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Shadowhunter Chronicles
The Shadowhunter's Codex
The Clave is pleased to announce the newest edition of the Nephilim’s oldest and most famous training manual: the Shadowhunter’s Codex. Since the thirteenth century, the Codex has been the young Shadowhunter’s best friend. When you’re being swarmed by demons it can be easy to forget the finer points of obscure demon languages or the fastest way to stop an attack of Raum demons. With the Codex by your side, you never have to worry.
Now in its twenty-seventh edition, the Codex covers it all: the history and the laws of our world; how to identify, interact with, and if necessary, kill that world’s many colorful denizens; which end of the stele is the end you write with. No more will your attempt to fight off rogue vampires and warlocks be slowed by the need to answer endless questions from your new recruits: What is a Pyxis? Why don’t we use guns? If I can’t see a warlock’s mark, is there a polite way to ask him where it is? Where do we get all our holy water? Geography, History, Magic, and Zoology textbook all rolled into one, the Codex is here to help new Shadowhunters navigate the beautiful, often brutal world that we inhabit.
Do not let it be said that the Clave is outdated or, as the younger Shadowhunters say, “uncool”: this new edition of the Codex will be available not only in the usual magically-sealed demonskin binding, but also in a smart, modern edition using all of today’s most exciting printing techniques, including such new features as a sturdy clothbound cover, a protective dust jacket, and information about title, author, publisher, and so on conveniently available right on the cover. You’ll be pleased to know that it fits neatly into most satchels, and unlike previous editions, it rarely sets off alarm wards.
The old woodcuts and engravings have been replaced as well: instead, you’ll find lavish modern illustrations by some of the brightest luminaries of the fantastic. Creatures, weapons, people, and places have been carefully and accurately rendered by the likes of Rebecca Guay, Charles Vess, Jim Nelson, Theo Black, Elisabeth Alba, and Cassandra Jean. Chapters are beautifully introduced by the drawings of Michael Kaluta, and along with our condensation of the classic 2,450-page tome, A History of the Nephilim, you will find a selection of the best of the lovely illustrations of that volume by John Dollar.
This edition of the Codex will be available in Institute libraries and what mundanes sometimes call “book stores” in October 2013.
Now in its twenty-seventh edition, the Codex covers it all: the history and the laws of our world; how to identify, interact with, and if necessary, kill that world’s many colorful denizens; which end of the stele is the end you write with. No more will your attempt to fight off rogue vampires and warlocks be slowed by the need to answer endless questions from your new recruits: What is a Pyxis? Why don’t we use guns? If I can’t see a warlock’s mark, is there a polite way to ask him where it is? Where do we get all our holy water? Geography, History, Magic, and Zoology textbook all rolled into one, the Codex is here to help new Shadowhunters navigate the beautiful, often brutal world that we inhabit.
Do not let it be said that the Clave is outdated or, as the younger Shadowhunters say, “uncool”: this new edition of the Codex will be available not only in the usual magically-sealed demonskin binding, but also in a smart, modern edition using all of today’s most exciting printing techniques, including such new features as a sturdy clothbound cover, a protective dust jacket, and information about title, author, publisher, and so on conveniently available right on the cover. You’ll be pleased to know that it fits neatly into most satchels, and unlike previous editions, it rarely sets off alarm wards.
The old woodcuts and engravings have been replaced as well: instead, you’ll find lavish modern illustrations by some of the brightest luminaries of the fantastic. Creatures, weapons, people, and places have been carefully and accurately rendered by the likes of Rebecca Guay, Charles Vess, Jim Nelson, Theo Black, Elisabeth Alba, and Cassandra Jean. Chapters are beautifully introduced by the drawings of Michael Kaluta, and along with our condensation of the classic 2,450-page tome, A History of the Nephilim, you will find a selection of the best of the lovely illustrations of that volume by John Dollar.
This edition of the Codex will be available in Institute libraries and what mundanes sometimes call “book stores” in October 2013.
274 pages, Hardcover
First published October 29, 2013
About the author
Cassandra Clare
196 books270k followersCassandra Clare was born to American parents in Tehran, Iran and spent much of her childhood travelling the world with her family, including one trek through the Himalayas as a toddler where she spent a month living in her father’s backpack. She lived in France, England and Switzerland before she was ten years old.
Since her family moved around so much she found familiarity in books and went everywhere with a book under her arm. She spent her high school years in Los Angeles where she used to write stories to amuse her classmates, including an epic novel called “The Beautiful Cassandra” based on a Jane Austen short story of the same name (and which later inspired her current pen name).
After college, Cassie lived in Los Angeles and New York where she worked at various entertainment magazines and even some rather suspect tabloids where she reported on Brad and Angelina’s world travels and Britney Spears’ wardrobe malfunctions. She started working on her YA novel, City of Bones, in 2004, inspired by the urban landscape of Manhattan, her favourite city. She turned to writing fantasy fiction full time in 2006 and hopes never to have to write about Paris Hilton again.
Cassie’s first professional writing sale was a short story called “The Girl’s Guide to Defeating the Dark Lord” in a Baen anthology of humor fantasy. Cassie hates working at home alone because she always gets distracted by reality TV shows and the antics of her cats, so she usually sets out to write in local coffee shops and restaurants. She likes to work in the company of her friends, who see that she sticks to her deadlines.
City of Bones was her first novel. Sword Catcher is her most recent novel.
Since her family moved around so much she found familiarity in books and went everywhere with a book under her arm. She spent her high school years in Los Angeles where she used to write stories to amuse her classmates, including an epic novel called “The Beautiful Cassandra” based on a Jane Austen short story of the same name (and which later inspired her current pen name).
After college, Cassie lived in Los Angeles and New York where she worked at various entertainment magazines and even some rather suspect tabloids where she reported on Brad and Angelina’s world travels and Britney Spears’ wardrobe malfunctions. She started working on her YA novel, City of Bones, in 2004, inspired by the urban landscape of Manhattan, her favourite city. She turned to writing fantasy fiction full time in 2006 and hopes never to have to write about Paris Hilton again.
Cassie’s first professional writing sale was a short story called “The Girl’s Guide to Defeating the Dark Lord” in a Baen anthology of humor fantasy. Cassie hates working at home alone because she always gets distracted by reality TV shows and the antics of her cats, so she usually sets out to write in local coffee shops and restaurants. She likes to work in the company of her friends, who see that she sticks to her deadlines.
City of Bones was her first novel. Sword Catcher is her most recent novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,657 reviews
January 3, 2016
I don't care if some people think that this book is annoying or unnecessary, I'm excited. I'm going to add it to my Shadowhunter collection and I'm going to love reading it, too.
my book blog: https://pagehaven.tumblr.com
my book blog: https://pagehaven.tumblr.com
Shelved as 'put-down-for-a-while'
February 16, 2014I feel sorry for everyone who dislike the idea of Cassandra Clare writing another series about shadowhunters. I think the synopsis explain the book itself, THIS Shadowhunters Codex is for only only ONLY for the fandom of the mortal instruments (tmi) and the infernal devices (tid), and if you have a problem with that just don't buy this book okay? THIS book has mentioned in clockwork angel with Tessa's arrival at the institute (spoiler but not really) and Will gave her The Shadowhunters Codex to gave her a chance to know Shadow World better by reading this book.
For the another series that Cassandra Clare will write at the future, she write the novels just for people who likes reading about shadowhunters. So stfu, i love the world that Cassandra's built and i want MORE because after i read tmi/tid, EVERY books I'm about to read just put me down
Oh and i hope this book is an illustration, so there will be photos and other interesting things, and the cover's please in hologram or something exciting. Hoping for this codex comes out as real as we imagine on the series
For the another series that Cassandra Clare will write at the future, she write the novels just for people who likes reading about shadowhunters. So stfu, i love the world that Cassandra's built and i want MORE because after i read tmi/tid, EVERY books I'm about to read just put me down
Oh and i hope this book is an illustration, so there will be photos and other interesting things, and the cover's please in hologram or something exciting. Hoping for this codex comes out as real as we imagine on the series
Want to read
January 29, 2013Yes. Yes!!! YESS!!!!
Best thing ever. Can't wait. I love the Mortal Instruments. I love the Infernal Devices. I can't wait for the Dark Artifices. I can't wait for the Bane Chronicles. And now I can't wait for this!!!
Best thing ever. Can't wait. I love the Mortal Instruments. I love the Infernal Devices. I can't wait for the Dark Artifices. I can't wait for the Bane Chronicles. And now I can't wait for this!!!
December 28, 2018
1.) City of Bones ★★★
2.) City of Ashes ★★
3.) City of Glass ★★★
1.) Clockwork Angel ★★★
4.) City of Fallen Angels ★
2.) Clockwork Prince ★★★★
5.) City of Lost Souls ★★★★
3.) Clockwork Princess ★★★★★
6.) City of Heavenly Fire ★★★★★
*.) The Bane Chronicles ★★★
*.) Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy ★★★
1.) Lady Midnight ★★★★★
2.) Lord of Shadows ★★★★
3.) Queen of Air and Darkness ★★★★
Okay, I’m not going to write up a big review for this because honestly? I was a little bored while reading this and I kept forcing myself to pick it up! I did think the illustrations were absolutely beautiful! And I loved the addition of the scribbles and doodles in the margins, so we can see what some of our beloved characters thought while reading this book that is supposed to be an actual book in the Shadowhunter world. But, sadly, it reads like a textbook. But I am happy I read it, because I do think it not only expanded my knowledge of the world, but a few parts were actually interesting. But I for sure think you do not *need* to read this by any means whatsoever.
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2.) City of Ashes ★★
3.) City of Glass ★★★
1.) Clockwork Angel ★★★
4.) City of Fallen Angels ★
2.) Clockwork Prince ★★★★
5.) City of Lost Souls ★★★★
3.) Clockwork Princess ★★★★★
6.) City of Heavenly Fire ★★★★★
*.) The Bane Chronicles ★★★
*.) Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy ★★★
1.) Lady Midnight ★★★★★
2.) Lord of Shadows ★★★★
3.) Queen of Air and Darkness ★★★★
Okay, I’m not going to write up a big review for this because honestly? I was a little bored while reading this and I kept forcing myself to pick it up! I did think the illustrations were absolutely beautiful! And I loved the addition of the scribbles and doodles in the margins, so we can see what some of our beloved characters thought while reading this book that is supposed to be an actual book in the Shadowhunter world. But, sadly, it reads like a textbook. But I am happy I read it, because I do think it not only expanded my knowledge of the world, but a few parts were actually interesting. But I for sure think you do not *need* to read this by any means whatsoever.
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Youtube | Twitch
October 17, 2013
Can i just say something to all of you who are complaining out there?!
If you don't like Cassie's work then feel free not to read them! Because a lot of us are very interested in her work and she worked very hard to create this amazing world and she has the rights to create as many novels about it as she wants because she created them all herself.
Cassandra's books mean the world to me and i would love to thank her everyday for luring me into the adventure of my life with her books.
And to have a book like The Shaowhunters' Codex,makes me feel like one of the amazing characters and feel like I'm living in their world.
So please stop hating on her work when many such as myself think it is a masterpiece!
Very excited to read this book,really cannot wait!
<3 <3 <3 <3
If you don't like Cassie's work then feel free not to read them! Because a lot of us are very interested in her work and she worked very hard to create this amazing world and she has the rights to create as many novels about it as she wants because she created them all herself.
Cassandra's books mean the world to me and i would love to thank her everyday for luring me into the adventure of my life with her books.
And to have a book like The Shaowhunters' Codex,makes me feel like one of the amazing characters and feel like I'm living in their world.
So please stop hating on her work when many such as myself think it is a masterpiece!
Very excited to read this book,really cannot wait!
<3 <3 <3 <3
Read
January 4, 2014YESSSS! *pumps fist in triumph* I can now have a reference for when I am bored and have a pen-knife and want to carve some runes into my skin for funsies!!!
Want to read
December 5, 2012The Codex is the Codex itself, a textbook for new Shadowhunters, and also notes and art added in by Clary, commenting and updating things. (For one thing, the Codex’s official take on things is often not quite the same as what Clary knows to be true. The facts it claims about warlocks alone are outrageously incorrect!)
We've heard this before.
We've heard this shit before.
God damn it Clare. STOP. JUST STOP.
This will never be Hogwarts A History (aka the Encyclopedia that JK may hopefully someday write but maybe never will).
This will also never be:
1) Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (which also employed the whole 'extra doodles and notes from the main characters thing')
2) Quidditch Through the Ages
3) The Tales of Beedle the Bard
Which were also actual books from the series that were turned into real books that fans could buy.
MUST YOU STEAL ALL THE IDEAS? EVEN ALL OF THEM?
At least when JK Rowling wrote her supplements she had the decency to donate the money to charity. I wouldn't be surprised if Clare pocketed the proceeds from what is clearly a pathetic cash grab.
Clare needs to let this delusions of grandeur thing GO. She will never be Rowling. Her work is not extensive or deep or sophisticated or complicated enough to warrant both a book of critical essays and a comprehensive supplementary guide devoted to them. Her books consist of plot lines stolen from better books and lots of make out scenes, and Jace dying but then being brought back to life seven hundred times.
STAWP THIS MADNESS.
God I miss the Harry Potter days.
Haters come at me.
We've heard this before.
We've heard this shit before.
God damn it Clare. STOP. JUST STOP.
This will never be Hogwarts A History (aka the Encyclopedia that JK may hopefully someday write but maybe never will).
This will also never be:
1) Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (which also employed the whole 'extra doodles and notes from the main characters thing')
2) Quidditch Through the Ages
3) The Tales of Beedle the Bard
Which were also actual books from the series that were turned into real books that fans could buy.
MUST YOU STEAL ALL THE IDEAS? EVEN ALL OF THEM?
At least when JK Rowling wrote her supplements she had the decency to donate the money to charity. I wouldn't be surprised if Clare pocketed the proceeds from what is clearly a pathetic cash grab.
Clare needs to let this delusions of grandeur thing GO. She will never be Rowling. Her work is not extensive or deep or sophisticated or complicated enough to warrant both a book of critical essays and a comprehensive supplementary guide devoted to them. Her books consist of plot lines stolen from better books and lots of make out scenes, and Jace dying but then being brought back to life seven hundred times.
STAWP THIS MADNESS.
God I miss the Harry Potter days.
Haters come at me.
November 25, 2013
I was scrolling through my to read list when I saw The Shadowhunters' Codex's cover. Why was I not informed that there was a cover and a release date?? September 2013!?!?! That's so far away and I have so little patience. 
January 21, 2015
Es un libro hermoso, lleno de imágenes increíbles y con el que aprendes todo acerca del mundo de los cazadores de sombras.
Las anotaciones de Clary, Jace y Simon me encantaron y me hicieron reír muchísimo.
Estoy lista para ascender.
Las anotaciones de Clary, Jace y Simon me encantaron y me hicieron reír muchísimo.
Estoy lista para ascender.
November 8, 2021
3.5 stars. A rundown of everything you could possibly need to know about the Shadowhunter world with some funny commentary. It was a good refresher as I prepare to read the entire works.
December 4, 2018
Sapevo di essere uno Shadowhunter. Il mio nome? FoxStorm come in Tempesta di Volpi. Perchè? Perche sono una volpe e mi fa ridere una tempesta di volpi (dopo i tornado di squali che vuoi che sia) e poi Storm in Giapponese, anche Clary legge manga (oltre a Max finchè ... lo sapete), si dice Arashi e io adoro loro. Sono fuori. 😆
A proposito penso che mi allenerò per combattere con la Angel Blades. Adoro le spade.
Il Codex commentato da Magnus Bane fa troppo ridere. Adoro Magnus nella serie in realtà.
La 15, lo Shadowhunter radioattivo, mi ricorda Spiderman e la 17 è sicuramente su Clary come le ultime righe sotto i 17 punti. 😂😂😂
Se qualcuno ha letto cosa ho scritto su E&L saprà dei miei dubbi su alcune parole tradotte. Luoghi e cose come sempre. Una di queste era Conclave che in originale è The Clave. The Clave significa La Chiave e Conclave significa, ho cercato pure le parole latine scritte, Con Chiave. Ora io non so il latino e Cum di Cum Clavis potrebbe essere stato aggiunto al posto dell'articolo per lo The. Ma penso che alla fin fine possa passare e la metto come buona. Sono piuttosto simili.
"Jace è considerato il materiale più favoloso da usare per fare uno Shadowhunter".
Non posso che essere d'accordo. Attenta Clary che me lo rubo. 😆
Comunque come resoconto totale. E' un libro da avere per la vostra collezione Shadowhunters ma non indispensabile. Se sapete l'inglese tutte queste cose sono anche su Wikia. Per esempio i disegni dei demoni. Infatti mentre leggevo Città di Vetro ho dovuto cercare il Behemoth per vedere come era. Stesso disegno del libro. Certi mostri esistono già nell'ideologia fantasy. Sono giusto un po' diversi. Cambiano da autore ad autore. Ho, avuto ormai, Behemoth anche nel gioco di FFBE solo che invece di essere una specie di lumacone era un lupo umanoide, su due zampe, e cornuto.
Ma potete sempre divertirvi con i commentini cretini di Clary, Jace e Simon e resta sempre un buon passatempo se volete leggervi qualcosa di veloce e non impegnativo.
A proposito penso che mi allenerò per combattere con la Angel Blades. Adoro le spade.
Il Codex commentato da Magnus Bane fa troppo ridere. Adoro Magnus nella serie in realtà.
La 15, lo Shadowhunter radioattivo, mi ricorda Spiderman e la 17 è sicuramente su Clary come le ultime righe sotto i 17 punti. 😂😂😂
Se qualcuno ha letto cosa ho scritto su E&L saprà dei miei dubbi su alcune parole tradotte. Luoghi e cose come sempre. Una di queste era Conclave che in originale è The Clave. The Clave significa La Chiave e Conclave significa, ho cercato pure le parole latine scritte, Con Chiave. Ora io non so il latino e Cum di Cum Clavis potrebbe essere stato aggiunto al posto dell'articolo per lo The. Ma penso che alla fin fine possa passare e la metto come buona. Sono piuttosto simili.
"Jace è considerato il materiale più favoloso da usare per fare uno Shadowhunter".
Non posso che essere d'accordo. Attenta Clary che me lo rubo. 😆
Comunque come resoconto totale. E' un libro da avere per la vostra collezione Shadowhunters ma non indispensabile. Se sapete l'inglese tutte queste cose sono anche su Wikia. Per esempio i disegni dei demoni. Infatti mentre leggevo Città di Vetro ho dovuto cercare il Behemoth per vedere come era. Stesso disegno del libro. Certi mostri esistono già nell'ideologia fantasy. Sono giusto un po' diversi. Cambiano da autore ad autore. Ho, avuto ormai, Behemoth anche nel gioco di FFBE solo che invece di essere una specie di lumacone era un lupo umanoide, su due zampe, e cornuto.
Ma potete sempre divertirvi con i commentini cretini di Clary, Jace e Simon e resta sempre un buon passatempo se volete leggervi qualcosa di veloce e non impegnativo.
Read
October 14, 2014** DURING THE READING **
The Shadowhunter's Codex reads like a Wikipedia article on broccoli.
The Shadowhunter's Codex reads like a Wikipedia article on broccoli.
Want to read
June 16, 2012I love the Shadowhunter world and all of Cassie's novels, and I expect to be a life-long fan of her novels. A book like this is absolutely brilliant, and is ment to be used as a reference guide or an addition to the Shadowhunter tales (though I will most likely devour the entire book in a day or two, as is my usual for novels by Cassie.). Can't wait to start reading this, though my current reading list already consists of Stephen King's Firestarter, Cassie's Clockwork Prince, and V. C. Andrew's Flowers in the Attic and Petals in the wind. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to find the time.
P.S.~
After reading Clockwork Angel, I have since taken to drinking tea, learning to play the violin, and hating ducks.
P.S.~
After reading Clockwork Angel, I have since taken to drinking tea, learning to play the violin, and hating ducks.
November 2, 2021
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City of Bones ★★★ 1/2
City of Ashes ★★ 1/2
City of Glass ★★★ 3/4
Clockwork Angel ★★★ 1/2
Clockwork Prince ★★★ 3/4
Clockwork Princess ★★★★ 1/2
City of Fallen Angels ★★
City of Lost Souls ★★ 1/2
City of Heavenly Fire ★★★★ 1/4
The Shadowhunter’s Codex ★★★
I got a physical copy of the codex because I thought it is a book better read in a physical form. I already finished TMI series (both trilogies) and TID and so this book didn’t add much into the world.
The book is supposed to be like a text book that the Shadowhunters study and the copy we have is Clary’s books which has doodles from her throughout the book along with Simon and Jace. The problem is that this is a text book and it felt like one, I was bored while reading most of the book and I was just looking forward to the illustrations and doodles. The book is divided into parts discussing the magic, the places, the creatures …etc but after reading 3000+ pages in the world, I already knew this information well. What I am trying to say is that it was repetitive!
The writing is kind of dry, I enjoyed the doodles but they don’t make up for a whole book. The illustrations were very good! I was pretty impressed by the quality of the illustrations. I finally got to see illustrations of the runes and I think they should have been implemented in the original series.
Summary: Overall I think it was boring and dry. It didn’t add anything new to the story (except for a few interesting pages). The format makes it a bit less enjoyable if read before the main series and unnecessary if read after. I enjoyed the illustrations and doodle so that’s why it gets 3 stars from me.
City of Bones ★★★ 1/2
City of Ashes ★★ 1/2
City of Glass ★★★ 3/4
Clockwork Angel ★★★ 1/2
Clockwork Prince ★★★ 3/4
Clockwork Princess ★★★★ 1/2
City of Fallen Angels ★★
City of Lost Souls ★★ 1/2
City of Heavenly Fire ★★★★ 1/4
The Shadowhunter’s Codex ★★★
I got a physical copy of the codex because I thought it is a book better read in a physical form. I already finished TMI series (both trilogies) and TID and so this book didn’t add much into the world.
The book is supposed to be like a text book that the Shadowhunters study and the copy we have is Clary’s books which has doodles from her throughout the book along with Simon and Jace. The problem is that this is a text book and it felt like one, I was bored while reading most of the book and I was just looking forward to the illustrations and doodles. The book is divided into parts discussing the magic, the places, the creatures …etc but after reading 3000+ pages in the world, I already knew this information well. What I am trying to say is that it was repetitive!
The writing is kind of dry, I enjoyed the doodles but they don’t make up for a whole book. The illustrations were very good! I was pretty impressed by the quality of the illustrations. I finally got to see illustrations of the runes and I think they should have been implemented in the original series.
Summary: Overall I think it was boring and dry. It didn’t add anything new to the story (except for a few interesting pages). The format makes it a bit less enjoyable if read before the main series and unnecessary if read after. I enjoyed the illustrations and doodle so that’s why it gets 3 stars from me.
Read
December 19, 2019I have no idea how to rate this, to be quite honest. It was enjoyable for the most part, but it did get pretty dry in places. Dry to the point where I'd read five pages and fall the fuck asleep. At 10 am. There were times where it tried to read like a textbook but didn't at all, and it was pretty jarring, and not in a good way.
This does have me wishing for some sort of spinoff where we learn more about the Silent Brothers and the Iron Sisters though. Those two groups are cool as fuck.
Again, no idea how to rate this damn thing. It's like trying to rate an actual history textbook.
This does have me wishing for some sort of spinoff where we learn more about the Silent Brothers and the Iron Sisters though. Those two groups are cool as fuck.
Again, no idea how to rate this damn thing. It's like trying to rate an actual history textbook.
December 17, 2017
Oh my gosh.
I'm truly excited to start reading ShadowHunters series by next year.
I'm finally joining this fandom!
I'm truly excited to start reading ShadowHunters series by next year.
I'm finally joining this fandom!
December 20, 2021
I agree the codex is necessary from the information point of view. But as a book it was blahh !!
The comments by Clary, Jace & Simon actually kept the book moving ahead.
The comments by Clary, Jace & Simon actually kept the book moving ahead.
January 28, 2014
This book was too stupid for too many reasons (listing them alone would hit the character limit so I will only mention a selected few examples in the spoiler sections, you can find a longer list here: http://fav.me/d6w6853). I hope I will never again read such a bad book.
The start reads like the beginning of a Pokemon game, which is good for those games but not for a book like this It definitely isn't "the young Shadowhunter's best friend" as the advertisement claims.
I guess the book is supposed to be some sort of field manual for warriors but apart from having the labels "milking the cash cow" and "self-insertion fantasy" written all over it I cannot say anything for sure. The space isn't even used well. And based on the book itself this is a "corrected" version by Clary, which only highlights her stupidity/egoism because her "corrections" are either non-present or what she wrote clashed with what was written in the other books, respectively it was stuff only fans would care about.
I guess some stuff is supposed to be comic relief, but it is so idiotic that they let the Hunters appear like lunatics . Or it's completely useless, like the banter of Clary & Co.
Some flaws and quirks in a made up world could actually flesh out a world, make it look more real, but if there was such an attempt here, it was rendered meaningless by the sheer amount of flaws this world-building has. And apart from its flaws, the whole book often screamed laziness.
There is also this constant theme that the Hunters are better than the "mundanes" And naturally the book states them to be connected to all world religions, despite it being obvious that this franchise does not acknowledge the legitimacy of those belief systems.
Every halfway decent idea is ruined by the Hunters' incredible incompetence that makes them look even more idiotic than previous books already did (no global order of warriors would ever act this way).
Basically according to this book there are several things that could aid them against the demons. But do these morons use that to their full advantage? Not according to this book.
The artwork is of decent quality but for the most part totally misplaced and often nothing but fan-service since it adds nothing to the book. At least the grammar was ok, even if the wording was often weird.
Actually I don't know when this book is supposed to have been read by Clary in-universe, I guess between City of Glass and City of Fallen Angels but I have my doubts due to the convoluted material.
And convoluted fits this book to the last letter. A book like this is there to answer questions that were raised while reading the novels. But this book doesn't do that, at all. It flat out contradicts several elements of the other books of the franchise.
It is remarkable how little these Hunters know based on this book. How is it possible to fight demons and Downworlder for about a millennium and still know so little? On the other hand if they have no actual record of any summoning and even claim to know least about angels than any other supernatural creature, then how do they know all these does and don'ts and other stuff regarding angels?
The book contradicts itself several times so often I lost count in fact.
There is no sense over the course of several chapters and basically way more questions are raised than answered.
What you see of world building here is basically what you already know from the other books and the new stuff mostly either contradicts these books, doesn't add anything or clearly wasn't reflected in the books. As a matter of fact it is incredible how little they know about so many topics.
Real world history and psychology is basically ransacked and the Hunters come along as incompetent idiots that should have been wiped out a long time ago, or better they would be if the demons weren't even bigger idiots.
The main heroes of the franchise come along either as idiots as well or simply assholes who care about nothing but themselves (based on what is presented here all of them should react quite differently ).
And thank gosh I am not one of Raziel's chosen. That angel seems to be the biggest idiot and/or asshole in the entire universe.
I guess often the book tried to be "different" but the result is that huge sections of the book screamed of bad-copying, unoriginal ideas, rip-offs, lip service to diversity and equality, pure laziness and lack of a competent editor and constructive criticism.
Would I be a fan of these characters, I would hate this book.
PS: This is not a rip-off of "Fantastic Beasts and Where to find them". That book was a nice short mix of information and comic relief. This here was a worse example of world-building than Stephenie Meyer's Twilight Guide.
The start reads like the beginning of a Pokemon game, which is good for those games but not for a book like this It definitely isn't "the young Shadowhunter's best friend" as the advertisement claims.
I guess the book is supposed to be some sort of field manual for warriors but apart from having the labels "milking the cash cow" and "self-insertion fantasy" written all over it I cannot say anything for sure. The space isn't even used well. And based on the book itself this is a "corrected" version by Clary, which only highlights her stupidity/egoism because her "corrections" are either non-present or what she wrote clashed with what was written in the other books, respectively it was stuff only fans would care about.
I guess some stuff is supposed to be comic relief, but it is so idiotic that they let the Hunters appear like lunatics . Or it's completely useless, like the banter of Clary & Co.
Some flaws and quirks in a made up world could actually flesh out a world, make it look more real, but if there was such an attempt here, it was rendered meaningless by the sheer amount of flaws this world-building has. And apart from its flaws, the whole book often screamed laziness.
There is also this constant theme that the Hunters are better than the "mundanes" And naturally the book states them to be connected to all world religions, despite it being obvious that this franchise does not acknowledge the legitimacy of those belief systems.
Every halfway decent idea is ruined by the Hunters' incredible incompetence that makes them look even more idiotic than previous books already did (no global order of warriors would ever act this way).
Basically according to this book there are several things that could aid them against the demons. But do these morons use that to their full advantage? Not according to this book.
The artwork is of decent quality but for the most part totally misplaced and often nothing but fan-service since it adds nothing to the book. At least the grammar was ok, even if the wording was often weird.
Actually I don't know when this book is supposed to have been read by Clary in-universe, I guess between City of Glass and City of Fallen Angels but I have my doubts due to the convoluted material.
And convoluted fits this book to the last letter. A book like this is there to answer questions that were raised while reading the novels. But this book doesn't do that, at all. It flat out contradicts several elements of the other books of the franchise.
It is remarkable how little these Hunters know based on this book. How is it possible to fight demons and Downworlder for about a millennium and still know so little? On the other hand if they have no actual record of any summoning and even claim to know least about angels than any other supernatural creature, then how do they know all these does and don'ts and other stuff regarding angels?
The book contradicts itself several times so often I lost count in fact.
There is no sense over the course of several chapters and basically way more questions are raised than answered.
What you see of world building here is basically what you already know from the other books and the new stuff mostly either contradicts these books, doesn't add anything or clearly wasn't reflected in the books. As a matter of fact it is incredible how little they know about so many topics.
Real world history and psychology is basically ransacked and the Hunters come along as incompetent idiots that should have been wiped out a long time ago, or better they would be if the demons weren't even bigger idiots.
The main heroes of the franchise come along either as idiots as well or simply assholes who care about nothing but themselves (based on what is presented here all of them should react quite differently ).
And thank gosh I am not one of Raziel's chosen. That angel seems to be the biggest idiot and/or asshole in the entire universe.
I guess often the book tried to be "different" but the result is that huge sections of the book screamed of bad-copying, unoriginal ideas, rip-offs, lip service to diversity and equality, pure laziness and lack of a competent editor and constructive criticism.
Would I be a fan of these characters, I would hate this book.
PS: This is not a rip-off of "Fantastic Beasts and Where to find them". That book was a nice short mix of information and comic relief. This here was a worse example of world-building than Stephenie Meyer's Twilight Guide.
Shelved as 'on-hold'
March 21, 2014
I want to know everything there is to know about the shadowhunter world! +.+
October 30, 2013
I enjoyed reading this so, so much! I will be making a video review so I won't say much here, except if you're a fan of Cassandra Clare I'd definitely recommend getting this in some format.
The commentary throughout was really funny (and also included some great Jimon moments- those two just have the best banter) and it is beautifully designed and illustrated.
My favourite part of the codex came in the last two sections, the 'History of the Nephilm' (so much cool stuff about Johnathon Shadowhunter) and 'the Ninth Accords', which talks about the Circle Era.
To sum up this book is awesome and I'd recommend it to all shadowhunters out there!
The commentary throughout was really funny (and also included some great Jimon moments- those two just have the best banter) and it is beautifully designed and illustrated.
My favourite part of the codex came in the last two sections, the 'History of the Nephilm' (so much cool stuff about Johnathon Shadowhunter) and 'the Ninth Accords', which talks about the Circle Era.
To sum up this book is awesome and I'd recommend it to all shadowhunters out there!
June 12, 2017
3.5
This shows the complex world Cassandra Clare created and it's amazing, I mean she has a great cretivity and this book just shows you that it's not something that she dreamed about and done. It's a lot of work and wow.
To be honest some parts you already know (80% let's be honest) from the books since I've read all of them so far and also some things could have been explained better but in general it was really fast to read (if you have time because it took me months omg).
This shows the complex world Cassandra Clare created and it's amazing, I mean she has a great cretivity and this book just shows you that it's not something that she dreamed about and done. It's a lot of work and wow.
To be honest some parts you already know (80% let's be honest) from the books since I've read all of them so far and also some things could have been explained better but in general it was really fast to read (if you have time because it took me months omg).
November 26, 2013
I know the book is not really necessary, but..
The cover is so awesome! I will probably buy (and read) it just for the cover.
Yes. I have a problem.
EDIT: So I gave in.. and I bought it. It's a nice read though and the illustrations are beautiful.
The cover is so awesome! I will probably buy (and read) it just for the cover.
Yes. I have a problem.
EDIT: So I gave in.. and I bought it. It's a nice read though and the illustrations are beautiful.
February 23, 2023
this was so pointless 😭
December 7, 2014
This was oh lord so so good.
It was funny and interesting and informative as hell. Cassandra Jean is such an amazing artist and Joshua and the rest of them!
Clary, Jace, Magnus and Simon's notes were hilarious. Ah, what a delight.
It was funny and interesting and informative as hell. Cassandra Jean is such an amazing artist and Joshua and the rest of them!
Clary, Jace, Magnus and Simon's notes were hilarious. Ah, what a delight.
December 14, 2018
Aaaaah I loved this compilation of all things Shadowhunter world! It was amazing and the commentaries from Clary, Jace and Simon had me dying of laughter from end to finish. It was just soo them and I love reading their opinions on certain topics and we even see some excerpts of Jace and Clary's day-to-day relationship! I JUST LOVE IT OKAY
But apart from all of the hilarious commentary, we actually learn a whole deal about not only Shadowhunters and their history and beliefs, but also about how demons came to be, the Downworlders, the angels, and all the different branches that all of these may create!
It was such a recreational read and I didn't think I'd enjoy it as much as I did, but thank god I did.
I marked some parts as my favorites as well, some where the Clave is being downright sarcastic and sardonic, ahem:
"All Shadowhunters carry a witchlight stone, to remind them that light can be found even among the darkest shadows, and also to supply with actual light when they are themselves literally among dark shadows."
Is it weird that I had to put the book down because I was laughing so hard?
In all seriousness guys, this book was uh-mazing I totally recommend it if you loved The Mortal Instruments series (which you probably did) and The Infernal Devices Trilogy (which you obviously did)
PLUS, THE AMAZING ILLUSTRATIONS ARE AMAZING
But apart from all of the hilarious commentary, we actually learn a whole deal about not only Shadowhunters and their history and beliefs, but also about how demons came to be, the Downworlders, the angels, and all the different branches that all of these may create!
It was such a recreational read and I didn't think I'd enjoy it as much as I did, but thank god I did.
I marked some parts as my favorites as well, some where the Clave is being downright sarcastic and sardonic, ahem:
"All Shadowhunters carry a witchlight stone, to remind them that light can be found even among the darkest shadows, and also to supply with actual light when they are themselves literally among dark shadows."
Is it weird that I had to put the book down because I was laughing so hard?
In all seriousness guys, this book was uh-mazing I totally recommend it if you loved The Mortal Instruments series (which you probably did) and The Infernal Devices Trilogy (which you obviously did)
PLUS, THE AMAZING ILLUSTRATIONS ARE AMAZING
Want to read
August 17, 2012Why? Why? Why? We've had enough of this crap, Clare. Move on. Why don't you Write a book about mermaids or trolls or witches or zombies...demon fairy warriors from the Edo period. Anything other than these $#%@ing Nephilim! just retire comfortably and live off the completely undeserved money you earned from your piece of shit series?
March 11, 2017
Okay, I was really excited for his book when I bought it just because I love the shadowhunter world that Cassandra Clare created. It was a very quick book to get through and it doesn't take up all that much brain space. I am excited just to flip through it now and then and I would definitely recommend for diehard fans.
May 25, 2015
So,I'm reading the demonology part in the bus (you know,the one with the demon sketches etc) and the guy next to me curiously asks what book is this,and after I explain I rush to reassure him that I don't worship satan and perform bloody rituals under the full moon.Still not sure if he believed me
March 10, 2015
I'm a die hard Shadowhunter fan, so duuh of course I loved this! :D
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