"The Red Scrolls of Magic" is a fantasy novel written by Cassandra Clare and Wesley Chu. It is the first installment in "The Eldest Curses" series, which serves as a spin-off to the popular "Shadowhunter Chronicles." The story follows the adventures of Magnus Bane, a centuries-old warlock, and his partner Alec Lightwood, a Shadowhunter from the New York Institute. The events take place after the conclusion of "The Mortal Instruments" series and bridge the gap between that series and "The Dark Artifices." In "The Red Scrolls of Magic," Magnus and Alec decide to take a well-deserved vacation in Europe after the events of the Mortal War. However, their plans are interrupted when they discover a cult called the Crimson Hand is spreading chaos and destruction everywhere they go.
However, their plans are interrupted when they discover a cult called the Crimson Hand is spreading chaos and destruction everywhere they go. This cult follows the teachings of the Red Scrolls, a mysterious book said to contain dangerous and forbidden magic. Determined to stop the cult and uncover the secrets of the Red Scrolls, Magnus and Alec embark on a captivating journey across picturesque cities such as Paris and Venice.
The Red Scrolls of Magic Review: A Fun Time for Malec Fans
All Magnus Bane wanted was a vacation.
A lavish trip across Europe with Alec Lightwood, the Shadowhunter who, against all odds, is finally his boyfriend. It doesn’t seem like too much for the centuries-old High Warlock to ask for. But no sooner have they settled in Paris than an old friend arrives with news about a demon-worshipping cult called the Crimson Hand that is bent on causing chaos around the world. A cult that was apparently founded by Magnus himself. Years ago. As a joke.
Now Magnus and Alec must race across Europe to track down the Crimson Hand and its elusive new leader before the cult can cause any more damage. As if it wasn’t bad enough that their romantic getaway has been sidetracked, demons are now dogging their every step, and it is becoming harder to tell friend from foe. As their quest for answers becomes increasingly dire, Magnus and Alec have to trust each other more than ever—even if it means revealing the secrets they’ve both been keeping.
The first book in the Eldest Curses series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Cassandra Clare and award-winning science fiction author Wesley Chu, The Red Scrolls of Magic is a fast-paced adventure bursting with magic, humor, and (if demons stop getting in the way) romance that offers a fresh look at the world of the Shadowhunters.
The Red Scrolls of Magic is the first book in a Shadowhunters spin-off trilogy featuring Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood. It takes place after the first three books of The Mortal Instruments and before City of Fallen Angels. However, I think the book can definitely be read without having read TMI or any of the other Shadowhunter books – though you will obviously get more out of it if you’ve read some of the other trilogies too.
The Red Scrolls of Magic begins with Magnus taking Alec on an expensive vacation around Europe. However, the relaxing vacation is quickly sidetracked when Magnus is needed to track down and put an end to a cult called the Crimson Hand. A cult that Magnus started himself centuries ago… as a joke, and then forgot about. Literally forgot about (he has no memories of that period of his life). Along the way to breaking up the cult, Magnus and Alec make friends and enemies, but it’s almost always a hilariously good time when Magnus is involved.
I enjoyed the novel quite a bit but didn’t feel like I was as engaged with it as the other Shadowhunter books I’ve read. As much as I love Malec, I missed reading about other characters so I felt a bit bored during the first half of the novel, which only featured Magnus and Alec. It wasn’t until the second half that I really got into the story and that was in part due to the presence of more characters like Aline Penhallow and Helen Blackthorn, as well as a quickening in the pace of the plot. I loved that we got to see more of Aline and Helen, especially seeing how they met and I thought they really contributed to the book. I just kind of wish more had happened early on in the book because it felt really slow and threatened to put me to sleep.
I obviously loved reading more about Magnus and Alec in this book, especially since the book is set in the early stages of their relationship. But knowing what happens later in TMI kind of threw me off a little bit while I was reading this one. Nevertheless, I would never turn down a good romance, especially Malec so it was an enjoyable reading experience regardless.
As much as I liked reading The Red Scrolls of Magic, I’m not quite sure what to make of this The Eldest Curses trilogy. It’s not really clear to me when the next book will be set or exactly what it’s going to explore. I think The Red Scrolls of Magic could have easily just been a standalone novella but I also appreciate that this can be a trilogy where readers might be able to pick and choose which book in TEC they want to pick up depending on which of the ‘main’ Shadowhunter books they’ve read. I also love that this trilogy explores in-depth aspects of the other books that were kind of glossed over (such as Aline and Helen’s relationship).
I really liked The Red Scrolls of Magic but I do think that it’s really only for people who either love Malec or are fans of the Shadowhunters books. It could be a nice introduction to the Shadowhunter Chronicles for those who haven’t read any of the books, but I would always recommend The Infernal Devices as a starting point over anything else.
Rating: 4 out of 5
- Bio
- Latest Posts
All Magnus Bane wanted was a vacation. A lavish trip across Europe with Alec Lightwood, the Shadowhunter who, against all odds, is finally his boyfriend. It doesn’t seem like too much for the centuries-old High Warlock to ask for. But no sooner have they settled in Paris than an old friend arrives with news about a demon-worshipping cult called the Crimson Hand that is bent on causing chaos around the world. A cult that was apparently founded by Magnus himself. Years ago. As a joke. Now Magnus and Alec must race across Europe to track down the Crimson Hand and its elusive new leader before the cult can cause any more damage. As if it wasn’t bad enough that their romantic getaway has been sidetracked, demons are now dogging their every step, and it is becoming harder to tell friend from foe. As their quest for answers becomes increasingly dire, Magnus and Alec have to trust each other more than ever—even if it means revealing the secrets they’ve both been keeping. The first book in the Eldest Curses series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Cassandra Clare and award-winning science fiction author Wesley Chu, The Red Scrolls of Magic is a fast-paced adventure bursting with magic, humor, and (if demons stop getting in the way) romance that offers a fresh look at the world of the Shadowhunters.
Along the way, they encounter a diverse cast of characters, including fellow Shadowhunters and Downworlders who aid them in their mission. As Magnus and Alec delve deeper into the world of the Red Scrolls, they also face personal challenges. Magnus confronts his past and the consequences of his immortality, while Alec navigates his own insecurities and fears. "The Red Scrolls of Magic" explores themes of love, acceptance, and the consequences of power. It delves into the complexities of Magnus and Alec's relationship and highlights the significance of trust and communication in their partnership. Clare and Chu skillfully blend action, romance, and humor to create an engaging narrative. The book caters not only to existing fans of the Shadowhunter Chronicles but also to new readers unfamiliar with the world. Overall, "The Red Scrolls of Magic" is a thrilling tale that offers a fresh perspective on beloved characters from the Shadowhunter universe. It sets the stage for further adventures and leaves readers eagerly awaiting the next installment in "The Eldest Curses" series..
Reviews for "The Red Scrolls of Magic: Guardians of a Forgotten Kingdom"
1. Emily - 2 stars - I was really excited to read "The Red Scrolls of Magic" because I loved Cassandra Clare's previous works. However, I was sorely disappointed. The story felt repetitive and didn't bring anything new to the table. The characters lacked depth and I had a hard time connecting with them. The pacing was also quite slow, making it difficult to stay engaged. Overall, it just didn't live up to my expectations.
2. Michael - 1 star - I found "The Red Scrolls of Magic" to be extremely dull and uneventful. The plot meandered without a clear direction and failed to grasp my interest. The romance between the two main characters, Magnus and Alec, felt forced and I didn't believe in their chemistry. The overall writing style also felt lackluster and lacked the usual spark that Cassandra Clare's books are known for. It's unfortunate, but this book simply didn't capture my attention.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - As a long-time fan of Cassandra Clare's Shadowhunter series, I was excited to delve into "The Red Scrolls of Magic." However, I found it to be a major letdown. The storyline felt disjointed and lacked a clear focus. The action scenes were poorly executed, leaving me feeling underwhelmed. Additionally, the relationship between Magnus and Alec, which should have been a highlight, felt forced and lacking in development. It's disappointing to say, but this book just didn't live up to the hype for me.
4. Jonathan - 3 stars - "The Red Scrolls of Magic" was an okay read for me. While I didn't hate it, I didn't love it either. The pacing was inconsistent, with some parts dragging on while others felt rushed. The writing style was still enjoyable, with some witty dialogue, but the story itself didn't captivate me. The world-building also felt lacking compared to Clare's other works. Overall, it's an average addition to the Shadowhunter universe, but one that won't stand out to me over time.