A midnight witch broom is a symbolic tool used in witchcraft and is associated with the practices of flying during the witching hour. Traditionally, it is depicted as a broomstick with bristles and a handle, similar to a regular household broom. However, the concept of the midnight witch broom extends beyond its physical appearance. In folklore and mythology, witches were believed to ride on brooms to magical gatherings and perform various spells and rituals. The idea of flying on brooms was linked to their association with spirits and other supernatural abilities. While the exact origins of this belief are uncertain, it has become an iconic symbol of witchcraft.
I think The Red Scrolls of Magic had the perfect balance between light-heartedness and seriousness. Cassie’s The Dark Artifices was a pretty dark trilogy, and while this book has its serious moments, which were definitly important, it’s much more cheerful and plain cute. I laughed a lot while reading.
I m so glad that Cassie was finally able to write about this particular couple and I m crossing my fingers that her LGBTQ readers in particular will love this book. 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.
While the exact origins of this belief are uncertain, it has become an iconic symbol of witchcraft. The midnight witch broom is strongly associated with the witching hour, which is believed to be the time when magical energies are heightened and the supernatural is more active. The broom is often used as a tool for traveling between realms and connecting with the spiritual or astral planes.
Book Review: ‘The Red Scrolls of Magic’
For many years Malec shippers – and Casandra Clare herself actually – have been waiting and wished for a book that focuses on Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood as the main couple and today is finally the day where fans can dive into exactly that book!
Thanks to Simon & Schuster UK I had the opportunity to read an ARC of this much-anticipated book so here are my spoiler-free thoughts! A note of caution: there will be spoilers for every single other Shadowhunter Chronicles book that Magnus and Alec have appeared in, even Queen of Air and Darkness.
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. But as soon as the pair settles in Paris, 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 will have to trust each other more than ever—even if it means revealing the secrets they’ve both been keeping. (x)
The Red Scrolls of Magic by Cassandra Clare and Wesley Chu is a delightful rom-com that I enjoyed immensely!
A lot has happened to Magnus and Alec over the years and their relationship is stronger than ever with two adorable children and a recent marriage.
The Red Scrolls of Magic takes us back to the beginning of Malec, though. They have just had their big moment in front of Shadowhunters and Downworlders alike, they won a war, but also suffered losses so it’s now time for them to relax. It’s time for Magnus and Alec’s first holiday as a couple!
Unfortunately, they aren’t really able to have some R and R because Magnus might have founded a demon-worshipping cult, which we all have to admit is probably worse than being banned from Peru.
So Magnus and Alec embark on trip through several cities in Europe to figure out who really is responsible for the Crimson Hand.
Of course this trip isn’t without its sudden demon attacks and a bad guy – the action in The Red Scrolls of Magic was fast-paced and enjoyable to read. Alec and Jace are a great team, but Alec and Magnus fighting together was just as impressive.
We already had some insight into Magnus’s past in The Mortal Instruments and The Bane Chronicles, but this first installment of The Eldest Curses shines a new light on Magnus and I’m sure it’ll make his fans fall ever harder for him. Magnus is just so damn lovable and an overall amazing character.
Seeing Alec as the other main character in The Red Scrolls of Magic was a real treat. He was thoughtful, badass and a true protector, just like we’ve come to know him from the first three The Mortal Instruments novels.
I’m so glad that Cassie was finally able to write about this particular couple and I’m crossing my fingers that her LGBTQ+ readers in particular will love this book.
Several characters we already know and love from The Mortal Instruments show up in Red Scrolls: Raphael, Lily and more. I was particularly happy to see Raphael again. He is as grumpy as ever but one conversation with Alec reiterates that he is asexual and aromantic. The words aren’t mentioned on the page – most likely because Raphael doesn’t know they exist back in 2007 – but it’s still an important scene for one Mr Raphael Santiago (and probably some of Cassie’s readers). I certainly hope we’ll get to see more of him in the next two The Eldest Curses novels.
Lily is as outgoing as ever and I’m happy we get to see how Helen and Aline meet for the first time. It’s definitely not a meet cute, but it’s still memorable and made me laugh.
Not everything is sunshine and rainbows in scenes with Helen, Aline and also Alec, though. Some scenes show how each character has to deal with insecurities and also different forms of prejudice, but luckily readers from The Mortal Instruments and The Dark Artifices know that everything will get better – thank Raziel for that. 😊
I also really liked all the nods to Clary, Jace, Izzy and Simon. It was nice to see glimpses of them and they definitely didn’t distract from the main story.
One revelation about Jace actually made me go ‘aw’ and there is one scene that mirrors a scene from the end of City of Fallen Angels which was so perfect ♥
Alec and Izzy’s brother-sister relationship was very sweet in Red Scrolls, there is so much trust between them and I’m crossing my fingers for more sibling love in The Lost Book of the White.
I think The Red Scrolls of Magic had the perfect balance between light-heartedness and seriousness. Cassie’s The Dark Artifices was a pretty dark trilogy, and while this book has its serious moments, which were definitly important, it’s much more cheerful and plain cute. I laughed a lot while reading.
There is one thing I am unsure about but which I still have to mention in my review: the ending of the book is a very positive/happy one for Magnus and Alec, but I feel like this doesn’t 100% fit the Magnus and Alec we saw in City of Fallen Angels. Yes, both characters have doubts and are insecure about their relationship in The Red Scrolls of Magic but to me everything feels more serious in CoFA.
I also would have liked the book to be longer. 😉
I would love to share some truly incredible quotes from the book, but ARCs unfortunately cannot be used for quotation so you will just have to trust my word (or maybe I’ll tweet some quotes from the actual book in about a month). Some quotes will definitely make you squeal, swoon or both!
Although we know what is going to happen to Malec in the future I was still at the edge of my seat during one certain scene near the end of the book and actually feared for a character’s safety. This was truly great writing!
I’ve been reading The Shadowhunter Chronicles for almost a decade now, I’ve read and reread Cassie’s books many times so I know them very well, and when I read The Red Scrolls of Magic, I couldn’t really tell whether I was reading Cassie’s voice or Wesley’s. The writing felt very organic and seamlessly, which I really liked.
The Red Scrolls of Magic was an amazing YA romance and a great start to this new series; it was cute, Magnus and Alec were adorable together, and it just gave me warm fuzzies!
I can’t wait for The Lost Book of the White to be published, I know this book will be even more cute with Magnus and Alec as parents. 😊 Four out of five stars.
Have you read the book yet and what did you think?
Don’t forget to check out our release day post – we’re giving away one signed US copy of The Red Scrolls of Magic!
I also really liked all the nods to Clary, Jace, Izzy and Simon. It was nice to see glimpses of them and they definitely didn’t distract from the main story.
One revelation about Jace actually made me go ‘aw’ and there is one scene that mirrors a scene from the end of City of Fallen Angels which was so perfect ♥
Alec and Izzy’s brother-sister relationship was very sweet in Red Scrolls, there is so much trust between them and I’m crossing my fingers for more sibling love in The Lost Book of the White.
It can also be utilized in rituals, spellcasting, and energy manipulation. In modern witchcraft, the midnight witch broom is still a powerful symbol and is often incorporated into rituals and spellwork. It represents the ability to travel between realms, tap into personal power, and harness magical energies. Some witches may even create their own brooms, imbuing them with their intentions and personal energy. While the concept of flying on a broomstick may be seen as a fantastical notion, the symbolism behind the midnight witch broom is rooted in spirituality and personal growth. It encourages individuals to explore their own inner realms, tap into their intuitive abilities, and connect with the mysterious aspects of life. Overall, the midnight witch broom holds a deep significance in witchcraft and represents the ability to transcend mundane boundaries and tap into the magical potential within oneself. Whether used as a physical tool or a symbol of personal empowerment, the concept of the midnight witch broom continues to captivate the imagination of practitioners and onlookers alike..
Reviews for "The Midnight Witch Broom: A Sacred Object in Wiccan Traditions"
1) Sarah - 1 star - I was really disappointed with "Midnight witch broom". The storyline was weak and predictable, and the characters were one-dimensional. It felt like the author was just going through the motions and didn't put much effort into creating a compelling and original story. I found myself skimming through the pages, just waiting for it to be over. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating and well-written witch-themed novel.
2) Mike - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Midnight witch broom" but was ultimately let down. The pacing of the book was off, with random jumps in the storyline that left me confused and disengaged. The writing style was also a bit lackluster, lacking the depth and detail needed to fully immerse the reader in the world of witches. The characters were forgettable, and the plot twists felt forced and unnatural. Overall, I found this book to be underwhelming and would not consider reading anything else by this author.
3) Emily - 1 star - "Midnight witch broom" was a complete waste of time. The plot was incredibly cliché, and the writing was riddled with grammatical errors and awkward phrasing. The dialogue between the characters felt forced and unrealistic, and I found it hard to connect with any of them. The world-building was also weak, lacking the intricate details and descriptions needed to create a truly captivating and immersive setting. I would strongly advise potential readers to steer clear of this poorly executed witch-themed novel.