. (I will say ragpicker king is much better, I would however enjoy adult Shadowhunter books more 😂)
My biggest complain is I thought Careful of Books was primarily about Shadowhunters, due to the fact that its seasons of Shadowhunters kickstarter. Only the first of four stories has Shadowhunters :( which is disappointing.
I know someday I have to let go of my Shadowhunters, but I guess I’m just not there yet. Those stories and characters instantly envelope me.
I am excited for better in black!
1) a story featuring Matthew Fairchild and his journey to find peace and love.
2) a Sherlock Holmes academia retelling
3) a Peter Pan pilot for a show that almost was real
4) a preview of Cassie’s newest YA duology coming.
I’ve got to admit, starting it with Matthew’s journey and Sylvain started out so strong. 5 stars incredible novella. Cassie’s Shadowhunter world has wrapped me up for so many years now and I will be sad to see it go.
Not a big Sherlock fan. But I enjoyed this modern retelling. It was easy to read and digest.
The Peter Pan pilot was okay, but I wasn’t wrapped up in the story.
Finally, the last story is a preview of what is to come in her new YA duology. Of course I will read it, but like Sword Catcher it didn’t immediately pull me in. (I will say ragpicker king is much better, I would however enjoy adult Shadowhunter books more 😂)
My biggest complain is I thought Careful of Books was primarily about Shadowhunters, due to the fact that its seasons of Shadowhunters kickstarter. Only the first of four stories has Shadowhunters :( which is disappointing.
I know someday I have to let go of my Shadowhunters, but I guess I’m just not there yet. Those stories and characters instantly envelope me.
I am excited for better in black!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2025
i read matthew's novella and i wish i hadn't so!
edit: decided to be real with myself with this rating
edit: decided to be real with myself with this rating
May 29, 2025
Careful of Books reúne cuatro novelas cortas. Solo una está ambientada en el universo de Cazadores de Sombras, pero todas comparten elementos comunes que hacen que el conjunto se sienta coherente, a pesar de desarrollarse en mundos muy distintos.
A Sea Change
5⭐
Esta historia es todo lo que deseaba para Matthew Fairchild. Después de su arco complicado en The Last Hours, verlo dar pasos hacia la sanación es profundamente satisfactorio. La muerte de Christopher lo marcó, y aún carga con heridas y culpas, pero también vemos señales claras de cambio: dejó la bebida y empieza a creerse digno de amor. Sylvain, Cassandra Clare logra crear una ambientación rica, con personajes complejos y entrañables (incluyendo al adorable Óscar). Esta historia abre la puerta a futuras tramas para Matthew.
A Scandal at Undershaw
4⭐
Un retelling de Sherlock Holmes en un internado, con un misterio clásico, pero adaptado a una narrativa más emocional y actual. Hay diversidad sexual, buen ritmo, y aunque la resolución no sorprende, está bien construida. Me gustó cómo se tocan temas complejos que Clare antes no había realizado. La dinámica entre Holmes y Watson está bien lograda y sugiere una posible relación romántica futura.
Wendy Darling
4⭐
No conozco en profundidad la historia original de Peter Pan, así que no tenía muchas expectativas. La narración en formato de guion me sorprendió para bien. Peter, James y Wendy forman un grupo interesante, y la historia combina acción, intriga y toques de humor. El ambiente del Internado y el misterio mantienen el interés, y el final deja muchas preguntas abiertas que me encantaría ver resueltas. Planteo una teoría sobre
In Fire Foretold
3.5 ⭐
Un vistazo al próximo universo de Cassandra Clare, con magia, castillos, portales y reinos. Aunque fue la que menos me gustó por su ritmo lento y lo poco que se revela sobre el sistema mágico, el mundo promete. Alix, la protagonista, tiene un trasfondo interesante. Me gustó su relación con Bram, y quiero ver cómo evolucionará ahora que ha regresado. Lo mismo con Corin, con quien tenía una enemistad marcada en la infancia. ¿Será diferente ahora?
Cada historia tiene su identidad, pero hay puntos en común que conectan el conjunto: la magia, el misterio, los internados y la búsqueda personal. Pensé que serían relatos aislados, pero en realidad se sienten como parte de un mismo todo. 📚✨
A Sea Change
5⭐
Esta historia es todo lo que deseaba para Matthew Fairchild. Después de su arco complicado en The Last Hours, verlo dar pasos hacia la sanación es profundamente satisfactorio. La muerte de Christopher lo marcó, y aún carga con heridas y culpas, pero también vemos señales claras de cambio: dejó la bebida y empieza a creerse digno de amor. Sylvain, Cassandra Clare logra crear una ambientación rica, con personajes complejos y entrañables (incluyendo al adorable Óscar). Esta historia abre la puerta a futuras tramas para Matthew.
A Scandal at Undershaw
4⭐
Un retelling de Sherlock Holmes en un internado, con un misterio clásico, pero adaptado a una narrativa más emocional y actual. Hay diversidad sexual, buen ritmo, y aunque la resolución no sorprende, está bien construida. Me gustó cómo se tocan temas complejos que Clare antes no había realizado. La dinámica entre Holmes y Watson está bien lograda y sugiere una posible relación romántica futura.
Wendy Darling
4⭐
No conozco en profundidad la historia original de Peter Pan, así que no tenía muchas expectativas. La narración en formato de guion me sorprendió para bien. Peter, James y Wendy forman un grupo interesante, y la historia combina acción, intriga y toques de humor. El ambiente del Internado y el misterio mantienen el interés, y el final deja muchas preguntas abiertas que me encantaría ver resueltas. Planteo una teoría sobre
In Fire Foretold
3.5 ⭐
Un vistazo al próximo universo de Cassandra Clare, con magia, castillos, portales y reinos. Aunque fue la que menos me gustó por su ritmo lento y lo poco que se revela sobre el sistema mágico, el mundo promete. Alix, la protagonista, tiene un trasfondo interesante. Me gustó su relación con Bram, y quiero ver cómo evolucionará ahora que ha regresado. Lo mismo con Corin, con quien tenía una enemistad marcada en la infancia. ¿Será diferente ahora?
Cada historia tiene su identidad, pero hay puntos en común que conectan el conjunto: la magia, el misterio, los internados y la búsqueda personal. Pensé que serían relatos aislados, pero en realidad se sienten como parte de un mismo todo. 📚✨
August 9, 2025
isto é un tres estrelas a modo xenérico porque cada unha das catro novelas, no sentido cervantino, merece unha puntuación ben distinta.
comezando por «A sea change», é un pequeno relato que completa un chisco máis o mundo dos nosos queridísimos cazadores de sombras, centrado na personaxe de Mathew tras os acontecementos de Chain of thorns. resulta interesante no sentido de que pecha un pouco mellor o seu arco narrativo, o que permite observar unha evolución despois do acontecido na triloxía de The last hours, pero tampouco resulta en extremo interesante nin se fai moi lixeira a lectura. 3⭐️
«A scandal at Undershaw» é todo o perfecto deste libro: literalmente recoller a materia de sherlock homes para metela no século xxi e explicar como se coñeceron watson e él, deixando caer nada lixeiramente que hai unha seria atracción sexual. todo o que necesitabamos as girls and gays. 5⭐️
«Wendy Darling»: o peor que lin desta muller na miña vida. probablemente a miña culpa porque odio todo o que teña que ver con peter pan. cero neutralidade. 2⭐️
«In fire foretold»: excelente, alégrome de que esta historia vaia crecer como lle pasou ao Quijote e se acabe convertendo nun verdadeiro libro, porque potencial teno. 4⭐️
en resumo, cassie unha crack. pode sacar 23 libros máis de cazadores de sombras que mos introducirei dun en un.
comezando por «A sea change», é un pequeno relato que completa un chisco máis o mundo dos nosos queridísimos cazadores de sombras, centrado na personaxe de Mathew tras os acontecementos de Chain of thorns. resulta interesante no sentido de que pecha un pouco mellor o seu arco narrativo, o que permite observar unha evolución despois do acontecido na triloxía de The last hours, pero tampouco resulta en extremo interesante nin se fai moi lixeira a lectura. 3⭐️
«A scandal at Undershaw» é todo o perfecto deste libro: literalmente recoller a materia de sherlock homes para metela no século xxi e explicar como se coñeceron watson e él, deixando caer nada lixeiramente que hai unha seria atracción sexual. todo o que necesitabamos as girls and gays. 5⭐️
«Wendy Darling»: o peor que lin desta muller na miña vida. probablemente a miña culpa porque odio todo o que teña que ver con peter pan. cero neutralidade. 2⭐️
«In fire foretold»: excelente, alégrome de que esta historia vaia crecer como lle pasou ao Quijote e se acabe convertendo nun verdadeiro libro, porque potencial teno. 4⭐️
en resumo, cassie unha crack. pode sacar 23 libros máis de cazadores de sombras que mos introducirei dun en un.
May 27, 2025
a sea change - 4/5
i would describe a sea change as tokyo tokyo on an empty stomach. you're grateful for it. it's certainly better than nothing, and it's not absolute trash. but it's no delicacy. and you'll longingly wish that you had a more satisfying meal.
as an avid matthew fairchild fan that projected one too many times on him during the pandemic, i definitely expected more. ideally, his endgame would be in the original trilogy. hinted at through a brief scene at the end to align with his major in pining for people who don't like you back. but we do not live in an ideal world. so maybe it's okay that we got this morsel of a novella to conclude matthew's story. that is, before whatever goes down in the wicked powers.
for instalove, this story was pretty decent. i'm not upset by any means. just a bit sad that matthew didn't get anything better. as a side note, the blatant parallels between james/lucas and matthew/sylvian were quite interesting. i can see matthew sacrificing himself and dying a hero's death to underscore how selfless and underappreciated he was.
james and cordelia, i'll see you soon.
i'm going to pretend i won't visit my copy of tales from the shadowhunter academy tomorrow just to see my favorite characters again.
i would describe a sea change as tokyo tokyo on an empty stomach. you're grateful for it. it's certainly better than nothing, and it's not absolute trash. but it's no delicacy. and you'll longingly wish that you had a more satisfying meal.
as an avid matthew fairchild fan that projected one too many times on him during the pandemic, i definitely expected more. ideally, his endgame would be in the original trilogy. hinted at through a brief scene at the end to align with his major in pining for people who don't like you back. but we do not live in an ideal world. so maybe it's okay that we got this morsel of a novella to conclude matthew's story. that is, before whatever goes down in the wicked powers.
for instalove, this story was pretty decent. i'm not upset by any means. just a bit sad that matthew didn't get anything better. as a side note, the blatant parallels between james/lucas and matthew/sylvian were quite interesting. i can see matthew sacrificing himself and dying a hero's death to underscore how selfless and underappreciated he was.
james and cordelia, i'll see you soon.
i'm going to pretend i won't visit my copy of tales from the shadowhunter academy tomorrow just to see my favorite characters again.
February 6, 2026
4.5
As someone who genuinely loves reading and loves Cassandra Clare’s worlds, Careful of Books was a really enjoyable experience, even if it wasn’t quite a five-star read for me. Going in, I fully expected all four stories to be about Shadowhunters, so realizing that only one actually was did throw me off at first. That mismatch between expectation and reality is the main reason it didn’t get a full five stars.
That said, the one Shadowhunter story absolutely made my heart happy. It focuses on Matthew Fairchild, who is my favorite character from The Last Hours series, and I loved getting to see his story continue after Chain of Thorns. It felt comforting and rewarding, like catching up with an old friend, and Cassandra Clare wrote Matthew with the same depth and care that made me fall in love with him in the first place.
Even though the other three stories weren’t set in the Shadowhunter world, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed them. They were all interesting in their own ways, and one of them being written in a TV script format, was especially memorable. I didn’t expect to get so pulled into a story told that way, but somehow it worked beautifully and kept me completely engaged.
It’s a lovely collection, especially for readers who appreciate Cassandra Clare’s creativity beyond just the Shadowhunter world.
As someone who genuinely loves reading and loves Cassandra Clare’s worlds, Careful of Books was a really enjoyable experience, even if it wasn’t quite a five-star read for me. Going in, I fully expected all four stories to be about Shadowhunters, so realizing that only one actually was did throw me off at first. That mismatch between expectation and reality is the main reason it didn’t get a full five stars.
That said, the one Shadowhunter story absolutely made my heart happy. It focuses on Matthew Fairchild, who is my favorite character from The Last Hours series, and I loved getting to see his story continue after Chain of Thorns. It felt comforting and rewarding, like catching up with an old friend, and Cassandra Clare wrote Matthew with the same depth and care that made me fall in love with him in the first place.
Even though the other three stories weren’t set in the Shadowhunter world, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed them. They were all interesting in their own ways, and one of them being written in a TV script format, was especially memorable. I didn’t expect to get so pulled into a story told that way, but somehow it worked beautifully and kept me completely engaged.
It’s a lovely collection, especially for readers who appreciate Cassandra Clare’s creativity beyond just the Shadowhunter world.
June 11, 2025
Cassandra Clare could write a drilling manual and I’d find it thrilling. That said, I really did enjoy this collection of little novellas (and a short screenplay). It was refreshing to have a story to just complete in one sitting! I think the Sherlock Holmes retelling was my favorite, as there’s lots more we could explore with the characters, and who knows, maybe someday the lovely Ms. Clare will see it done!
Also, a sneak peek to her next series 👀 Although YA portal fantasy is a new genre for me, I already know I’ll be all over it.
Also, a sneak peek to her next series 👀 Although YA portal fantasy is a new genre for me, I already know I’ll be all over it.
August 13, 2025
okay, i wasn't sure what to expect from this, but i was not left disappointed!
a sea change: 4/5. i thought this would be my favorite novella because of my lovely matthew, but i still really enjoyed it <3
a scandal at undershaw: 5/5. GIVE ME MORE OF THIS, PLEASE! i loved them and the story was really fun and interesting! i wish it were a whole book instead of a novella.
wendy darling: 3/5. definitely not my favorite, it wasn't bad, but it needed to be longer
in fire foretold: 5/5. I'M SO EXCITED FOR THIS TO BECOME AN ACTUAL SERIES OMG. i'm already attached to alix, her character seems great!
it was great to see different writing styles and stories from cassie <3
a sea change: 4/5. i thought this would be my favorite novella because of my lovely matthew, but i still really enjoyed it <3
a scandal at undershaw: 5/5. GIVE ME MORE OF THIS, PLEASE! i loved them and the story was really fun and interesting! i wish it were a whole book instead of a novella.
wendy darling: 3/5. definitely not my favorite, it wasn't bad, but it needed to be longer
in fire foretold: 5/5. I'M SO EXCITED FOR THIS TO BECOME AN ACTUAL SERIES OMG. i'm already attached to alix, her character seems great!
it was great to see different writing styles and stories from cassie <3
Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews