I know absolutely nothing about this world that Cassandra Clare has created, but my library has all of the novellas as audiobooks and they are very short quick listens. So naturally I grabbed them and then proceeded to ask a fellow reader if it would be fine to start them, she said for the most part it should be fine. So I dived in...

I now have a burning need to know Brother Zachariah's past. Clare managed to have him reference his past in such a compelling manner that as a newbie to this world I am intrigued and hooked and need to know more. Had I already been aware of his story, I have a feeling I would appreciate his presence even more in this short tale.

While I, a newbie, didn't fully grasp certain parts of the established world, it was still easy to follow along with and get completely absorbed in the story. I know and understand that this is a short story, but my mind can't help but wonder if this world connects back to these kids that are told about in this tale (don't spoil it for me let me find out on my own ahaha) I grew connected to the kids rather quickly and I loved how innocent their part in the story was.

While I didn't care for the female vampire Lily, nor the killing of werewolves, and thats only because I love werewolves so freaking much (sorry guys not a vampire kind of gal lol) I was still left with a need to know and fully understand this world.

The story is quick and straight to the point but with enough mystery behind it that it blows your mind and leaves you wanting more.

This tale does work on its own, but knowing its part of a bigger world makes my mind go "hey, we need to learn more about this" while if this wasn't part of a bigger world I would want it to be part of bigger world, it holds up well by itself and really captivates the reader.

Clare sucked me into her world with her beautiful writing and captivating storytelling. Im about to fall into this world hard. ( )

ahhhh baby gay alec and jem my angel♡ ( )

heronstairs. that's it, that's the review

OH MY GOODNESS!!!! I expected this to be amazing, but I didn't expect it to HURT so much!!! I should have known. I mean, when has anything Cassandra Clare's ever written NOT hurt. But wow! I spent the entire time either squealing (These guys were adorable when they were younger!) or moaning/sobbing (All the characters who I know die. Literally every other thought Brother Zachariah has. THE SCENE WHERE BROTHER ZACHARIAH FIGHTS ALONGSIDE JACE, OH MY GOODNESS THAT SCENE WAS JUST SO BEAUTIFUL AND PAINFUL, AND I WAS JUST SITTING THERE CRYING SO HARD I COULDN'T EVEN READ!).

This story was probably the most worthwhile four dollars I've ever spent. It was just so so so good! I loved every second of this story, and it's taking all of my effort to not start reading it all over again.

If you're a Shadowhunters fan, this is an absolute must read. ( )

Good Lord. Even ten year old Jace was full of snark! ( )