Book Summary
“The Red Scrolls of Magic,” co-written by Cassandra Clare and Wesley Chu, is an adventurous addition to Clare’s Shadowhunters universe, specifically the “The Mortal Instruments” series. The novel, which serves as the first in “The Eldest Curses” trilogy, provides a deep dive into the characters of Alec Lightwood and Magnus Bane, who are on a romantic vacation through Europe when they are thrust into a quest to save the world. In the midst of their European tour, news arrives that a cult named the Crimson Hand is causing chaos around the world. The cult, unfortunately, is allegedly founded by Magnus himself, as a joke during a time in his past he doesn’t remember. Now, Magnus and Alec have to trace back Magnus’s steps from centuries ago to find the truth, stop the Crimson Hand, and clear Magnus’s name. As Magnus and Alec traverse through Paris, Venice, and Rome, they encounter old acquaintances, make new allies, and face off against dangerous enemies. They also grapple with issues in their relationship while dealing with the secrets of their pasts. The novel explores themes of love, trust, sacrifice, and the struggle to reconcile personal happiness with duty.
Author Intro
Cassandra Clare, Wesley Chu
Cassandra Clare is a New York Times bestselling author known for her imaginative urban fantasy series “The Mortal Instruments”. Her work is renowned for its magical world-building, multifaceted characters, and explorations of complex themes such as identity, love, and sacrifice. Wesley Chu is an award-winning science fiction author known for the “Tao” series. He’s appreciated for his knack for integrating humor and heart into genre narratives.
Book Reviews
“The Red Scrolls of Magic” is a delightful blend of romance, fantasy, and mystery. Clare and Chu take readers on a thrilling journey across Europe, seamlessly blending real-world locations with magical elements. The novel delves deeper into the characters of Alec and Magnus, revealing their vulnerabilities, strengths, and the dynamics of their relationship. The co-authors brilliantly balance the fantastical elements with emotional depth and humor. The pacing is consistent, and the plot threads weave together into a satisfying climax. Fans of the Shadowhunters universe and new readers alike will enjoy this adventurous tale of love and magic.
Cassandra Clare and Wesley Chu’s collaboration in “The Red Scrolls of Magic” is an engaging exploration of familiar characters in unfamiliar settings. The novel successfully dives into the characters of Alec and Magnus, unfolding their complexities, secrets, and the evolution of their relationship. It’s commendable how the authors incorporated substantial character development within the high-stakes plot. The narrative features Clare’s signature elements of urban fantasy and Chu’s knack for humor and dynamic action sequences. However, the multitude of characters and subplots could be overwhelming for readers not familiar with the Shadowhunters universe.
“The Red Scrolls of Magic” brings together the writing talents of Cassandra Clare and Wesley Chu in a novel that promises a blend of urban fantasy, romance, and adventure. The book delivers an exciting journey with some of the most beloved characters from the Shadowhunters universe – Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood. Their relationship, the heart of the story, is handled with sensitivity and depth. However, while the plot is packed with action, it often feels overshadowed by the personal journey of the protagonists. Furthermore, readers unfamiliar with the Shadowhunters series might find the narrative complex and the numerous references to the universe confusing.
While “The Red Scrolls of Magic” showcases Cassandra Clare and Wesley Chu’s creativity and knack for fantasy, it also falls prey to a number of typical pitfalls. Although the European backdrop adds a dash of charm and glamour, the world-building feels inconsistent, with the blend of real-world and magical elements often clashing instead of harmonizing. The novel offers depth to the relationship of Alec and Magnus, which will likely please fans, but it does so at the cost of overshadowing the main plotline. The pace is occasionally uneven, making the narrative feel dragging in parts. For readers not previously versed in the Shadowhunters universe, the many references and a large cast of characters can be confusing and hard to follow.
