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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
197 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.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 432 reviews
June 30, 2026
I wish I liked this more as I love anything in the shadowhunters world but I felt like I wanted more yearning & deep love for Matthew not lust
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.
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★
September 4, 2026
I really think this would have benefited from being longer. I love Matthew; he’s such a great character, and after all he suffered, having him meet Sylvain was a really nice surprise for him. But seriously, we needed more relationship development. The mystery was ok I guess, but it got solved too quickly.
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.
March 19, 2026
going to add quotes when it’s not 3am
July 30, 2026
Matthew and Sylvain deserve the world <3
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.
July 8, 2026
Jo, me ha encantado. Me he reído y emocionado. El libro encima tiene una trama de misterio que me ha resultado muy entretenida. Sylvain me ha gustado muchísimo ❤️🔥, y la participación de Oscar es inestimable jajaja. La parte de Kit ayudando a Matthew 🥹❤️🩹. Precioso.
June 8, 2026
This was… bad. But I enjoyed myself bc I love Matthew, lol.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
only because I love Matthew Fairchild so much and he deserves happiness
April 1, 2026
MATHEW GETTING A BOYFRIEND EXACTLY AS JAMES BUT FRENCH LOL
Good for him!!
Im still pissed for how waste was his character in TLH(and the plot by the way)
I HATE U CASSANDRA
Good for him!!
Im still pissed for how waste was his character in TLH(and the plot by the way)
I HATE U CASSANDRA
September 23, 2026
i missed matthewwwww & i am so happy for him.
"I am always with you, wherever there is an invention that is not quite working, I am there." IM EMO AS HELL
"I am always with you, wherever there is an invention that is not quite working, I am there." IM EMO AS HELL
May 11, 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
July 16, 2026
I saw this existed and then I read. Nothing burger novella.
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.
August 12, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
Cassandra Clare writes romance stories sooo well but I wanted this to be longer !! As much as I did enjoy it, it did feel a little rushed to me and I would have liked a little more progression between the two main characters however it is a short story so it does make sense! A nice little read
Cassandra Clare writes romance stories sooo well but I wanted this to be longer !! As much as I did enjoy it, it did feel a little rushed to me and I would have liked a little more progression between the two main characters however it is a short story so it does make sense! A nice little read
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.
Read
July 5, 2026Oscar wilde 🐕
July 11, 2026
Yeah I’m a sucker for the sun and moon duos.
August 5, 2026
3⭐️
Very cute but also very little substance.
I love Matthew with all my heart but still the Story was just way to simple to actually excite me.
Very cute but also very little substance.
I love Matthew with all my heart but still the Story was just way to simple to actually excite me.
September 5, 2026
Un poco floja la historia pero como es de mi favorito me leería cualquier cosa🙃🙃
July 24, 2026
This would have been such a good fleshed out murder mystery, I don’t know why she chose to make it a novella.
Read
August 30, 2026“… a reminder of how much better it was to have a Christopher to mourn, than never to have had a Christopher at all.”
“A moment later, he felt Christopher's arms around him, a tight hug that he returned, gripping the back of
Christopher's jacket as if he could hold him forever.”
Oh Kit. My beloved bespectacled boy. I will carry you in my heart forever.
"A sad dream. But not a bad one."
“A moment later, he felt Christopher's arms around him, a tight hug that he returned, gripping the back of
Christopher's jacket as if he could hold him forever.”
Oh Kit. My beloved bespectacled boy. I will carry you in my heart forever.
"A sad dream. But not a bad one."
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 😭
Displaying 1 - 30 of 432 reviews