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The Shadowhunter Chronicles #21.5
A Sea Change
Embark on a seafaring murder mystery from Greece to Constantinople with Matthew Fairchild, his loyal dog Oscar Wilde, and Sylvain Verlac, a captivating Parisian Shadowhunter.
Most travellers are running from—or searching for—something. But not Shadowhunter Matthew Fairchild and his loyal golden retriever, Oscar Wilde. No. Matthew is searching for himself aboard the Majestic, a grand 19th century ocean liner sailing from Greece to Constantinople.
Matthew wants nothing more than to mourn the death of a friend and peacefully enjoy his travels before reuniting with his friends James Herondale and Cordelia Carstairs at the London Institute of Shadowhunters—a secret society of angel-blooded humans who protect the mundane world from demons and Downworlders. But that's interrupted when someone is murdered on the ship—and a vampire Downworlder lurks in the darkness.
Together with Sylvain Verlac, a mysterious and captivating Parisian Shadowhunter with a secret grief of his own, Matthew must find the murderer on the Majestic before death strikes again.
Most travellers are running from—or searching for—something. But not Shadowhunter Matthew Fairchild and his loyal golden retriever, Oscar Wilde. No. Matthew is searching for himself aboard the Majestic, a grand 19th century ocean liner sailing from Greece to Constantinople.
Matthew wants nothing more than to mourn the death of a friend and peacefully enjoy his travels before reuniting with his friends James Herondale and Cordelia Carstairs at the London Institute of Shadowhunters—a secret society of angel-blooded humans who protect the mundane world from demons and Downworlders. But that's interrupted when someone is murdered on the ship—and a vampire Downworlder lurks in the darkness.
Together with Sylvain Verlac, a mysterious and captivating Parisian Shadowhunter with a secret grief of his own, Matthew must find the murderer on the Majestic before death strikes again.
111 pages, ebook
First published May 1, 2025
About the author
Cassandra Clare
212 books280k 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 293 reviews
Review of advance copy
All stars for Matthew Fairchild! | Idk how to rate this because really, I didn’t care, but also, I did (maybe) say that I’d read anything with Matthew in it sooo... yeah, this was something with him in it 😅🫶🏼
Not to say that I wasn’t disappointed, but I feel like there’s no point in if-only’s, and if this is how his life has been written, I’m just glad that he’s finding happiness.
a story from
Careful of Books — 2.5★
Not to say that I wasn’t disappointed, but I feel like there’s no point in if-only’s, and if this is how his life has been written, I’m just glad that he’s finding happiness.
we are a people who put ourselves in danger over and over and therefore sometimes we will lose others, or be lost ourselves. We can’t bear that, so we tell ourselves there is something we could have done. It isn’t true.
a story from
Careful of Books — 2.5★
May 19, 2026
Mathew Fairchild, my sweet baby, you deserve the world.
This book is literally what you’d get if Death on the Nile and Shadowhunters had a baby — but make it gay. It’s safe to say I ate this up.
I’m so happy we got to see Matthew go on his self-discovery journey, especially after everything he went through during The Last Hours. Even though he’s been healing since he stopped drinking alcohol, you can tell he still felt some residual guilt over Christopher and other things that he definitely needed to unpack.
While the plot revolved around a murder mystery, the core of the story was about grief and healing. Through his interactions with Sylvain and Melody, and by helping them heal from their trauma, Matthew was also able to heal from his own, which was really beautiful to witness.
Because this was a novella, the romance and plot felt a little rushed, but overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I would love to read more novellas following these characters in the future.
This book is literally what you’d get if Death on the Nile and Shadowhunters had a baby — but make it gay. It’s safe to say I ate this up.
I’m so happy we got to see Matthew go on his self-discovery journey, especially after everything he went through during The Last Hours. Even though he’s been healing since he stopped drinking alcohol, you can tell he still felt some residual guilt over Christopher and other things that he definitely needed to unpack.
While the plot revolved around a murder mystery, the core of the story was about grief and healing. Through his interactions with Sylvain and Melody, and by helping them heal from their trauma, Matthew was also able to heal from his own, which was really beautiful to witness.
Because this was a novella, the romance and plot felt a little rushed, but overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I would love to read more novellas following these characters in the future.
May 13, 2026
2.5 Stars
Sadly this was way too short, rushed, basic storyline, not enough depth and development plus a super rushed romance which held little chemistry or connection.
I am sad as was looking forward to a Matthew story but this just wasn't it.
Sadly this was way too short, rushed, basic storyline, not enough depth and development plus a super rushed romance which held little chemistry or connection.
I am sad as was looking forward to a Matthew story but this just wasn't it.
February 9, 2026
Thank you Cassandra Clare and NetGalley for the eARC
I absolutely adored this book! It was short and sweet and I loved everything about it.
Getting to read about Matthew again brought me so much joy! It was nice that we got to see him getting better and fall for someone. The new characters were brilliant and hearing about old characters again warmed my heart!
The murder mystery was engaging and easy to follow. The balance between plot and romance was good and I thought the length of this short story was perfect as it got straight to the point.
I absolutely adored this book! It was short and sweet and I loved everything about it.
Getting to read about Matthew again brought me so much joy! It was nice that we got to see him getting better and fall for someone. The new characters were brilliant and hearing about old characters again warmed my heart!
The murder mystery was engaging and easy to follow. The balance between plot and romance was good and I thought the length of this short story was perfect as it got straight to the point.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
only because I love Matthew Fairchild so much and he deserves happiness
June 18, 2026
Exploring themes of grief, survivor’s guilt and the road to healing and connection; Cassandra Clare’s A Sea Change was a beautifully heartfelt novella I could’ve easily devoured 500 more pages of!
A seafaring murder mystery set after the events of Chain of Thorns, we follow Matthew Fairchild (and his trusty canine companion Oscar Wilde) as he investigates a murder on board ocean liner, The Majestic. And teams up with, Sylvain Verlac (a Parisian Shadowhunter) in an effort to capture the culprit before they can strike again.
I loved Matthew Fairchild soo much in The Last Hours series, and was probably the person I most wanted see find happiness after everything he went through. So was pleased with the little updates into his life (and that of James & Cordelia’s) post Chain of Thorns. And honestly, it was absolutely amazing!
It’s only 110 pages long, but still managed to pack such an emotional punch. I won’t go into details on that too much (in case of spoilers) but it does tackle the emotional aftermath of the events in The Last Hours, and how Matthew is coping with it all. My heart really felt for him, though it also had me feeling really proud seeing how far he’s come.
I enjoyed the high seas, whodunnit-style premise too! And liked that it serves as a cathartic outlet for Matthew (now fully sober) to work through his grief and guilt on his journey to healing.
The intimate setting, Matthew’s attempts at appearing mundane and his interactions with both the humans and the downworlders on board was fabulously entertaining as well.
Though I was also excited to see him finally open his heart, and find in Sylvain Verlac a kindred spirit (whose own experiences with grief brought them even closer.) I really hope we see more of them in future novellas!
Overall, an enjoyable read that hardcore Shadowhunters/ The Last Hours fans definitely need to consider picking up!
Also, a huge thank you to Daphne Press for the stunning finished copy.
A seafaring murder mystery set after the events of Chain of Thorns, we follow Matthew Fairchild (and his trusty canine companion Oscar Wilde) as he investigates a murder on board ocean liner, The Majestic. And teams up with, Sylvain Verlac (a Parisian Shadowhunter) in an effort to capture the culprit before they can strike again.
I loved Matthew Fairchild soo much in The Last Hours series, and was probably the person I most wanted see find happiness after everything he went through. So was pleased with the little updates into his life (and that of James & Cordelia’s) post Chain of Thorns. And honestly, it was absolutely amazing!
It’s only 110 pages long, but still managed to pack such an emotional punch. I won’t go into details on that too much (in case of spoilers) but it does tackle the emotional aftermath of the events in The Last Hours, and how Matthew is coping with it all. My heart really felt for him, though it also had me feeling really proud seeing how far he’s come.
I enjoyed the high seas, whodunnit-style premise too! And liked that it serves as a cathartic outlet for Matthew (now fully sober) to work through his grief and guilt on his journey to healing.
The intimate setting, Matthew’s attempts at appearing mundane and his interactions with both the humans and the downworlders on board was fabulously entertaining as well.
Though I was also excited to see him finally open his heart, and find in Sylvain Verlac a kindred spirit (whose own experiences with grief brought them even closer.) I really hope we see more of them in future novellas!
Overall, an enjoyable read that hardcore Shadowhunters/ The Last Hours fans definitely need to consider picking up!
Also, a huge thank you to Daphne Press for the stunning finished copy.
June 8, 2026
This was… bad. But I enjoyed myself bc I love Matthew, lol.
May 14, 2026
Matthew is one of my favourite Shadowhunters so I was overjoyed to get a novella for him, to see how he’s doing and what his future might hold. And this was such a delightful story! It’s a short one, only 110pgs but it managed to pack a lot in.
The cruise liner was a great setting, decadent and isolated, perfect for a little mystery that the only two Shadowhunters on the boat are forced to look into, considering the vampire population. Matthew is still searching for that nebulous thing he set out on his travels for, not quite ready to return to London after everything that happened in The Last Hours. But he finds Slyvian, a French Shadowhunter, running from his own past. Together they find what they both need. It was heartfelt and sweet. I loved seeing Matthew healthier and healing and Slyvain was a great mirror for Matthew to process his own feelings and the perfect one to help Slyvain.
And the little mystery was fun! Matthew doesn’t have James to lead but he’s the perfect man to deal with a vampire theatre troupe. All in all, a wonderfully quick, sweet story that gives Matthew a bright future and a wholesome step in healing and Slyvain was a perfect complement and addition to the shadowhunter verse. I’d love to see a follow up of Slyvain meeting the other Last Hours characters!
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy. All thoughts are my own
The cruise liner was a great setting, decadent and isolated, perfect for a little mystery that the only two Shadowhunters on the boat are forced to look into, considering the vampire population. Matthew is still searching for that nebulous thing he set out on his travels for, not quite ready to return to London after everything that happened in The Last Hours. But he finds Slyvian, a French Shadowhunter, running from his own past. Together they find what they both need. It was heartfelt and sweet. I loved seeing Matthew healthier and healing and Slyvain was a great mirror for Matthew to process his own feelings and the perfect one to help Slyvain.
And the little mystery was fun! Matthew doesn’t have James to lead but he’s the perfect man to deal with a vampire theatre troupe. All in all, a wonderfully quick, sweet story that gives Matthew a bright future and a wholesome step in healing and Slyvain was a perfect complement and addition to the shadowhunter verse. I’d love to see a follow up of Slyvain meeting the other Last Hours characters!
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy. All thoughts are my own
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
O universo de Shadowhunters sempre foi um dos meus favoritos e poder ler esta pequena novela do Matthew Fairchild foi incrível.
Em primeiro lugar, muito obrigada à Netgalley, à Cassandra Clare e à editora por esta oportunidade.
Sinto que para mim a escrita da Cassandra Clare está cada vez melhor e mais viciante. Li esta novela a voar!!
Adorei a história, o pequeno plot misturado com o romance ficou muito atrativo e interessante. Adorei esta dupla honestly! E deu para matar as saudades que tinha deste universo lindissimo.
Um otimo livro para ler numa tarde em que queremos recordar este universo e nos sentir nostálgicos com os personagens.
🇬🇧
The Shadowhunters universe has always been one of my favorites, and being able to read this short novel by Matthew Fairchild was incredible. First of all, thank you so much to Netgalley, Cassandra Clare, and the publisher for this opportunity. I feel that Cassandra Clare's writing is getting better and more addictive for me. I read this novel in a flash!! I loved the story; the little plot mixed with the romance was very attractive and interesting. I honestly loved this duo! And it helped satisfy my longing for this beautiful universe. A great book to read on an afternoon when you want to remember this universe and feel nostalgic with the characters.
Em primeiro lugar, muito obrigada à Netgalley, à Cassandra Clare e à editora por esta oportunidade.
Sinto que para mim a escrita da Cassandra Clare está cada vez melhor e mais viciante. Li esta novela a voar!!
Adorei a história, o pequeno plot misturado com o romance ficou muito atrativo e interessante. Adorei esta dupla honestly! E deu para matar as saudades que tinha deste universo lindissimo.
Um otimo livro para ler numa tarde em que queremos recordar este universo e nos sentir nostálgicos com os personagens.
🇬🇧
The Shadowhunters universe has always been one of my favorites, and being able to read this short novel by Matthew Fairchild was incredible. First of all, thank you so much to Netgalley, Cassandra Clare, and the publisher for this opportunity. I feel that Cassandra Clare's writing is getting better and more addictive for me. I read this novel in a flash!! I loved the story; the little plot mixed with the romance was very attractive and interesting. I honestly loved this duo! And it helped satisfy my longing for this beautiful universe. A great book to read on an afternoon when you want to remember this universe and feel nostalgic with the characters.
May 6, 2026
A Sea Change is a truly heartwarming novella that felt like a gentle return to a character I already loved. I was especially excited to spend more time with Matthew Fairchild after the Last Hours trilogy, and this story delivered exactly that. We follow Matthew as he works through his grief and deep loneliness, trying to figure out how to move forward and allow himself happiness again. That emotional journey sits at the core of the novella and gives it a quiet, reflective depth.
Matthew continues to be an absolute joy to read. His wit, vulnerability, and complexity make every scene engaging, and I honestly would read twenty novellas from his point of view without hesitation. Being inside his thoughts adds so much richness to the story, especially as he navigates his internal struggles.
There is also a thread of romance woven throughout. It does develop a bit quickly, which kept it from feeling fully grounded at times, but it was still lovely to see unfold. The emotional sincerity behind it makes it easy to root for, even if the pacing feels a little rushed.
Overall, this novella is a warm and comforting addition to the Shadowhunter world, with a strong emotional core and a character who continues to shine. It left me wanting more of Matthew’s story, which feels like the best kind of ending.
Matthew continues to be an absolute joy to read. His wit, vulnerability, and complexity make every scene engaging, and I honestly would read twenty novellas from his point of view without hesitation. Being inside his thoughts adds so much richness to the story, especially as he navigates his internal struggles.
There is also a thread of romance woven throughout. It does develop a bit quickly, which kept it from feeling fully grounded at times, but it was still lovely to see unfold. The emotional sincerity behind it makes it easy to root for, even if the pacing feels a little rushed.
Overall, this novella is a warm and comforting addition to the Shadowhunter world, with a strong emotional core and a character who continues to shine. It left me wanting more of Matthew’s story, which feels like the best kind of ending.
March 26, 2026
I received an arc, this is my honest review.
I loved this. Any insight into the Shadowhunter world and I’m there like a rash you can’t get rid of.
Matthew was one of my favourite characters so when I heard he was getting his own novella I just had to reach out and grab it.
Matthew and Sylvain’s relationship is very sweet. They’re both dealing with trauma in different ways and are able to help each other deal with that trauma while also solving the mystery of a murder that happens onboard the ship they’re travelling on.
I’d honestly be so down for more novellas of Matthew and Sylvain solving more murders, almost like a Sherlock Holmes kind of thing. Well, a girl can dream.
I loved this. Any insight into the Shadowhunter world and I’m there like a rash you can’t get rid of.
Matthew was one of my favourite characters so when I heard he was getting his own novella I just had to reach out and grab it.
Matthew and Sylvain’s relationship is very sweet. They’re both dealing with trauma in different ways and are able to help each other deal with that trauma while also solving the mystery of a murder that happens onboard the ship they’re travelling on.
I’d honestly be so down for more novellas of Matthew and Sylvain solving more murders, almost like a Sherlock Holmes kind of thing. Well, a girl can dream.
Want to Read
March 1, 2026pre-read
My baby Matthew 🥹 I need to see what happened to him.
My baby Matthew 🥹 I need to see what happened to him.
May 8, 2026
An enjoyable quick read, but quite a rushed story and a bit underdeveloped.
May 3, 2026
A novella following Matthew Fairchild?? SIGN ME UPPPPP
May 14, 2026
4⭐️
Even though it was a little novella it was so important for Matthew and I am tearing up i love him 😭
Even though it was a little novella it was so important for Matthew and I am tearing up i love him 😭
May 13, 2026
How is it possible for 100 pages to hold this much emotion?
This story felt like a quiet ache wrapped in moonlight and sea air.
It was tender, painful, nostalgic, comforting, and heartbreaking all at once.
Matthew continues to be one of Cassandra Clare’s most beautifully written characters, someone who feels everything too deeply, yet still keeps moving forward.
The atmosphere was stunning, the dialogue felt intimate and real, and every page carried that familiar Shadowhunters feeling of love, loss, and healing. Somehow, even the smallest moments left an impact.
“Perhaps love was like alcohol that way. Some people could manage their relationship with it, but he would never be one of them.”
Cassandra Clare truly has a way of making your heart ache while still leaving you with a strange sense of peace by the final page. 💙
This story felt like a quiet ache wrapped in moonlight and sea air.
It was tender, painful, nostalgic, comforting, and heartbreaking all at once.
Matthew continues to be one of Cassandra Clare’s most beautifully written characters, someone who feels everything too deeply, yet still keeps moving forward.
The atmosphere was stunning, the dialogue felt intimate and real, and every page carried that familiar Shadowhunters feeling of love, loss, and healing. Somehow, even the smallest moments left an impact.
“Perhaps love was like alcohol that way. Some people could manage their relationship with it, but he would never be one of them.”
Cassandra Clare truly has a way of making your heart ache while still leaving you with a strange sense of peace by the final page. 💙
May 26, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for the eArc
I’m always a victim of Cassandra Clare’s book even this time with this novella. Just 100 pages and yet I cried . I missed Matthew so so much it was good but also once again painful to be with him. I ‘m happy I was able to see him making progress in his journey to happiness and love .
Thank you for this one Cassandra and feel free to give us more Matthew whenever you want
I’m always a victim of Cassandra Clare’s book even this time with this novella. Just 100 pages and yet I cried . I missed Matthew so so much it was good but also once again painful to be with him. I ‘m happy I was able to see him making progress in his journey to happiness and love .
Thank you for this one Cassandra and feel free to give us more Matthew whenever you want
May 27, 2026
A really quick and sweet novella...really a short story that brings us back to Matthew post Chain of Thorns which shows him accepting his grief for Kit and finding some love. I really wish there was more to this story and I am now left wondering if Matthew and Sylvain are end game.
Definitely one I would recommend, especially if you needed some closure after The Last Hours series.
Thank you to Daphne Press and Netgalley for the eARC and because I find myself having a very big Shadowhunter day with this and 2 of the The Mortal Instrument graphic novels read today, I have left an honest review.
Definitely one I would recommend, especially if you needed some closure after The Last Hours series.
Thank you to Daphne Press and Netgalley for the eARC and because I find myself having a very big Shadowhunter day with this and 2 of the The Mortal Instrument graphic novels read today, I have left an honest review.
Want to Read
April 1, 202610 AÑOS AQUI Y AUN ASI ANDO PERDIDA CON LAS ULTIMAS EDICIONES POR???
Lo voy a leer pero aja sigo cagada de risa porque cassandra vendió el paquete "exclusivo" que según tardo siglos en llevarles a los compradores, para que meses después saliera con que lo único premium es la edición (ni esta tan chida) y el libro viene con el mismo contenido LOL,
en fin, los quiero leer porque TSC es mi saga fav pero NO le voy a COMPRAR NADA A CASSANDRA
AUN SIGO EMPERRADA CON SU CAGADERO DE THE LAST HOURS
Lo voy a leer pero aja sigo cagada de risa porque cassandra vendió el paquete "exclusivo" que según tardo siglos en llevarles a los compradores, para que meses después saliera con que lo único premium es la edición (ni esta tan chida) y el libro viene con el mismo contenido LOL,
en fin, los quiero leer porque TSC es mi saga fav pero NO le voy a COMPRAR NADA A CASSANDRA
AUN SIGO EMPERRADA CON SU CAGADERO DE THE LAST HOURS
May 11, 2026
Matthew has always held a special place in my heart im so glad Cassie gave us a happy story of him after all his heartache and guilt and struggle with addiction. Sylvain is so cute I’m so glad they found each other
November 13, 2025
Read the initial edition included in Careful of Books.
It was a very, very, short novella, I wish it had been longer. There were many things that felt rushed and cramped. Cassandra had been hyping up this story and ended up being such a short work!!! It need to be at least twice as long. The romance/erotic part was GREAT, like something Cassie had never written before. And it was nice meeting Sylvain, a new character Matthew meets and joins to solve the mysterious murder that happened during the voyage.
I just hope that this edition is corrected, cause the one in Careful of Books had typos and also mistaken information (like the fact that he mentions having a new sibling, when in fact he had TWO twin siblings, according to Chain of Thorns).
Objectively, I should rate it with 3.5 stars, but overall I did like it, so it's a bit more like 4 stars.
[Read in June 2025]
It was a very, very, short novella, I wish it had been longer. There were many things that felt rushed and cramped. Cassandra had been hyping up this story and ended up being such a short work!!! It need to be at least twice as long. The romance/erotic part was GREAT, like something Cassie had never written before. And it was nice meeting Sylvain, a new character Matthew meets and joins to solve the mysterious murder that happened during the voyage.
I just hope that this edition is corrected, cause the one in Careful of Books had typos and also mistaken information (like the fact that he mentions having a new sibling, when in fact he had TWO twin siblings, according to Chain of Thorns).
Objectively, I should rate it with 3.5 stars, but overall I did like it, so it's a bit more like 4 stars.
[Read in June 2025]
December 12, 2025
As an Istanbulite, I genuinely enjoyed seeing the characters in my own city. It was fun and a bit surreal to have the setting so close to home. The story itself is light and doesn’t try to be anything bigger than it is, but I appreciated that cultural touch. A simple but pleasant short read.
May 21, 2026
I started reading this story without a lot of thought. After reading Anna and Ari's short story in Better in Black, I didn’t know who this Sylvain was and how he ended up as Matthew's boyfriend and companion (As one of the only main characters in the last hours to end up single at the end of the trilogy, after the whole love triangle fiasco, I didn't expect Cassie to leave him without a romantic partner, as she tends to pair everyone with everyone). Not my favourite thing to see, because you can be single and happy, but oh well, at least the role of Sylvain in the story was intentional in the evolution of Matthew’s character, and their dynamic worked in the story.
I liked it, but it was not really good (imo). We start of with Matthew on the last leg of his year-long journey after chain of thorns, still searching for his life purpose while dealing with grief over the lost of one of his closest’s friends, Christopher Lightwood. And the way Cassie deals with Matthew’s and Sylvain’s grief over their respective losses makes me teary-eyed, especially when they realize with each other how to understand and cope with their feelings throughout the story. I really liked this theme. Cassie really handles the characters grief over Christopher’s death better in these complementary, optional, for the fans, short stories than in the actual book.
The introduction of Sylvain was straightforward. He was running away from fatherly expectations and the guilt of his parabatai’s death, and ended up being the first to head into the murder mystery of the story, taking lead and teaming up with Matthew to solve it in the Shadow hunter way (killing vampires, you know, as one should), and ends up being the centre of the action and of the intrigue of our main character. I liked his character, his journey of dealing with grief paired with Matthew’s was my favourite part of the story, but overall, he doesn’t bring anything new, really. And, he knew a great deal about the Last Hours characters and the story, so at the end I was like, ok he knew Matthew due to the relevance of the conflict of this trilogy in the world, apparently, and he had a crush on him before meeting him in the voyage, so he kinda won in life, getting with his crush. Hahahah.
And talking about our main character, Mr. Matthew Fairchild, he was more cautious in this story, I like to say. He was not one of my favourite characters in the last hours, I think that honour goes to Lucie Herondale and Alastair Carstairs, but he was always a delight to read, except on the scenes with the whole love triangle FIASCO (I don’t want to talk about it here). So, after all he went through, all I wanted is to see him heal and be happy. And imo, this story did it better than chain of thorns. How he talks about his journey, how he has been healing from his alcoholism and self destructive behaviour, to admitting that he likes his life at the end of the story, makes me proud of him. And he deserves the world.
Again, small complaint, and this is my view of the character, but he doesn’t feel really Shadowhuntery, if this is even a word. If it wasn’t for Sylvain, I don’t know if Matthew would have engaged with the conflict at all. But I saw him like that on the Last Hours too, so I guess he needs to sharpen his abilities, it’s been a while bro, get to work!
The conflict, however, involves Matthew and Sylvain getting involved in a family conflict and murder (with vampires), essentially, with Melody Doyle and the brother (don’t really remember the name as he ends up dead, so). It’s quite like a murder mystery, but not really developed to be one. What I mean is, this conflict only works to bring these two characters together, that’s it. It doesn’t feel threatening for the characters at any moment, even in the action sequences. Honestly, I didn’t care that much for this part of the story, as it was kind of weak, and the resolution was just like, I understand you let’s not fight, and the vampires are just like LOL why didn’t you just say that before, and everyone leaves without consequences. I didn’t like that, but again, is a extra story just to get a continuation of Matthew’s story after chain of thorns, so it’s more like, if you want a fun, character-focused story about this character, who if you liked in The Last Hours, and to know how he has been doing, you might enjoy it.
The evolution of the relationship between Matthew and Sylvain is my other problem, it was too fast. They met at dinner with the characters that created the “main” conflict, and after a few meet ups, finding out they’re both shadow hunters, and starting to search for the killer of Melody Doyle’s brother, they get cozy with each other way faster than my liking, and I mean, way faster. Like they start to get to know each other, and after like 5 minutes, they start making out. Mmmm, not really my liking, because they just met the day before, and we have Matthew’s entire POV about Sylvain talking how beautiful he is and blah blah blah, but how about we eat dinner a couple times more to get to know each other before we jump into a romance. It really felt on the nose, and kinda like one of the sole purposes to write this story.
Also, I don’t know if it’s my copy or what, but there were grammar and structural errors that made my mind confused, like conversations being cut in a weird way or the narrator starting with something and ending with another. And the pacing of the story felt quite weird, too much description on small things but not a lot on important things, but there weren’t a lot, so. I believe it’s because this story was published through Kickstarter, more for the fans than a published novel, and it feels like it. Which is something I am feeling too with Better in Black, as I am reading it currently. I hope to feel excitement for this beautiful world again with the Wicked Powers, as I felt with the Infernal Devices re-read, because with these shorts stories, it’s not working.
3 starts for this story. Sorry if my review has grammatical errors, English is my second language, and it’s late at night, and I wrote this after just finishing the story.
I liked it, but it was not really good (imo). We start of with Matthew on the last leg of his year-long journey after chain of thorns, still searching for his life purpose while dealing with grief over the lost of one of his closest’s friends, Christopher Lightwood. And the way Cassie deals with Matthew’s and Sylvain’s grief over their respective losses makes me teary-eyed, especially when they realize with each other how to understand and cope with their feelings throughout the story. I really liked this theme. Cassie really handles the characters grief over Christopher’s death better in these complementary, optional, for the fans, short stories than in the actual book.
The introduction of Sylvain was straightforward. He was running away from fatherly expectations and the guilt of his parabatai’s death, and ended up being the first to head into the murder mystery of the story, taking lead and teaming up with Matthew to solve it in the Shadow hunter way (killing vampires, you know, as one should), and ends up being the centre of the action and of the intrigue of our main character. I liked his character, his journey of dealing with grief paired with Matthew’s was my favourite part of the story, but overall, he doesn’t bring anything new, really. And, he knew a great deal about the Last Hours characters and the story, so at the end I was like, ok he knew Matthew due to the relevance of the conflict of this trilogy in the world, apparently, and he had a crush on him before meeting him in the voyage, so he kinda won in life, getting with his crush. Hahahah.
And talking about our main character, Mr. Matthew Fairchild, he was more cautious in this story, I like to say. He was not one of my favourite characters in the last hours, I think that honour goes to Lucie Herondale and Alastair Carstairs, but he was always a delight to read, except on the scenes with the whole love triangle FIASCO (I don’t want to talk about it here). So, after all he went through, all I wanted is to see him heal and be happy. And imo, this story did it better than chain of thorns. How he talks about his journey, how he has been healing from his alcoholism and self destructive behaviour, to admitting that he likes his life at the end of the story, makes me proud of him. And he deserves the world.
Again, small complaint, and this is my view of the character, but he doesn’t feel really Shadowhuntery, if this is even a word. If it wasn’t for Sylvain, I don’t know if Matthew would have engaged with the conflict at all. But I saw him like that on the Last Hours too, so I guess he needs to sharpen his abilities, it’s been a while bro, get to work!
The conflict, however, involves Matthew and Sylvain getting involved in a family conflict and murder (with vampires), essentially, with Melody Doyle and the brother (don’t really remember the name as he ends up dead, so). It’s quite like a murder mystery, but not really developed to be one. What I mean is, this conflict only works to bring these two characters together, that’s it. It doesn’t feel threatening for the characters at any moment, even in the action sequences. Honestly, I didn’t care that much for this part of the story, as it was kind of weak, and the resolution was just like, I understand you let’s not fight, and the vampires are just like LOL why didn’t you just say that before, and everyone leaves without consequences. I didn’t like that, but again, is a extra story just to get a continuation of Matthew’s story after chain of thorns, so it’s more like, if you want a fun, character-focused story about this character, who if you liked in The Last Hours, and to know how he has been doing, you might enjoy it.
The evolution of the relationship between Matthew and Sylvain is my other problem, it was too fast. They met at dinner with the characters that created the “main” conflict, and after a few meet ups, finding out they’re both shadow hunters, and starting to search for the killer of Melody Doyle’s brother, they get cozy with each other way faster than my liking, and I mean, way faster. Like they start to get to know each other, and after like 5 minutes, they start making out. Mmmm, not really my liking, because they just met the day before, and we have Matthew’s entire POV about Sylvain talking how beautiful he is and blah blah blah, but how about we eat dinner a couple times more to get to know each other before we jump into a romance. It really felt on the nose, and kinda like one of the sole purposes to write this story.
Also, I don’t know if it’s my copy or what, but there were grammar and structural errors that made my mind confused, like conversations being cut in a weird way or the narrator starting with something and ending with another. And the pacing of the story felt quite weird, too much description on small things but not a lot on important things, but there weren’t a lot, so. I believe it’s because this story was published through Kickstarter, more for the fans than a published novel, and it feels like it. Which is something I am feeling too with Better in Black, as I am reading it currently. I hope to feel excitement for this beautiful world again with the Wicked Powers, as I felt with the Infernal Devices re-read, because with these shorts stories, it’s not working.
3 starts for this story. Sorry if my review has grammatical errors, English is my second language, and it’s late at night, and I wrote this after just finishing the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2026
"Will me dijo una vez que el dolor se convierte en parte de ti. Que se transforma en un reflejo del amor que sentías por la persona que perdiste".
"Hay tanto dolor para nosotros al aceptar que no tenemos control sobre el destino, que a veces las tragedias simplemente suceden. Que somos un pueblo que se pone en peligro una y otra vez y, por lo tanto, a veces perderemos a otros, o nos perderemos nosotros mismos. No podemos soportarlo, así que nos decimos a nosotros mismos que hay algo que podríamos haber hecho. Pero no es cierto".
"Cuando te preocupas por alguien, la idea de que comparta sus problemas contigo no es algo que temas. Es un regalo".
"Había estado buscando algo por todo el mundo. Había buscado en tierra y mar, en desiertos y bosques, en ciudades bulliciosas y llanuras desiertas. Pero había sido Sylvain quien le había mostrado que lo que necesitaba era dejar de lado la culpa que se había atribuido a sí mismo como un arma. Dejarla de lado y afrontar el mundo sin cargas, por aterrador que pareciera".
"Hay tanto dolor para nosotros al aceptar que no tenemos control sobre el destino, que a veces las tragedias simplemente suceden. Que somos un pueblo que se pone en peligro una y otra vez y, por lo tanto, a veces perderemos a otros, o nos perderemos nosotros mismos. No podemos soportarlo, así que nos decimos a nosotros mismos que hay algo que podríamos haber hecho. Pero no es cierto".
"Cuando te preocupas por alguien, la idea de que comparta sus problemas contigo no es algo que temas. Es un regalo".
"Había estado buscando algo por todo el mundo. Había buscado en tierra y mar, en desiertos y bosques, en ciudades bulliciosas y llanuras desiertas. Pero había sido Sylvain quien le había mostrado que lo que necesitaba era dejar de lado la culpa que se había atribuido a sí mismo como un arma. Dejarla de lado y afrontar el mundo sin cargas, por aterrador que pareciera".
April 13, 2026
A quick, short read! This was absolutely lovely! I loved being reunited with Matthew’s character - I love that this filled in the gaps in how his character coped with the ending of Chain of Thorns as well. Alongside the murder mystery on a cruise ship (ft. Vampires) storyline, I really liked the dynamic between Sylvain and Matthew. Although the story is quick, it explores the topic of grief very well. The final dream Matthew had about Christopher had me tearing up 🥹 this felt like a beautiful homage to Kit’s character as well, and I felt like it did a great job at emphasising the impact of the loss that the friendship group felt during CoT and beyond that book as well.
Overall, I had a great time and highly recommend this to anyone who wonders how Matthew’s character went after the CoT aftermath.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review. As always, all opinions in this review are my own!
Overall, I had a great time and highly recommend this to anyone who wonders how Matthew’s character went after the CoT aftermath.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review. As always, all opinions in this review are my own!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Oh Matthew, how I love thee, you poor tortured soul.
He’s been travelling with the lovely Oscar, he’s on his way home, and yet he still feels lost…
'When I set out at first, it was to find something. And I just can’t say I’m sure I’ve discovered it yet.'
Then there’s a murder. And then there’s Sylvain (what I wouldn’t give to hear him say 'Mathieu'!), so what’s a Shadowhunter to do but investigate?
It’s been a while since I last read a Shadowhunter book. I’ve reread most of them at least twice, and The Infernal Devices at least five times (Will H forever!). But reading this felt like stepping back into that world—falling in love with it all over again. Steles, the Merry Thieves, parabatai, runes, the Clave, Mundanes, Downworlders… I realized how much this world and these characters mean to me. They don’t just feel familiar. They feel like home.
'I am always with you.'
He’s been travelling with the lovely Oscar, he’s on his way home, and yet he still feels lost…
'When I set out at first, it was to find something. And I just can’t say I’m sure I’ve discovered it yet.'
Then there’s a murder. And then there’s Sylvain (what I wouldn’t give to hear him say 'Mathieu'!), so what’s a Shadowhunter to do but investigate?
It’s been a while since I last read a Shadowhunter book. I’ve reread most of them at least twice, and The Infernal Devices at least five times (Will H forever!). But reading this felt like stepping back into that world—falling in love with it all over again. Steles, the Merry Thieves, parabatai, runes, the Clave, Mundanes, Downworlders… I realized how much this world and these characters mean to me. They don’t just feel familiar. They feel like home.
'I am always with you.'
February 22, 2026
4.5⭐️
Such an heartwarming novella, i absolutely loved being back in the Shadowhunters world! The best part of this book was definitely having Matthew’s pov, seeing him be finally HAPPY without reservation and letting go of that sense of guilt that he’s been carrying for so long!
This novella was also needed to say a proper goodbye to a certain beloved character from The Last Hours🥹 and i love how Cassandra Clare cannot resist mentioning Will in all of her books, she’s just like me😂
The romance was also so cute, especially towards the end! The mystery part didn’t overwhelm the story but i really liked how Matthew solved it! Overall i feel like this novella was very much needed and i’m so happy I read it!
Thanks so much to Daphne Press and Netgalley for a free arc, all opinions are my own!
Such an heartwarming novella, i absolutely loved being back in the Shadowhunters world! The best part of this book was definitely having Matthew’s pov, seeing him be finally HAPPY without reservation and letting go of that sense of guilt that he’s been carrying for so long!
This novella was also needed to say a proper goodbye to a certain beloved character from The Last Hours🥹 and i love how Cassandra Clare cannot resist mentioning Will in all of her books, she’s just like me😂
The romance was also so cute, especially towards the end! The mystery part didn’t overwhelm the story but i really liked how Matthew solved it! Overall i feel like this novella was very much needed and i’m so happy I read it!
Thanks so much to Daphne Press and Netgalley for a free arc, all opinions are my own!
February 5, 2026
How can a book that short be this moving? It really was everything. It’s perfect.
We got to see Matthew getting better.
We got to see our favourite shadowhunter dog, Oscar.
We got to see Will haunting the narrative.
We got to see a little bit of Christopher.
We got to see the love Matthew has for the Merry Thieves and his friends.
We got to meet new characters.
And we also had a little bit of romance.
What I did not get to see was the screen of my kindle at the end of the book because of my tears (though they weren’t sad tears, i promise). And with that thought i’d like to say that i 100% recommend this book if you love shadowhunters and read the last hours series, because you’ll love it (hopefully) as much as i did. Thank you NetGalley and Daphne Press for providing me an earc of this book, i am forever grateful for this.
We got to see Matthew getting better.
We got to see our favourite shadowhunter dog, Oscar.
We got to see Will haunting the narrative.
We got to see a little bit of Christopher.
We got to see the love Matthew has for the Merry Thieves and his friends.
We got to meet new characters.
And we also had a little bit of romance.
What I did not get to see was the screen of my kindle at the end of the book because of my tears (though they weren’t sad tears, i promise). And with that thought i’d like to say that i 100% recommend this book if you love shadowhunters and read the last hours series, because you’ll love it (hopefully) as much as i did. Thank you NetGalley and Daphne Press for providing me an earc of this book, i am forever grateful for this.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A new Shadowhunter novella is on its way, this being a murder mystery on a ship to Constantinople. Matthew has been travelling for quite some time leaving the institute, his friends and family behind to go looking for something only wanting to return when he finds what he’s looking for. Under a fake name and having glamoured himself so the mundane folk won’t see he’s different, he hopes for a smooth time aboard, but that’s wishful thinking. There is another shadowhunter on board but also vampires and when a mundane gets killed, it's just another day in the office.
Want to read my full review on this novella? You can find it here; https://cindieslibrary.com/a-sea-chan...
Want to read my full review on this novella? You can find it here; https://cindieslibrary.com/a-sea-chan...
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a really fun and cute novella. It's fun to dip into the Shadowhunters world every now and then with these shorter stories. Matthew and Sylvain were adorable together and I liked the added element of danger and mystery with thw vampires. It was really nice seeing them both running from grief and find each other amid a murder mystery on a ship - genuinely a really fun setting.
It was a little insta-love for me but I also appreciate in a novella theres no time to have a slow burn.
Thanks Cassandra Clare and NetGalley for the ARC!
It was a little insta-love for me but I also appreciate in a novella theres no time to have a slow burn.
Thanks Cassandra Clare and NetGalley for the ARC!
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