Title: Shadowhunters and Downworlders
Edited by: Cassandra Clare
Pages: 256
Publication: January 29, 2013
Synopsis:
Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instruments series, epic urban fantasy set in a richly imagined world of shadowhunters, vampires, werewolves, fairies, and more, has captured the imaginations and loyalty of hundreds of thousands of YA readers. Originally a trilogy (City of Bones, City of Ashes, City of Glass), the series has extended to six titles, plus a prequel trilogy, the Infernal Devices, and a planned sequel series, the Dark Artifices. A feature film is planned for 2013.
Shadowhunters and Downworlders, edited by Clare (who provides an introduction to the book and to each piece), is a collection of YA authors writing about the series and its world.
Authors Who Contributed:
Holly Black / Kendare Blake / Gwenda Bond / Sarah Rees Brennan / Rachel Caine / Sarah Cross / Kami Garcia / Michelle Hodkin / Kelly Link / Kate Milford / Diana Peterfreund / Sara Ryan / Scott Tracey / Robin Wasserman
I'm going to be honest, I was a little skeptical about reading this. All the other "readers" that I've read have either been incredibly boring, or complete nonsense. This was not either of those. Shadowhunters and Downworlders was an excellent balance of information and entertainment. It had essay topics that me, and many other Mortal Instrument fans, would enjoy. I blew through this book, and could hardly put it down. That's how fantastic it was.
I loved the essays in this book. (Mainly the one about incest because of how hilarious it was). They didn't drag on. They were quick and easy reads that I could comprehend, but also made me think. Each author who wrote for this book brought something fresh and new to make me think about, and each idea or statement they made were great. They knew their stuff, and they kept the topic of their essay closely related to the book. Some readers (*cough*TWILIGHT ONES*cough*), although claiming to be about the book, never actually bring in text evidence or examples from the actual book and just keep relating it to something totally off topic. But the authors used tons of quotes and situations to make their point. Plus, their points made sense. These authors shined a new light on things that I not only had been wondering, but things that I never even thought about.
Every fan of The Mortal Instruments needs to check this book out. It's a perfect supplemental text for anyone who wonders or thinks extensively about the topics and characters in the series. It was a wonderful, enjoyable read, but also extensively informative.
I'll give this one 4.5/5 stars.
NOW GO OUT AND BUY IT. :)
