[Book Review] Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy by Cassandra Clare

Goodbye Simon, a Mundane! Hello Simon, a Shadowhunter!

Title : Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy

Author : Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brennan, Maureen Johnson, Robin Wasserman

Genre : Fantasy, Young Adult Fiction

Publisher : Margaret K. McElderry Books

Book type : Paperback

Pages : 655 pages

ISBN : 9781481443265

"So much had changed, and Simon had changed too. But in the end, he had not lost what was most precious to him. " (pg. 454)

Blurb

Simon Lewis has been a human and a vampire, and now he is becoming a Shadowhunter. But the events of City of Heavenly Fire left him stripped of his memories, and Simon isn’t sure who he is anymore. He knows he was friends with Clary, and that he convinced the total goddess Isabelle Lightwood to go out with him…but he doesn’t know how. And when Clary and Isabelle look at him, expecting him to be a man he doesn’t remember…Simon can’t take it.

So when the Shadowhunter Academy reopens, Simon throws himself into this new world of demon-hunting, determined to find himself again. His new self. Whomever this new Simon might be.

But the Academy is a Shadowhunter institution, which means it has some problems. Like the fact that non-Shadowhunter students have to live in the basement. And that differences—like being a former vampire—are greatly looked down upon. At least Simon is trained in weaponry—even if it’s only from hours of playing D&D.

Join Simon on his journey to become a Shadowhunter, and learn about the Academy’s illustrious history along the way, through guest lecturers such as Jace Herondale, Tessa Gray, and Magnus Bane. These ten short stories give an epilogue to the Mortal Instruments series and provide glimpses of what’s in store in the Dark Artifices.

Thought

Simon always be my favorite character in Shadowhunter Chronicles since the first time I read City of Bones. He is funny, adorable, humble, kind, nerd and absolutely good-looking. I was sad when I knew he had sacrificed his life in City of Heavenly Fire to save his beloved friends and end up doesn't remember anything about the Shadow World. I read Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy since I curious what happen to Simon's Life after City of Heavenly Fire. And this is also my first time read 655 pages English book.

All the stories from this book occur in Shadowhunter Academy, the place to train someone (a descent shadowhunter or even a mundane) to become a Shadowhunter. Not only Simon, this book also tells some stories from other characters in Shadowhunters Universe. We can know stories from the past and even the stories about other characters in Lady Midnight book. I'm glad that I decided to read this first before continuing to read Lady Midnight. We also meet other new characters and they are Simon's friend in Academy. One of the new characters is George Lovelace. He's so funny (And absolutely good-looking). The new characters make the story more interesting to read.

Moreover, in this book we can see who Simon really wants to be. He tried to find his true self with the support from all beloved people who around him. I love how supportive his friends. When Simon doesn't believe in himself, his friend are always there to convince him. Simon relationship with Izzy also makes this book interesting to read. I was upset and frustrated to see their relationship. But at last, Sizzy is back together again. It is really joyful to read.

This book consists of 10 novellas. I'm going to write my individual thought about each novella. 

• Welcome to Shadowhunter Academy

This first novella give us story how Simon enter the Shadowhunters Academy.  We will meet all Simon's new friends in the Academy. We will meet adorable and funny, George Lovelace--Simon's best friend in Academy. I love how Simon was stand up for the dregs in the Academy. I think this novella also so frustrating. God, I hate Simon because he doesn't remember anything! I was frustrated to see Simon and Isabelle's relationship in this novella.


"I wanted to be that guy again. That hero that you all remember..." (pg. 60)

• The Lost Herondale

Just like the title, this novella tells us about Tobias Herondale.  Tobias Herondale's story was told by one of the lecturer in Academy, Catarina Loss. This is the first flashback in this book.  I love Catarina Loss. She's one of my favorite Warlocks. I love how she convinces Simon to define his own life. This novella also gives us a surprise since there is one unknown Herondale that exists in this world.

"Remember what I said, Simon. Every decision you make, makes you. Never let other people choose who you are going to be." (pg. 116)

• The Whitecaple Find

Another flashback story! This story is about Tessa, Will, Jem and other characters from Infernal Devices and how they solve the infamous murdered in London. Besides that, in this novella we also meet Jace as a lecturer and trainer in the Academy.

"We live in the world of possibilities." (pg. 147)

• Nothing but Shadows

In the previous novella, we can see Tessa, Will, Jem and other characters from Infernal Devices, but in this novella we will meet their kids. We will meet adorable James Herondale who'd just attended the Academy. I love to see the Dad-son relationship between Will and James. It's so heart-warming! This novella is also the hint for Cassandra Clare next book, The Last Hour which focuses on the Children of the Infernal Devices characters. It makes me cannot wait to read the Last Hour! And I already in love with James Herondale and Matthew Fairchild!

"Do not let any of them tell you who you are. You are the flame that cannot be put out. You are the stars that cannot be lost. You are who you have always been, and that is enough and more than enough." (pg. 225)

• The Evil We Love

I'm glad Cassie writes this novella since it cures my curiosity about The Circle. Yes, this novella is about how The Circle was made. Robert Lightwood is responsible for telling this story to all students in Academy.  When I read TMI, I really detest Robert but when I read this, I feel poor for him. And also in this novella, Simon finally realized his feeling for Izzy! Guess who is jealous right now~ LOL

"Love, real love is being seen. Being known. Knowing the ugliest part of someone, and having them anyway." (pg. 302)

• Pale Kings and Princess

This novella is my favorite one among 10 novellas. I detest the Clave for what they had done to Helen and Mark Blackthron in City of Heavenly Fire. Not only the Clave, I hate all Shadowhunters who treat Downworlder crudely. When I read this novella, I feel poor for Helen. Helen was forced to tell her parents' story to all students in Academy. If you have read City of Heavenly Fire, you'll know Helen and Mark Blackthron have faerie blood. Their mother is a faerie and their father is a Shadowhunter. After the Dark War, the Clave don't trust Faerie anymore and forget their ally since faerie had betrayed them. Many Shadowhunters hate Helen and Mark since they have faerie blood. I love this novella since there is a real story about Helen's mother that everyone doesn't know. After read this, I know all the faeries not cruel as they seem.

"This is the story she left behind, the story her lover will never know; this is the story her daughters will never know. This is how faerie loves: with her body and soul. This is how a faerie loves: with destruction.... This is how faerie love: with a gift." (pg. 401)

• Bitter of Tongue

This is another novella that will give us a hint for Lady Midnight. We will meet Mark Blackthron and the Wild Hunt. It was heart-breaking to see how disconsolate Mark waiting for the Clave to come for him. Even though he has faerie blood, Mark wholeheartedly loyal to the Shadowhunters. He even saved Simon who was captured to the faerie land. In this novella, we' can see how big and deep Mark's love for his brother and sisters.

"You see? I have not forgotten. Every night, no matter what has happened during the day, no matter if i am torn and bloodied or so bone-tired I wish I were dead, I look up at the stars and give each other star a brother's name or sister's face. I will not sleep until I remember every one. The stars will burn out before I forgot." (pg. 424)

• The Fiery Trial

This novella is about Parabatai. We will see the Parabatai ceremony between Julian Blackthron and Emma Carstairs (Yep. another story connected to Lady Midnight). I love this story since in this story Simon and Clary have discussed to be Parabatai! Everyone around them knows that Clary and Simon are meant to be together as best friend. The bond between them never can be break. I'm so excited to see them as Parabatai! 

"But I see it between you. True Parabatai are linked long before the ceremony takes place." (pg. 495)

• Born to Endless Night

This is the longest novella among 10 novellas in this book. Pretty sure, this novella is Malec shipper's favorite. The story is about love and family that will absolutely heart-warming. The relationship between Malec is really heart-warming and how happy I am to see that Robert and Maryse are proud to Alec. We all know that Robert and Maryse have a tough relationship but they are there with their beloved children and support what their children love. This is my first time do not hate the Lightwoods parents. I completely can't wait to read other story about Malec's life. And also Sizzy relatioship is getting better in this novella!

"All the beautiful surprises of life are what makes life worth living." (pg. 535)

• Angels Twice Descending

The last novella in this book is about Ascension day, the day where Simon finally will drink angel blood from the mortal cup and becomes a Shadowhunter. I was happy because in this chapter finally Simon will become a Shadowhunter and finally get his memory back. But this novella also makes me wept. I was absolutely sad. Dear Cassie Clare, why did you do that? My heart completely broke into pieces when I read this novella. However I love the ending how Simon finally choose his shadowhunter's name.

"You are Nephilim now. I name you Simon Shadowhunter, of the blood of Jonathan Shadowhunter, child of the nephilim." (pg. 647)

In conclusion, this book is really satisfying for Shadowhunters fans. It has good narrative, funny humor and deep meaning about finding who you truly are. This book is also a good start for Shadowhunters fans before read Lady Midnight. I'm completely in love with this book. This book makes my love for Simon getting bigger and bigger.

"And so did Simon, who was now a Shadowhunter himself. Who could change what it meant to be a Shadowhunter just by making new choices. Better choices." (pg. 654)