The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare (and others)

The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare, Maureen Johnson and Sarah Rees Brennan

Release Date - November 11, 2014

Publisher Website - Simon and Schuster
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 528 pages
My Rating - 4.5/5
**received in exchange for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

A Collection of Ten Short Stories centred around Magnus Bane. Each short story is going to be published as an ebook followed by a Full Single Print Coming 2014

Ever wondered about the enigmatic, mysterious warlock Magnus Bane? The only character to appear in every Shadowhunter book, Magnus has a past even more shrouded in mystery than his present. I’ve teamed up with acclaimed YA writers Maureen Johnson and Sarah Rees Brennan to create the Bane Chronicles, the back (and front) story of Magnus told in ten linked tales.

Look for short stories like Vampires, Scones and Edmund Herondale; The Rise and Fall of the Hotel Dumort; Saving Raphael Santiago and What To Buy The Shadowhunter Who Has Everything (And Who You’re Not Officially Dating Anyway). Each story will be available as an ebook on a monthly basis starting April 16 with the tale of What Happened In Peru. 

Each story will be released monthly online for the next ten months — and then for those who don’t read e-books, the full print collection will be available in bookstores and wherever else books are sold after the Chronicles have been finished

Magnus Bane is one of my favourite characters. Not just in this series, but EVER. His relationship with Alec is my official ship of the Shadowhunter series, and I was immediately thrilled when I heard this novel was going to be a thing. I was not prepared for the roller coaster ride that comes within these pages. I was left a puddle of Herondale angst and Magnus feelings by the end.

Rather than a full review I am going to discuss some of the short stories I especially loved and what made me love them. All you really need to know is that the essence and tone that is so integral to Cassandra's books are here. The characterization, humour, emotion and the little inside jokes are woven into each short story.

#3: Vampires, Scones, and Edmund Herondale

This novella proves that all Herondale men are attractive, broken and/or cursed. Edmund's story is one of sadness and left me angry. It left a lasting impression (particularly towards the end) and makes you think of the Clockwork series a little differently.

#4: The Midnight Heir

Once again proving those Herondale boys like their angst and heartbreak. This is, hands down, my favourite out of all the short stories. This one left me speechless. This made me BEYOND excited for The Last Hours and getting to see everyone from the Clockwork series was entirely bittersweet. This one left me curled up in tears for many reasons, and I already adore James Herondale and want to punch people for hurting him.

#6: Saving Raphael Santiago

I was not prepared to not hate Raphael Santiago. This story is one of determination, kindness and an unlikely bond (I wouldn't call it a friendship). There is plenty of little surprises, and this adds layers to Raphael that I did not expect. 

#9: The Last Stand of the New York Institute

Any big fan of this series will devour this and immediately want the rest of this story. Getting to see the rise and fall (the short version) of Valentine and the Circle was breathtaking. Magnus' role was not unexpected, and it all ends with another wink to the Mortal Instruments series itself.

#10: The Course of True Love (and First Dates)

Alec and Magnus' first date is EXACTLY what you would expect. It's funny, and awkward and perfect for them. It's the emotion that sucker punches you towards the end that made me get teary and hug the book. At the end of all these short stories we see what Magnus has had to endure, and the hope that still is within him is beautiful. We see how his long life made him into what he is, and that he's never given up. He's always retained that sliver of optimism and that is what this collection shows you. Magnus has had unspeakable tragedy and sorrow during his many years. He's lost countless loved ones, seen generations of the same family line come and go, and yet always makes new connections. He hasn't shut himself away from that. He endures. The wistful moments when he's seeing someone (like when he meets James Herondale) for the first time, and the feelings he had for people connected to them creep up on him are some of the most beautiful moments in the book. Magnus has a lot to be wistful about, and we feel every single ache (even if it's dulled to a bittersweet fondness).

This collection made me fall in love with this world, this character, and everything all over again. The subtle way that your feelings would overtake you as you're reading these stories prove how deep this series becomes a part of you. This is one for the fans, a love letter if will, that teases what's to come, and shows you just how Magnus became the fabulous warlock we all love.