Carstairs’s Reviews > Nothing but Shadows > Status Update

“Makes it sound like there’s someone you’d ask.”
“I’d ask you, Si,” said George, with an awkward little smile. “But I know you wouldn’t ask me. I know who you would ask. And that’s okay. I’ve still got Frog Simon,” You couldn't pay me enough for me to tell someone I want us to be platonic soulmates and that I know they don't reciprocate. Let George keep his dignity.

"They would have to be even blinder than a Silent Brother, Uncle Jem agreed. Because I can see you, James. I will always look to you for light." Jem as always coming through with some much needed comfort and wisdom

"“I’d be happy to teach Matthew a lesson,” said James.
Then Matthew’s face and the trees both went sailing by, as Matthew’s staff scythed James’s legs out from under him and James went tumbling to the ground." I sympathise with James but he deserved that

“Maybe not everyone listens to stories like you do,” Matthew said from across the room. “Not everyone learns.” Matthew proving since day one that he's not just a pretty face

"James saw Thomas and Christopher both turn, like flowers toward the sun. They smiled with identical radiant welcome, and James stared at the back of a shining blond head." That's the Matthew Fairchild effect alright.

"He would charm parents and grandparents, and stop babies from crying. Everybody loved Matthew" The idea of Matthew going around with his sunshine smile stopping babies from crying is too precious

“Your mother says she will be brave and keep a stiff upper lip,” said Father. “Americans are heartless. I will cry into my pillow every night.” I would read 100k words about Will being the sweetest and funniest dad

“A Herondale? Another Herondale?” Simon asked. “Herondales without cease. Do you ever get the feeling you are being chased around by Herondales?” Hmm at least the author is self-aware