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Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy #4
Nothing But Shadows
Simon learns about James Herondale's time at Shadowhunter Academy.
It's hard to be a Shadowhunter when you've got demonic powers. Simon learns about the schooltime struggles of half-warlock James Herondale in this prelude to The Last Hours.
This standalone short story follows the adventures of Simon Lewis, star of the number-one New York Times best-selling series The Mortal Instruments, as he trains to become a Shadowhunter. Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy features characters from Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments, Infernal Devices, and the upcoming Dark Artifices and Last Hours series. Nothing but Shadows is written by Cassandra Clare and Sarah Rees Brennan.
Listen to more of Cassandra Clare's Shadowhunter Chronicles in The Infernal Devices, The Mortal Instruments, and The Bane Chronicles.
©2015 Cassandra Claire, LLC. (P)2015 Simon & Schuster
It's hard to be a Shadowhunter when you've got demonic powers. Simon learns about the schooltime struggles of half-warlock James Herondale in this prelude to The Last Hours.
This standalone short story follows the adventures of Simon Lewis, star of the number-one New York Times best-selling series The Mortal Instruments, as he trains to become a Shadowhunter. Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy features characters from Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments, Infernal Devices, and the upcoming Dark Artifices and Last Hours series. Nothing but Shadows is written by Cassandra Clare and Sarah Rees Brennan.
Listen to more of Cassandra Clare's Shadowhunter Chronicles in The Infernal Devices, The Mortal Instruments, and The Bane Chronicles.
©2015 Cassandra Claire, LLC. (P)2015 Simon & Schuster
2 pages, Audiobook
First published May 19, 2015
151 people are currently reading
17318 people want to read
About the author
Cassandra Clare
200 books278k 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 1,845 reviews
February 23, 2016
JAMES!!!!!!
I AM FANGIRLING SO HARD AFTER READING THIS NOVELLA! I cannot wait for The Last Hours, James is going to be an EPIC character to read about. Seriously cannot wait!
I AM FANGIRLING SO HARD AFTER READING THIS NOVELLA! I cannot wait for The Last Hours, James is going to be an EPIC character to read about. Seriously cannot wait!
March 7, 2016
SOO excited for The Last Hours now! James seems like such a sweet character and I'm happy that we got the chance to be introduced to him!
March 4, 2019
UGHHHH, this one is my favorite so far! I loved it! I've already met James in past short stories, but in this one we get to really know him and it was amazing! I really love The Infernal Devices characters, and I wish I could have The Last Hours books in my hands RIGHT NOW!
Also, Will Herondale was as WONDERFUL as ever. And Jem was really lovable. And I loved Matthew Fairchild, and Christopher Lightwood. And Of course, James Herondale. I'm looking forward to learn more about his shadow abilities!
Also, Will Herondale was as WONDERFUL as ever. And Jem was really lovable. And I loved Matthew Fairchild, and Christopher Lightwood. And Of course, James Herondale. I'm looking forward to learn more about his shadow abilities!
April 24, 2016
BEYOND READY FOR THE LAST HOURS NOW.
January 5, 2022
I never thought I'd tear up for a friendship as much as I did for Will/Jem. Until Matthew and James Jamie came along
April 15, 2023
5★ | if only James and Matthew's story had more depth in The Last Hours. As always though, I love and treasure how their friendship begun.
***
I LOVE this story along with all the stories about The Last Hours cast. I esp. loveeee reading about the Merry Thieves!
Catarina Loss tells Simon Lewis a story about James Herondale which is set in the Shadowhunter Academy, 1899.
It's about how James couldn't fit-in in the Academy, how he became friends with Matthew, Christopher and Thomas, how their dynamic with Alastair begun.
• I just loved James Herondale in this book.
• Will was just as amazing as a father as he once was as a boy.
• Matthew was really amazing and charming and I just really found his Character fun as well as kind and caring.
• The little scene with Jem was so beautiful.
And the ending was just, wow. XD
Matthew Fairchild is just adorable!
Other short stories about The Last Hours Characters.
Cast Long Shadows
Every Exquisite Thing
The Midnight Heir
The Penultimate Hours
_________
Ahh. Jem and his beautiful words! ❤️
Edit: I was re-reading chain of gold and these exact words are written again. Cassie used this same paragraph in a conversation between Jem and James.
You love, and tremble, and burn. Do not let any of them tell you who you are. You are the flame that cannot be put out. You are the star that cannot be lost. You are who you have always been, and that is enough and more than enough. Anyone who looks at you and sees darkness is blind.
***
I LOVE this story along with all the stories about The Last Hours cast. I esp. loveeee reading about the Merry Thieves!
Catarina Loss tells Simon Lewis a story about James Herondale which is set in the Shadowhunter Academy, 1899.
It's about how James couldn't fit-in in the Academy, how he became friends with Matthew, Christopher and Thomas, how their dynamic with Alastair begun.
• I just loved James Herondale in this book.
• Will was just as amazing as a father as he once was as a boy.
• Matthew was really amazing and charming and I just really found his Character fun as well as kind and caring.
• The little scene with Jem was so beautiful.
And the ending was just, wow. XD
Matthew Fairchild is just adorable!
Other short stories about The Last Hours Characters.
Cast Long Shadows
Every Exquisite Thing
The Midnight Heir
The Penultimate Hours
_________
Ahh. Jem and his beautiful words! ❤️
Edit: I was re-reading chain of gold and these exact words are written again. Cassie used this same paragraph in a conversation between Jem and James.
You love, and tremble, and burn. Do not let any of them tell you who you are. You are the flame that cannot be put out. You are the star that cannot be lost. You are who you have always been, and that is enough and more than enough. Anyone who looks at you and sees darkness is blind.
October 19, 2018
“James Herondale was the son of angels and demons,” she said softly. “He was always fated to walk a difficult and painful path, to drink bitter water with sweet, to tread where there were thorns as well as flowers. Nobody could save him from that. People did try.”
My favorite thing about the Shadowhunter world? Seeing all these family trees! Like, it is a little hard to keep straight, especially with the Lightwoods, but it just gives me all the warm and fuzzies. Also, seeing James Herondale and Matthew Fairchild become friends gave me all the feels. Again, if you couldn’t tell by my review of The Bane Chronicles! I need The Last Hours immediately! But I also love the growing friendship between George and Simon, too! Also, that letter he wrote to Izzy? Ah, my heart!
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(I read this in Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy!) ✨
June 25, 2015
Nothing says friendship more than exploding your school just to get expelled with your friend.
Blurb: Simon challenges the setup of the Shadowhunter Academy and in doing so learns the story of James Herondale and Matthew Fairchild and the unusual way that they became friends and parabatai and again lots of feels going on that will make your heart explode.
I think this has been my favorite story so far, and yes, even though I sobbed really hard while reading The Whitechapel Fiend. I liked this one a bit more simply because Simon is, finally, getting some thinking done.
Finally he’s seeing the light and understanding what may happen after the Academy and getting pieces of his former life together. I mean, we all know he will never be the same Simon but this is his opportunity to be more, if he truly wants it and I’m not talking about being a Shadowhunter.
I’m not going to lie, the school/academy drama is still a bit annoying but that’s just me. I’m not that into those things anymore so yeah, I get bored with it rather quick and that’s when great characters get to play. It doesn’t matter, to me, if I don’t like a particular setting if I have good, interesting characters so maybe that will save these stories for me.
Okay, enough with that. Let’s talk about James Herondale and Matthew Fairchild.
Who would tell that a child of Charlotte and Henry would be so much like Jace? I wouldn’t but hells yeah I loved him.
I mean, here we have strong, sweet, fierce and motherly Charlotte and there we have smart, sweet, creative and goofy Henry and their child is so so kind and charming and a bit arrogant and Matthew is how I picture Clary and Jace’s child and I will go down with this.
Now, I had a tiny hard time liking James because I did have to separate how I felt for his parents and at the beginning I found him rather difficult.
Like, dude, I get it, I’m not a people person either but we all try to make an effort but then he really won me over.
Matthew and James’s friendship is so beautiful I want to cry.
Remember I was
And Jem… man, I was not prepared for it.
There are only four points of warmth and brightness, in the whole world, that burn fiercely enough for me to feel something like the person I was. Your mother, your father, Lucie, and you. You love, and tremble, and burn.
I was a mess during the whole thing, I kid no one. I was reading this thing in my living room and my grandma was all like stop crying, Laura. You have allergies and those people don’t even exist. Don’t be an idiot. Whoa, grandma, thank you very much for your kind words.
Anyhow, yes, the pain was real. Although I didn’t really suffer that much with this one. NBS was funnier than TWF and we got to see how things may be in TLH.
And there’s this other topic: George cutie hottie pie Lovelace.
I was relieved at the end of this story because finally I had an answer to the question going on in my head.
Would Simon and George become parabatai?
I know that Simon and Clary’s friendship was/is parabatai material from day one but come on, with all that went down? I was afraid he would ask George. Not that I hate him because I really love that guy but, I mean, it’s Clary and Simon and if Simon were to pick someone else besides Clary, George would be my number one choice. And look how okay George seemed to be with it. I love him.
Gosh, it’s so good seeing Simon getting his shit together. After all...
April 2, 2016
I can't even begin to describe how much I loved this novella! Just say the name Herondale and I'm all over it!
James Herondale is off to Shadowhunter Academy to start his training! Except he's not entirely excited about going. You see, being the son of Will Herondale is big shoes to fill and James isn't sure he's got it in him. While he shares a love of books and stories with his father, that's about where their similarities end. Whereas Will is charming and witty, James is quiet and reserved. He's never been good at making friends and being forced to be around others is making him very anxious.
James is such a wonderfully relatable character. I love this boy just as much as Will and really, The Last Hours just needs to get in my hands straight away! His inner monologues made my heart hurt. And even more so to see him excluded by the other children. But seeing him rise and feel more comfortable within himself as the story progressed was beautiful to read. That curveball thrown in there definitely sent me for a loop! I was not expecting it at all!
We also meet characters who will play a role alongside James in The Last Hours; Matthew Fairchild, Thomas Lightwood, and Christopher Lightwood. James and Matthew have an awesome dynamic and can't wait to read more of them together!
Cassandra Clare never seems to amaze me with her story telling abilities and the way she is able to keep this world interesting after so many books is beyond incredible!
James Herondale is off to Shadowhunter Academy to start his training! Except he's not entirely excited about going. You see, being the son of Will Herondale is big shoes to fill and James isn't sure he's got it in him. While he shares a love of books and stories with his father, that's about where their similarities end. Whereas Will is charming and witty, James is quiet and reserved. He's never been good at making friends and being forced to be around others is making him very anxious.
James is such a wonderfully relatable character. I love this boy just as much as Will and really, The Last Hours just needs to get in my hands straight away! His inner monologues made my heart hurt. And even more so to see him excluded by the other children. But seeing him rise and feel more comfortable within himself as the story progressed was beautiful to read. That curveball thrown in there definitely sent me for a loop! I was not expecting it at all!
We also meet characters who will play a role alongside James in The Last Hours; Matthew Fairchild, Thomas Lightwood, and Christopher Lightwood. James and Matthew have an awesome dynamic and can't wait to read more of them together!
Cassandra Clare never seems to amaze me with her story telling abilities and the way she is able to keep this world interesting after so many books is beyond incredible!
November 28, 2017
"But how would it be if there was nowhere in the world that you belonged? If you could get nobody to love you? What if you could not be a Shadowhunter or a warlock or anything else? Maybe then you were worse than a tragedy. Maybe you were nothing at all".
"¿Cómo sería si no hubiera ningún lugar del mundo al que pertenecieras? ¿Si no pudieras lograr que nadie te amara? ¿Qué pasaría si no pudieras ser un Cazador de Sombras o un brujo o nada más? Entonces, tal vez, eras peor que una tragedia. Tal vez no eras absolutamente nada".
Considérenme con el corazón oficialmente roto gracias a Nothing But Shadows. Creo que nunca voy a superar la historia de cómo James, el hijo de Will y Tessa, llega a la Shadowhunter Academy por primera vez esperando cumplir con las expectativas que todo el mundo tiene del hijo del mítico William Herondale... y no lo logra.
La historia de James es una historia de aislamiento, dolor y de intentar vivir bajo la sombra de una leyenda. Además, en Nothing But Shadows vemos realmente cómo los Shadowhunters discriminan un montón a quienes creen diferentes o inferiores a ellos y cómo James lo sufre, pues al ser hijo de Tessa tiene rasgos de brujo y sangre de demonio.
Ahora, el final me pareció precioso. ¡James incluso encuentra a quien será su parabatai. Lo amé.
"¿Cómo sería si no hubiera ningún lugar del mundo al que pertenecieras? ¿Si no pudieras lograr que nadie te amara? ¿Qué pasaría si no pudieras ser un Cazador de Sombras o un brujo o nada más? Entonces, tal vez, eras peor que una tragedia. Tal vez no eras absolutamente nada".
Considérenme con el corazón oficialmente roto gracias a Nothing But Shadows. Creo que nunca voy a superar la historia de cómo James, el hijo de Will y Tessa, llega a la Shadowhunter Academy por primera vez esperando cumplir con las expectativas que todo el mundo tiene del hijo del mítico William Herondale... y no lo logra.
La historia de James es una historia de aislamiento, dolor y de intentar vivir bajo la sombra de una leyenda. Además, en Nothing But Shadows vemos realmente cómo los Shadowhunters discriminan un montón a quienes creen diferentes o inferiores a ellos y cómo James lo sufre, pues al ser hijo de Tessa tiene rasgos de brujo y sangre de demonio.
Ahora, el final me pareció precioso. ¡James incluso encuentra a quien será su parabatai. Lo amé.
March 6, 2016
*4.5 STARS*
THIS ONE WAS AMAZING
THIS ONE WAS AMAZING
May 3, 2019
I can't handle a Herondale.
I cant handle a Fairchild.
I can't handle ANYTHING about this novella.
BUT I STILL WILL.
I cant handle a Fairchild.
I can't handle ANYTHING about this novella.
BUT I STILL WILL.
March 21, 2016
5/5 stars
Nothing but Shadows is everything that I need in my life. We get to learn more about William Herondale and his son James. We get to delve into the past and really soak up all of the knowledge about the Herondale, Carstairs, Fairchild ancestors. The Infernal Devices was my favorite story and set of characters from this world, and this novella felt like I was transported back in time. I did have a couple problems with the writing style, many of the scenes and dialogue were awkward or stunted. I think it's the way Cassandra Clare collaborates with Sarah Rees Brennan, their descriptions are beautifully crafted, but those long and lengthy descriptions don't really fit with Simon's persona. The characters and flashback to the 1800s definitely made up for the technical problems.
I will write a full review on the bind up once I finish all of the novellas.
Nothing but Shadows is everything that I need in my life. We get to learn more about William Herondale and his son James. We get to delve into the past and really soak up all of the knowledge about the Herondale, Carstairs, Fairchild ancestors. The Infernal Devices was my favorite story and set of characters from this world, and this novella felt like I was transported back in time. I did have a couple problems with the writing style, many of the scenes and dialogue were awkward or stunted. I think it's the way Cassandra Clare collaborates with Sarah Rees Brennan, their descriptions are beautifully crafted, but those long and lengthy descriptions don't really fit with Simon's persona. The characters and flashback to the 1800s definitely made up for the technical problems.
I will write a full review on the bind up once I finish all of the novellas.
December 22, 2021
Reread 2021. I like the switch back and forth in time and the explaining of deciding your parabatai.
May 23, 2015
Most definitely my favorite of all of the novellas so far! Which is strange because I'm not the biggest TID fan but there was just so much to appreciate in it! While I did expect those last few lines, I have to say I'm still tingling from excitement. MORE OF YOU NEED TO REAS THESE THEY ARE AMAZING OK
July 31, 2015
Ora ho capito… la Clare scrive una serie di novelle non per approfondire un argomento, non per portarlo fino in fondo. No. Lei scrive le novelle per dare ai sui fans un assaggio di quello che sarà o che potrebbe essere!
Non completa nulla, inizia una serie di storie… tutte meravigliose, tra l’altro, e poi sul più bello… ZAN… le taglia! E tu, povero lettore, con le mani nei capelli e un principio di esaurimento nervoso, non puoi far altro che aspettare: aspettare la prossima novella (che naturalmente toccherà nuovi temi, interessantissimi), aspettare la pubblicazione delle nuove serie…
ACCIDENTI CASSANDRA CLARE! Quanto dovrò aspettare per conoscere per bene Jamie? Già solo l’assaggio che mi hai dato mi ha fatto impazzire. Si prospetta una serie straordinaria e molto, molto sofferta… perché gli Herondale non si smentiscono mai e io li AMO! *___*
Vorrei avere l’intera trilogia tra le mani, ORA.
#NONTORTURARMIPIU’CLAREPLEASE
___________________
MORE HERONDALE...
FUCK YEAH!
Non completa nulla, inizia una serie di storie… tutte meravigliose, tra l’altro, e poi sul più bello… ZAN… le taglia! E tu, povero lettore, con le mani nei capelli e un principio di esaurimento nervoso, non puoi far altro che aspettare: aspettare la prossima novella (che naturalmente toccherà nuovi temi, interessantissimi), aspettare la pubblicazione delle nuove serie…
ACCIDENTI CASSANDRA CLARE! Quanto dovrò aspettare per conoscere per bene Jamie? Già solo l’assaggio che mi hai dato mi ha fatto impazzire. Si prospetta una serie straordinaria e molto, molto sofferta… perché gli Herondale non si smentiscono mai e io li AMO! *___*
Vorrei avere l’intera trilogia tra le mani, ORA.
#NONTORTURARMIPIU’CLAREPLEASE
___________________
MORE HERONDALE...
FUCK YEAH!
February 3, 2016
Me encanta que Cassie nos muestre trocitos del pasado. Y sí, me refiero a Will.
“You never know when, and you never know who, but someday a stranger will burst through the door of your life and transform it utterly.”
“You never know when, and you never know who, but someday a stranger will burst through the door of your life and transform it utterly.”
February 9, 2017
I loved the story of how James Herondale and Matthew Fairchild became parabatai!
And the fact that James Herondale has warlock abilities like his mother. I'm looking forward to The Last Hours series even though it'll still be years away!
I really love the friendship between George and Simon. Although it's pretty obvious that Simon would want Clary to be his parabatai when the time comes, I wish he'd choose George!
And the fact that James Herondale has warlock abilities like his mother. I'm looking forward to The Last Hours series even though it'll still be years away!
I really love the friendship between George and Simon. Although it's pretty obvious that Simon would want Clary to be his parabatai when the time comes, I wish he'd choose George!
March 19, 2016
I need to keep reading and finish these nouvellas so that I could read Lady Midnight! I bought it two days ago and I want to read it ASAP! And I still need to finish Winter, but I will get to it. Anyway, the nouvellas keep getting better and better. I love learning more about other characters. At first I thought the Shadowhunter Academy is only going to be about Simon, but I love how we learn about other characters that we will grow to love.
“You never know when, and you never know who, but someday a stranger will burst through the door of your life and transform it utterly. The world will be turned upside down, and you will be happier for it.”
The Shadowhunter Academy takes place after City of Heavenly Fire, and it follows Simon Lewis. After everything that happened, Simon is the one that is haunted by his past, living a life of hollowness. He has ones who love him but does not know why and wishes that he could go back to the way he used to be.
“Do not let any of them tell you who you are. You are the flame that cannot be put out. You are the star that cannot be lost. You are who you have always been, and that is enough and more than enough. Anyone who looks at you and sees darkness is blind.”
I was so glad to have learned more about Parabatai and read more about James Herondale. It was so much fun reading about James because he is such a likable character. It's like we kinda got a sneak peak of the Last Hours and now I can't wait to read that! It was interesting to see more of what happened after the Infernal Devices and I can't wait to read more about the characters in this nouvella!
“You cannot simply ask whether people look like their demon grandfather!”
I loved James! I only read about James when he was a child and I didn't know his characteristics. But I finally learned more about his character and it was as if I was meeting him for the first time.
Another character that I loved was Matthew! He was such a fun character and I would always smile when he showed up. (Looks like I am not immune to his smile) Christopher and Thomas are awesome too! I can't wait to read more about Tessa, Will and Jem as adults, it's so weird but it feels so real! They all grew up and have responsibilities!
“Father never once looked at any woman the way he looked at Mother, with joy and thanksgiving, as if she was a living wish, granted past all hope.”
Once again, I highly recommend the Shadowhunter Academy nouvellas to those who haven't read it yet. If you haven't read TMI or TID, I recommend you read those first before starting this series. If you need to read Lady Midnight but did not read this yet, I highly recommend you read this before reading Lady Midnight!
“You never know when, and you never know who, but someday a stranger will burst through the door of your life and transform it utterly. The world will be turned upside down, and you will be happier for it.”
The Shadowhunter Academy takes place after City of Heavenly Fire, and it follows Simon Lewis. After everything that happened, Simon is the one that is haunted by his past, living a life of hollowness. He has ones who love him but does not know why and wishes that he could go back to the way he used to be.
“Do not let any of them tell you who you are. You are the flame that cannot be put out. You are the star that cannot be lost. You are who you have always been, and that is enough and more than enough. Anyone who looks at you and sees darkness is blind.”
I was so glad to have learned more about Parabatai and read more about James Herondale. It was so much fun reading about James because he is such a likable character. It's like we kinda got a sneak peak of the Last Hours and now I can't wait to read that! It was interesting to see more of what happened after the Infernal Devices and I can't wait to read more about the characters in this nouvella!
“You cannot simply ask whether people look like their demon grandfather!”
I loved James! I only read about James when he was a child and I didn't know his characteristics. But I finally learned more about his character and it was as if I was meeting him for the first time.
Another character that I loved was Matthew! He was such a fun character and I would always smile when he showed up. (Looks like I am not immune to his smile) Christopher and Thomas are awesome too! I can't wait to read more about Tessa, Will and Jem as adults, it's so weird but it feels so real! They all grew up and have responsibilities!
“Father never once looked at any woman the way he looked at Mother, with joy and thanksgiving, as if she was a living wish, granted past all hope.”
Once again, I highly recommend the Shadowhunter Academy nouvellas to those who haven't read it yet. If you haven't read TMI or TID, I recommend you read those first before starting this series. If you need to read Lady Midnight but did not read this yet, I highly recommend you read this before reading Lady Midnight!
June 29, 2020
*on Will Herondale taking James to the Shadowhunter Academy*
"Father had borrowed uncle Gabriel's new carriage so he could take James from Alicante to the Academy, just the two of them. Father had not asked if he could borrow uncle Gabriel's carriage.
'Don't look so serious, Jamie. Gabriel would want us to have the carriage. It's all between family.'
'Uncle Gabriel mentioned last night that he had recently had the carriage painted. Many times. And he has threatened to summon the constabulary and have you arrested.' said Jamie. 'Many times.'
'Gabriel will stop fussing about it in a few years. Because we will all be driving automobiles by then.'
'Mother says you can never drive an automobile. She made me and Lucie promise that if you ever did, we would not climb into it.'
'Your mother was just joking.'
'She made us swear on the angel.'"
*Later when they arrive at the Academy*
"Uncle Gabriel was already in the courtyard. His face had turned an alarming shade of puce. He was shouting something about thieving Herondales."
*Then again when he comes to get Jamie from school and after Matthew Fairchild said he and James were going to be parabatai*
WILL: "Very well. Everybody get into the carriage."
JAMES: "Father, you did not steal Uncle Gabriel's carriage again."
WILL: "THis is your time of trouble. He would want me to have it, and he would have given it to me if I asked him, which as it happens I did not."
bahahahahahahahaha oh my gosh I'm dying!! SERIOUSLY I WANT A FREAKING HERONDALE!! And have a duck pond as leverage if he's misbehaving... ;) haha So I totally forgot how much I freaking loved this one oh poor James! This particular short story is getting me even MORE excited for THE LAST HOURS even more ESPECIALLY with Will and Gabriel *laughing*
and I swear, Matthew Fairchild is more Herondale at heart! I can't imagine he and Will or ANY Herondale male in the same room.... I kinda wonder of Stephen Herondale's own humor and if he was like Will and Jace. or Maybe Jace could be Stephen 2.0? I mean, his dad WAS a golden boy according to Luke and Will is quite the charmer in these stories. but it's sweet and amazing he doesn't mind the women swooning over him because he ALWAYS knows his heart is always and will be forever with Tessa Gray :D
But poor James. I wanted so badly to jump into this story and hug him and just be his friend and talk books! And cute Matthew Fairchild and his revelation on how and why he was acting the way he was. my heart broke too for him! but overall this truly is the best one yet! and then it's The Lost Herondale for me. but this one was so special in so many ways I freaking loved it! :D
"Father had borrowed uncle Gabriel's new carriage so he could take James from Alicante to the Academy, just the two of them. Father had not asked if he could borrow uncle Gabriel's carriage.
'Don't look so serious, Jamie. Gabriel would want us to have the carriage. It's all between family.'
'Uncle Gabriel mentioned last night that he had recently had the carriage painted. Many times. And he has threatened to summon the constabulary and have you arrested.' said Jamie. 'Many times.'
'Gabriel will stop fussing about it in a few years. Because we will all be driving automobiles by then.'
'Mother says you can never drive an automobile. She made me and Lucie promise that if you ever did, we would not climb into it.'
'Your mother was just joking.'
'She made us swear on the angel.'"
*Later when they arrive at the Academy*
"Uncle Gabriel was already in the courtyard. His face had turned an alarming shade of puce. He was shouting something about thieving Herondales."
*Then again when he comes to get Jamie from school and after Matthew Fairchild said he and James were going to be parabatai*
WILL: "Very well. Everybody get into the carriage."
JAMES: "Father, you did not steal Uncle Gabriel's carriage again."
WILL: "THis is your time of trouble. He would want me to have it, and he would have given it to me if I asked him, which as it happens I did not."
bahahahahahahahaha oh my gosh I'm dying!! SERIOUSLY I WANT A FREAKING HERONDALE!! And have a duck pond as leverage if he's misbehaving... ;) haha So I totally forgot how much I freaking loved this one oh poor James! This particular short story is getting me even MORE excited for THE LAST HOURS even more ESPECIALLY with Will and Gabriel *laughing*
and I swear, Matthew Fairchild is more Herondale at heart! I can't imagine he and Will or ANY Herondale male in the same room.... I kinda wonder of Stephen Herondale's own humor and if he was like Will and Jace. or Maybe Jace could be Stephen 2.0? I mean, his dad WAS a golden boy according to Luke and Will is quite the charmer in these stories. but it's sweet and amazing he doesn't mind the women swooning over him because he ALWAYS knows his heart is always and will be forever with Tessa Gray :D
But poor James. I wanted so badly to jump into this story and hug him and just be his friend and talk books! And cute Matthew Fairchild and his revelation on how and why he was acting the way he was. my heart broke too for him! but overall this truly is the best one yet! and then it's The Lost Herondale for me. but this one was so special in so many ways I freaking loved it! :D
November 6, 2015
HERONDAAAAAAAAAAAALES
What? Were you expecting something else? I mean I know you all probably thought that 'Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy' might actually be stories about Simon's time at Shadowhunter Academy, but really really were you expecting something other than Herondales?
This is the fourth installment in the mini-series and let's check out where the stats are now. *flips over whiteboard*
Book One - Simon arrives at Shadowhunter Academy.
Book Two - Simon hears a story about some Herondale and learns that there may be Herondales hidden all over the world who don't know that they are super awesome Herondales. Simon does nothing in this installment.
Book Three - Catarina tells Simon the story about the Will Herondale crew. Simon does nothing in this installment.
Book Four - Catarina tells Simon the story about James Herondale. Simon does nothing in this installment.
THREE OUT OF THE FOUR INSTALLMENTS I'VE READ SO FAR HAVE JUST BEEN SOMEONE TELLING SIMON A FUCKING STORY ABOUT A FUCKING HERONDALE.
Do any of these center around Simon? Any of them? Is this Shadowhunter Academy miniseries just a front so Clare can churn out a hodgepodge of stories about other characters and pass it off as history lessons? All while pimping out her other upcoming series?
Yes.
What? Were you expecting something else? I mean I know you all probably thought that 'Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy' might actually be stories about Simon's time at Shadowhunter Academy, but really really were you expecting something other than Herondales?
This is the fourth installment in the mini-series and let's check out where the stats are now. *flips over whiteboard*
Book One - Simon arrives at Shadowhunter Academy.
Book Two - Simon hears a story about some Herondale and learns that there may be Herondales hidden all over the world who don't know that they are super awesome Herondales. Simon does nothing in this installment.
Book Three - Catarina tells Simon the story about the Will Herondale crew. Simon does nothing in this installment.
Book Four - Catarina tells Simon the story about James Herondale. Simon does nothing in this installment.
THREE OUT OF THE FOUR INSTALLMENTS I'VE READ SO FAR HAVE JUST BEEN SOMEONE TELLING SIMON A FUCKING STORY ABOUT A FUCKING HERONDALE.
Do any of these center around Simon? Any of them? Is this Shadowhunter Academy miniseries just a front so Clare can churn out a hodgepodge of stories about other characters and pass it off as history lessons? All while pimping out her other upcoming series?
Yes.
February 15, 2016
❝ James Herondale was the son of angels and demons,” she said softly. “He was always fated to walk a difficult and painful path, to drink bitter water with sweet, to tread where there were thorns as well as flowers. Nobody could save him from that. People did try. ❞
❝ You love, and tremble, and burn. Do not let any of them tell you who you are. You are the flame that cannot be put out. You are the star that cannot be lost. You are who you have always been, and that is enough and more than enough. Anyone who looks at you and sees darkness is blind. ❞
❝ Pulvis et umbra sumus,” said James once, out loud in class, after hearing too many whispers. “My father says that sometimes. We are but dust and shadows. ❞
B E A U T I F U L
This is my favorite next to The Whitechapel Fiend. This makes me want to read The Last Hours so badly. I love James Herondale so much I could see myself in him.
❝ You love, and tremble, and burn. Do not let any of them tell you who you are. You are the flame that cannot be put out. You are the star that cannot be lost. You are who you have always been, and that is enough and more than enough. Anyone who looks at you and sees darkness is blind. ❞
❝ Pulvis et umbra sumus,” said James once, out loud in class, after hearing too many whispers. “My father says that sometimes. We are but dust and shadows. ❞
B E A U T I F U L
This is my favorite next to The Whitechapel Fiend. This makes me want to read The Last Hours so badly. I love James Herondale so much I could see myself in him.
February 6, 2017
Really love how Cassandra Clare is using this series as a way to tell other stories, it works so well!! Also, I am already in love with James Herondale, I need more about him!
April 19, 2020
Update (4/19/20): My love for Matthew Fairchild has only grown.
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After reading Ghosts of the Shadow Market, I really wanted to see more of Matthew Fairchild, so I reread just this story so I could get that. I am so excited for Chain of Gold - March can't come fast enough!
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After reading Ghosts of the Shadow Market, I really wanted to see more of Matthew Fairchild, so I reread just this story so I could get that. I am so excited for Chain of Gold - March can't come fast enough!
February 5, 2016
Will as a father deserves 5 stars, well actually Will always deserves 5 stars so...I'm giving this 5 stars...makes sense,right?!
These 5 stars are based on Will alone xD.
Not surprisingly I love the novellas where there is a little Simon's bla bla and a lot of Herondales...sorry Simon.
These 5 stars are based on Will alone xD.
Not surprisingly I love the novellas where there is a little Simon's bla bla and a lot of Herondales...sorry Simon.
July 18, 2025
i fell in love with mathew and james. i love they're connection and cannot wait to see them in the last hour trilogy. i love seeing all the kids of the infernal device characters! i'm so excited to see more of them.
Read
November 24, 2020love James and Matthew🥺❤️❤️
August 30, 2018
Literally ALL of the stars! I laughed so hard and I cried and smugly smirked and felt warm nostalgia!
First of all, it was delightful to read a story about the Shadowhunter Academy from before and see how it is the same and different from how it is for Simon. I also loved that Catarina Loss was able to share this story with Simon without an agenda.
It is not secret that I adore Tessa, Will, and Jem. Every mention of them in their adult lives feels like the sweetest treat and leaves me vaguely teary eyed. I love that adult Will never lost his spark and still cannot imagine anything as sacred as the bond between parabatai. I love how perfect of an uncle Jem is to his parabatai's children and how involved he is despite being a Silent Brother.
On to James - Goodness I just love James Herondale! He is distinctly different from any Herondale that we have met before but no less charming. And I love that he shares his parents' love for books❤ He is such a genuine, vulnerable character and I cannot wait to read more about him and his warlock talent in The Last Hours!
Matthew Fairchild blew me away! He was not at all what I expected and I am so excited to learn more about this complex and charismatic character. And his hairbrushes. (I think he would use four puffs of the Farrah Fawcett spray😂)
Christopher Lightwood reminds me so much of Henry and I love him dearly already for it. And Thomas is a wonderful glue for these crew of Shadowhunters.
In summary, I need The Last Hours immediately.
First of all, it was delightful to read a story about the Shadowhunter Academy from before and see how it is the same and different from how it is for Simon. I also loved that Catarina Loss was able to share this story with Simon without an agenda.
It is not secret that I adore Tessa, Will, and Jem. Every mention of them in their adult lives feels like the sweetest treat and leaves me vaguely teary eyed. I love that adult Will never lost his spark and still cannot imagine anything as sacred as the bond between parabatai. I love how perfect of an uncle Jem is to his parabatai's children and how involved he is despite being a Silent Brother.
On to James - Goodness I just love James Herondale! He is distinctly different from any Herondale that we have met before but no less charming. And I love that he shares his parents' love for books❤ He is such a genuine, vulnerable character and I cannot wait to read more about him and his warlock talent in The Last Hours!
Matthew Fairchild blew me away! He was not at all what I expected and I am so excited to learn more about this complex and charismatic character. And his hairbrushes. (I think he would use four puffs of the Farrah Fawcett spray😂)
Christopher Lightwood reminds me so much of Henry and I love him dearly already for it. And Thomas is a wonderful glue for these crew of Shadowhunters.
In summary, I need The Last Hours immediately.
May 4, 2020
LE CRONACHE DELL'ACCADEMIA SHADOWHUNTERS n. 4
Seconda lettura 1/05/2020
Riletto per la lettura del nuovo volume “la catena d’oro”, così ho potuto ricordare come James e Matthew sono diventati parabatai.
Semplicemente meraviglioso...e Will 😍
Lettura di gruppo E&L
*_* questo è il mio preferito al momento. Will e il piccolo Jamie che va in Accademia. L'incontro\scontro con i suoi coetanei. Lui che trova la fiducia in se stesso e finalmente il suo parabati..che non mi sarei mai aspettata fosse...Oh ma cavoli si ifnisce così un libro??? voglio sapere di più di James Herondale ADESSO!
Clare così mi torturi! Ma grazie per avermi fatto passare un'oretta con Will, Tessa, James, Matthew, Charles, Thomas e Cristopher.
E..Simone io sono con te, reagisci!
Seconda lettura 1/05/2020
Riletto per la lettura del nuovo volume “la catena d’oro”, così ho potuto ricordare come James e Matthew sono diventati parabatai.
Semplicemente meraviglioso...e Will 😍
Lettura di gruppo E&L
*_* questo è il mio preferito al momento. Will e il piccolo Jamie che va in Accademia. L'incontro\scontro con i suoi coetanei. Lui che trova la fiducia in se stesso e finalmente il suo parabati..che non mi sarei mai aspettata fosse...Oh ma cavoli si ifnisce così un libro??? voglio sapere di più di James Herondale ADESSO!
Clare così mi torturi! Ma grazie per avermi fatto passare un'oretta con Will, Tessa, James, Matthew, Charles, Thomas e Cristopher.
E..Simone io sono con te, reagisci!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2016
Todo lo relacionado con Will Herondale y su familia es que me encanta. ¿Para qué negarlo si es más que obvio? Esta vez la historia está dedicada a su hijo, James y su breve estancia en la Academia debido a que la gente es demasiado, ¿cómo decirlo? ¿racista? quizá esa sea la palabra. James tiene sangre de bruja, es cierto pero es un nephilim, es un cazador de sombras, ¿no debería ser eso lo importante? me alegra que Matthew si se de cuenta, que los Lightwood también, porque James es James, eso no va a cambiar.
Me ha encantado esta historia y lo que Loss quería mostrarle a Simon.
Me ha encantado esta historia y lo que Loss quería mostrarle a Simon.
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