And the next story... Vampires, Scones and Edmund Herondale by Cassandra Clare & Sarah Rees Brennan (Vampire, Scones und Edmund Herondale, Coup de foudre à l'anglais) I read it in the German equivalent of The Bane Chronicles Volume where it contained 56 pages. Originally published 2014

When Shadowhunters call all half-demons to the London Institute to demand without payback, Magnus makes four very interesting acquaintances: a certain Scott-werewolf, the vampire Camille Belcourt and a Shadowhunter who doesn't hate them all: Edmund Herondale. When they both stumble over a mundane girl, Magnus sees the irresistible Herondale love. And Edmund has to make a decision that will certainly break his heart…

All in all: Rather nice. I am amazed of how alike all Herondale boys are. Charming, without parents – either because they died, abandoned them or they had to leave them – and once they fall in love, nothing can stop them. Absolutely nothing. And, of course, they are damn good in killing demons.

At least Edmund is carefree and doesn’t think he’s cursed, at least until he has to make a decision.

Linette is an interesting person – even though her reaction to the demon attack is far too unrealistic. She should have at least be a little shaken. This way, she seems rather cold and unbelievable.

As for Camille... she's interesting. And of course cold as ice. But well done. 

In brief:

One star for each style, characters, ideas and the story itself.

Prequel:

The Runaway Queen

Sequel:

Midnight Heir

Part $: The advertisment for The Last Hours: Midnight Heir by Cassandra Clare & Sarah Rees Brennan (Tochter der Finsternis, L'héritier de minuit) I read it in the German equivalent to the Bane Chronicles Volume where it contained 60 pages. Originally published 2014.

The first time in ages Magnus is back in London – and runs into Tessa Grey’s offspring, of all the people! James is just like his father – and he’s in love with a Blackthorn ward, who thinks of herself as a sword…

This whole Heronadle-ish tendence of thinking they are all so bad gets old. And I wonder what the storyline of this short-story is supposed to be. Apart from advertising for The Last Hours.

Seriously! Could you please be so kind as to only advertise books you already published or you plan to publish in NEAR future??? This is unfair!

I want to know how this plays out! Especially Lucy and James… the pedigree of Tessa suggests that James does not end up with Grace. I’d like to know what will happen… And I’d like to know more about Grace, why she thinks she’s a sword, what happened to her family et cetera…

By the way, it doesn't make any sense for Tatiana to still wear that dress. Even if she clings to her pain with a death grip, she had such a thing as servants who would have thrown it in the trash before she knew what hit her. And she was raised as a human girl in that time: She would never have presented herself in such a fashion.

In brief:

One star for style, one for characters (especially Grace is astonishing), one for the ideas and one for the story.

Prequel:

Vampires, Scones and Edmund Herondale

Sequel:

The Rise of the Hotel Dumort

Part 5: The Rise of the Hotel Dumort by Cassandra Clare and Maureen Johnson (Der Aufstieg des Hotels Dumort, L'origine de l'hôtel Dumort). I read it in German in the Bane Chronicles Volume where it contained 55 pages. Originally published 2014.

Magnus has fun – and an illegal bar. Which is even more fun. But then, something not-so-funny happens. Rumour has it “the end was near”! Magnus doesn't believe it – but the oldest of his race does. And when the money goes worthless, said warlock uses the opportunity to do something that could destroy whole cities...

Well. The time is nicely shown. I like it. Especially this alcohol pub and how they are busted… but I like the plot line with the Black Friday as well, how the absolute desperation after this mindless euphoria takes over. How people are actually killing themselves over this…

I never could understand how people would be moved to do this – kill themselves over an economic crisis. But now I at least get the… well, I get why they thought this was necessary. I still wouldn’t do it (I hope) but I get how this is possible.

And I like this thing with the crazy warlock as well. He’s fascinating – and I get why he can’t live any longer. Immortality sucks. Even though taking so many others to your grave – and in the realm of demons? Not cool, buddy.

What doesn't make sense is... the Nephilim's reaction to when Magnus tells them about the rumours. They are usually quite keen on killing warlocks and everything else that has demon blood in them. Now, they seemed to ignore it: No research, nothing. They come only when it's nearly too late.

The characters in this story are... replaceable. But you do get a good feel on that time.

In brief:

I give it a star for style and the ideas, plus the historic background. 

Prequel:

Midnight Heir

Sequel:

Saving Raphael Santiago

In brief:Part 6: Saving Raphael Santiago by Cassandra Clare & Sarah Rees Brennan (Die Rettung Raphael Santiagos, Il faut sauver Raphael Santiago) I read the German version of the ane Chronicles Volume where it contained 56 pages. Originally published 2014.

Magnus decides to play detective. And his first – and only – case is a rescue mission: Some stupid boys seem to have taken justice into their own hands to stop a child murdering vampire… and Raphael Santiago hasn’t come back home.

Very funny! I love Raphael. He's in full puberty, hates himself because he thinks he lost his soul. Whis is unfortunate, because he's actually a lot deeper - and a better person - than the boy antagonist we meet in Clary's story. I’m sorry for him, in a way, that he has to suffer so much.

But Raphael is so strong! He has an aim and he achieves it, no matter what. No wonder he’s as powerful later on as he is – you don’t want that level determination and single-minded focus against you.

But he’s also capable of compassion and goodness – as can be seen with his family.

His mother is interesting, by the way. She and Raphael are alike in their strength – and I love how her love for her son makes her accept him, even though she has to suspect what he is. She can’t accept Magnus shitty excuse!

Well. I like how Ragnor effects Raphael, how he helped him accept this. And I like how the two of them make fun of Magnus – Ragnor’s dry humour and Raphael’s sarcasm? Best team 4evaaaaaa!

In brief:

I give this book stars for characters, style, the ideas, minus one for the plot and the SoGH.

Prequel:

The Rise of the Hotel Dumort

Sequel:

The Fall of the Hotel Dumort

Part 7: The Fall of the Hotel Dumort by Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brennan and Maureen Johnson (Der Niedergang des Hotels Dumorts, Débacle à l'hôtel Dumort) where it contained 55 pages in the Bance Chronicle Volume (German), originally published 2014.

Vampires were never exactly gentle. But when Magnus returns to London, they are getting even worse. Incontrollable, they kill on sight and seem... ill. Even Camille has changed. And if they continue, Magnus whole world will be ripped apart by the Shadowhunters...

Interesting, for the most part. I, personally, don't like drugs at all. Too unhygienic, they cost too much and in the end all you have of them is too much organic damage and too less brain cells than is good for you. When you are high / stoned / whatever you are not yourself and you loose your personality step by step, while a little substance suddenly means the world to you. And it's not only your life that changes for worse, because you yourself seldom realise it. But for your loved ones, it's really hell. To be dependant on alcohol is bad enough. Drugs? Kiss your brain goodbye, and, if you have any kind bone in your body, your loved ones as well, or they will suffer more than you can imagine. So, nope, drugs are nothing for me. Okay. So much for the inner Grandma.

The effects drugs can have are described very well, especially concerning the change of personality for worse, like in Camille. But all these cravings as well – in vampires. What doesn't make sense is the following: Humanity ALWAYS used herbs and other stuff to create certain emotional boosters. And vampires are as old as humanity, more or less. So why is this the first time, an excess happened? Because they all act like that, no one even considers drugs until Magnus came to see Camille. I mean, it's such an obvious solution! And the werewolves were around and watched the whole time!

Apart from this, I understand why Magnus let Catarina take away his memories. Even though this was actually not necessary. He hasn't seen the worst, if he would have given himself some time, he would have gotten over it. Especially because memories fade in their intensity over time, even unhealthy ones. This is why we can't remember pain in its intensity, you know it hurt, you can still remember how it hurt, but you tend to forget the real extend of the pain. Which is absolutely necessary for self-protection – especially if you are an immortal and have LOTS OF memories.

In brief:

I give it a star for characters, the ideas and the style.

Prequel:

Saving Raphael Santiago

Sequel:

What to buy a Shadowhunter who has everything

The funniest story of them all – What do you buy a Shadowhunter who already has everything? By Cassandra Clare and Sarah Rees Brennan (Was kauft man einem Shattenäger, der schon alles hat, Le grand amour de Magnus) with 49 pages. I read it in English in the Bane Chronicle Volume published 2014.

It's Alec's birthday. And Magnus is DESPERATE – should he buy something for his young Shadowhunter boyfriend? And, if yes, what? Magnus doesn't know what to do – and his friends aren't helping. 

Well. This is both the most funny and the most annoying book of this series. Funny, because of the demon and Magnus' friends' reaction to the problem. Especially Ragnor's. On the other hand, it's the most annoying, because Magnus just can't stop repeating what he thinks about love and mortality. He overdoes it! It makes a very funny story unnecessary tragic!

Isabelle is cool. And I love the gift, in the end. It's what Alec would want. But... well, it's not what he needs. I think it would have been better, if Magnus gave Alec himself something. As Magnus points out, Alec is absolutely selfless and doesn't think he's worth anything. Just because of that HE should personally get something. The protection of his sister could be a bonus, but should not be the only thing for Alec's birthday. Which is basically the only logical conclusion to Magnus thinking.

Well, good thing we have the demon. He rocks! He gives this book the necessary humour to survive this sappy, overdone and tragic thinking.

In brief:

I give it a star for characters and ideas and SoGH.

Prequel:

The Fall of the Hotel Dumort

Sequel:

The Last Stand of the New York Institute

And to the 9th part: The Last Stand of the New York Institute by Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brennan and Maureen Johnson (Der letzte Kampf des New Yorker Institutes, Le dernière bataille de l'institute) with 59 pages in the German version of the Bane Chronicles Volume.

The Circle rises. Magnus knows that they are going to hit New York and hit hard. Nevertheless, he's taken aback by their cruelty when it happens. Years later, the Uprising has failed and the Shadowhunters involved have been punished. Even though most of the survive, Magnus is more than surprised when one of them suddenly stands in front of his porch, with a little baby in her arms...

Poor Lucian. Seriously, poor, poor Lucian. And poor Tessa. In this story you actually witness the scene in which Valentine tortures that werewolf girl with silver coins... good God. It surprised me that everyone in the Circle was there except for Jocelyn. But she's pregnant... on the other hand, Maryse has a months old son, why didn't she stay home? Well. Stephen is interesting. As is the blind fanatism of him and the rest. It's really fascinating, how charismatic Valentine is, how they all treat him like he's the Archangel himself.

Poor Tessa. The fate of Stephen really had to hit her hard. I wonder why she didn't visit Jace before City of Heavenly Fire. They knew about his true name since over a year...

But the story explains why Magnus helped Clary's Mom. Tessa. Of course, always Tessa. She's just as good a woman as Catarina, even though she doesn't sacrifice so much on a daily basis. I like both of them. They are probably pretty good friends. It would have been cool if there was a story about how Catarina and Tessa met. And about how Magnus and Catarina met – or Magnus and Ragnor. How Magnus came to the Silent Brothers, his whole youth! These are the Bane Chronicles. So many stories have actually no real meaning in Magnus life! No real meaning for the world. Like what happened in Peru. So, why then are not the really interesting things in here as well? I'm not saying that all stories in there are unnnecessary. The whole things concerning the Hotel Dumort and Raphael or this story are important. But some of the others – like the advertisement for the Last Hours – could have been replaced. 

Well, to come back to the story at hand. I'd like to have known more about this Whitelaw-generation. When Magnus visited the institute, he could have met Darling Rachel, which would have given her death more meaning and would have explained her family's extreme reaction far better than to simply say she was everybody's favourite.

In brief:

In the end, I give stars for characters, ideas, content and the fanaticism.

Prequel:

What to buy a Shadowhunter who has everything

Sequel:

The Course of True Love (and first dates)

And, last but not least... The Course of True Love (and first dates) by Cassandra Clare (Der Fluch wahrer Liebe (und erster Dates), À la poursuite d'amour) where it contained 49 pages in the Bane Chronicles Volume. 

Alec asked Magnus on a date. Magnus is TERRIFIED. And everything possible goes wrong, starting with a broken glass and ending with a raging werewolf... :)

It's actually pretty sweet, you know? How they both are so afraid of doing something that the other doesn't like – and over that nearly ruin the date. But it's good they got around to it, eventually.

But the reaction of the New Yorker doesn't really make sense. I always thought that New Yorker were used to that kind of thing? They stick around far too long! Really, no matter how good looking that guy is. As well as the thief himself. He had THE opportunity to flee with the briefcase. Instead he didn't only stick around to risk them informing the authorities, he's also Alec's biggest fan, even though Alec kicked his butt. That doesn't make sense.

Additionally, this first date had NOTHING to do with the first date from Magnus memories in the eighth story of this very same series.

The song is... special.

It's funny, but still very, very realistic Magnus expects Alec to break his heart – which he does, in the end. I'm so sorry for Magnus, by the way.

In brief:

A star for style, characters and ideas.

Prequel:

The Last Stand of the New York Institute

And now to the extra-ordinary funny series of a djinn and a boy and a whole bunch of problems. Bartimaeus - The Amulet of Samakand by Jonathan Stroud, part one of four. (in German Bartimäus und das Armulet von Samarkand). I read it in German, where it contains 540 pages. Age: 8 - Death. Originally published 2003.

Bartimaeus can't believe what he sees. A boy. A boy has summoned the mighty Bartimaeus, the builder of the second wall of Jericho… okay, maybe that wasn't exactly his best work. But he did other far cooler things! Well, now this idiot summoned him out of his wonderful, save world – and for what? To take revenge on a man who probably only treated him like he deserved it. And who has to take the blame? Bartimaeus. Who has to take the risks? Well, now it gets complicated. Because in his strive for revenge, Nathanael looses far more than he thought… and stumbles over a plot he has to stop.

This book is bound to make you laugh. The sense of humour is wonderful, especially the footnotes! And Bartimaeus with this funny version of arrogance. He manages to talk himself out of almost any situation, and if he can't he has a few dirty tricks that do the job. He takes few things – least of them himself – seriously and loves to get on Nathanaels nerves. Plus, he has a refreshing view on the events… and gorgeous similes.

The Point-of-Views in this book are something original. Bartimaeus tells his story in first, Nathanael his in third person singular. This way, their personalities are shown quite well. Bartimaeus, the self-ironic and slightly self-centred djinn who takes time for a good joke or an anecdote and a sideways explanation, and Nathanael, who's puffed up and fond of whining.

I guess you can imagine that I have a favourite person in this book… and that it's not the young wizard. His PoV's tend to be long sometimes.

But their different views complement each other, they're important. You need Bartimaeus because he's a) the one the reader ultimately falls for and b) the one who explains everything, who gives us the opportunity to understand the world this plays in. And you need Nathanael to understand the other side of all of this, the side of the wizards, the society, the history that led up to this.

Apart from the protagonists, there aren't that many characters… or there are, but you don't really get to know them.

Bartimaeus djinn frenemies are cool. I'm kinda sorry for them. I get that Bartimaeus probably really gets on their nerves, but having to work against him has to be frustrating. He's resourceful.

Nathanael's adoptive father is a little stiff, but seems nice enough, his mother is very kind.

And that's basically all I can say about the characters.

Apart from that, the story is well written, tense and full of innovative ideas – the world itself is very interesting, and full of details.

I like this book.

In brief:

I give a star for style, characters, content, ideas and the PoVs. Because this was really innovative. Additionally, the book gets the SoGH.

The next astonishing series of David Eddings, with another half-related five books and the prequels of two of the characters afterwards (makes, in the end 12 books, but you don't need all), Pawn of Prophecy (in German Kind der Prophezeiung, in French Le pion blanc des présages) contains 258 pages of a tense and funny tale with interesting characters! Age: 16 to Death (girls and boys). Originally published by 1982.

Garion spends all his life on a little farm in Sendaria, with his aunt Pol and various friends. The only interesting things happening are feasts, falling from trees, chasing Zubrette or listening to the old vagabond-story teller his aunt calls "old wolf". But one day, the old vagabond and aunt Pol take him away from his old, secure world. Followed by the smith, Durnik, and two mysterious strangers called Silk and Barak, they flee - but from what? And why is it so important, that Garion follows? Why doesn't he have the chance to meet girls like other boys? And since when can his aunt and the vagabond do magic?

Very good! I love Garions childhood stories – not to mention the events in this book themselves! First of all, you should know that the beginning is pretty slow, but I personally find it beautiful and funny – and you need it for the rest of the series, so... Don't abandon the series just after the prologue and the first hundred pages. It's really worth the while.

Now, to the characters: Garion himself is a nice boy, who has good instincts, humour, some talent for schemes and the heart at the right place. Additionally he's sometimes quite spontaneous, usually unafraid and he has some bad ideas – the joy of his Aunt.

Aunt Pol is the BEST woman Eddings has ever created on paper. Seriously, he has Ehlana, Sephrenia, Aphrael, Mirtai, but no one's as gorgeous as Aunt Pol. She's actually my mother's favourite heroine and therefore influenced her way of dealing with children – so, in an indirect manner she helped raising me. Okay, so far, so good: Pol is a determined, usually calm woman who knows what she wants and has no issues whatsoever to “bully” people into giving it. She's honest and has a character to be reckoned with. She has an unimaginable amount of strength, authority and competence in everything she does. But she never misuses her gifts, instead, she only uses them for what's right. Still, she makes an issue on keeping Garion close and out of trouble – a little too much for his taste. But otherwise she's a wonderful mother figure, especially due to her sarcastic sense of humour. You'll probably regard her as cruel on first glance, because she's so tough, but Pol always has a purpose. And actually, she is compassionate, loving and kind. She just has a hard shell around her – not very surprising, by the way.

But Pol's not only a mother figure. I LOVE the scene in which they get to court and everyone treats Pol like a queen! And how everyone – especially all the “real” queens listen to her every council. Garion's reaction to all of this! G.R.E.A.T!

As for Mr. Wolf: He's a very, very old child. The relationship he has to Pol is one of the funniest in the whole series, if you ask me. As Pol said herself at some point: All this bickering is simply their way to say “I love you”. They just had to realise it.

To the other characters: Silk is something as well. He likes to prove his talents in outwitting everyone around him, he's as sly as a fox – sometimes too sly for his own good. He's also very honest with himself, especially regarding his lacks. His view on women is pretty funny – as is his humour. I love how he tries to unnerve Old Wolf the whole time!

Barak is fairly nice, more down-to-earth and practical – even though he can not even attempt to be as good as Durnik. The shaggy man reminds me sometimes of a teddy bear. Okay, sometimes a very bloodthirsty teddy bear. And his relationship towards his wife? Poor (bloodthirsty) teddy.

To Durnik: He's Garion's father figure and one of my favourite characters because he's calm even in the most dire situations. He always makes sure that the high and mighty people don't forget the little things in life that make up the foundation they need for their big and world-changing plans. Additionally, he's always being useful – especially concerning Pol. He doesn't care that she doesn't need his protection – and he would never be so stupid as to force her into a cage or something like that. But he always makes sure that everyone behaves and she has everything she needs. It's so cute!

So far, so good. The story itself is very original and well written. I like especially all the little details, the countries, the societies, how they interact. There are many details which make the book realistic. I really do like it.

In brief:

I give it a star for style, content, ideas, characters and humour.

Prequel:

(after the series)

Belgarath the Sorcerer

Polgara the Sorceress

Sequel:

Queen of Sorcery