Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy is a spin-off of Cassandra's 'Shadowhunter' universe. This book is a collection of 10 short stories that tell of Simon Lewis's path to Ascension, that can also be described as 'in which he learns how to be the perfect demon-fighting demi-human being'.
In the previous books of the Shadowhunter series, Simon was always casted as a side character; this is the first time we are seeing him as the main character. Although this book brings back recurring names from the Shadowhunter series, a handful of new characters were thrown into the mix as well: George Lovelace, his sarcastic yet caring roommate and friend; jock Jonathan Cartwright; young Marisol Garza; stubborn Julie Beauvale and a likeable character by the name of Beatriz Mendoza.
Over the course of the 10 stories, we learn a little bit about the side characters and a lot is elaborated about Simon. We can see Simon's beliefs develop as he goes through the semester; and because of his passion towards his beliefs, he also causes other characters' mindsets to change as well. His narrative voice is casual and easy to read, often having sarcasm and awkwardness mixed into it. Overall, I think Simon is a good main character that made this book an enjoyable read.
However, this book is definitely not for everybody. Being one of the few companion books of a currently-11-book series, any newcomer would not be drawn in or find any of the characters interesting at all; this is due to the lack of elaboration on who the characters are, when in fact they are actually characters from the main series making cameos and having their story added to or explained in greater detail. The concept would be hard to grasp for new readers, and having the extensive amount of characters doesn't add enthusiam at all.
On the other hand, long-time readers of the Shadowhunter series will enjoy this book because it adds more to the already-huge plotline of the universe. Familiar names from the previous books will be brought up, and there are many angsty moments that carry feelings of nostalgia. Cassandra Clare's writing is descriptive as always, and additional illustrations by Cassandra Jean will help the reader to visualize scenes and characters vividly. I - a fan - loved this book and couldn't put it down for even a mere second, so this is why I recommend this book to readers that already love the Shadowhunter universe and its characters. I also recommend that new readers try the first book, City of Bones, before diving straight into this one; that would just be robbing the experience from yourself.
Some additional warnings I must add: if you are strongly against anything-except-straight couples, then I suggest you avoid this book (or this entire series in general) because there are characters that are openly not straight; if you are not a fan of long, draggy series with many, many books, please take note that the series is planned to reach 15 books; finally, please do not read this book if you are against any sort of plot involving demonic and angelic properties.
Warnings aside, I come to my conclusion: Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy is an acquired taste suited to those that have already had a taste beforehand. It is a must-read for dedicated fans of the Shadowhunter universe that will not fail to entertain.
- serene / y9
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dont make me say the warnings again
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