Booklist Reviews
Like the magical Downworlders themselves, the Shadow Market is hidden from nonmagical eyes. Seated right next to human markets, the Shadow Market comes to life at night, full of magic, mystery, and mischief. Readers of Clare's other series will recognize familiar Shadowhunter family names: the Fairchilds, Herondales, and Lightwoods are the focus here, their histories explored in depth. Another familiar figure, the Silent Brother Zachariah—also known as Jem Carstairs—leads readers through this short-story collection. He chooses to keep Matthew Fairchild's secrets in Cast Long Shadows, by Sarah Rees Brennan, and learns of his wife's demonic origins in Every Exquisite Thing, by Maureen Johnson. He searches for an artifact in the stories' backgrounds, throughout different times and places throughout Clare's canon, always near the Shadow Market. The standout story here is Rees Brennan's Forever Fallen, which is set in the modern day and offers an update on both Jem and original series star Jace. With the Shadowhunters television series ending, be sure to have a copy on the shelves for an expected uptick in interest. Grades 9-12. Copyright 2019 Booklist Reviews.
Kirkus Reviews
Ten short stories set in the expansive Shadowhunter universe introduced in the Mortal Instruments series. The enigmatic Brother Zachariah—formerly Shadowhunter James "Jem" Carstairs—and the darkly glittering fae magic of the Shadow Market, where werewolves, vampires, and warlocks roam, tie most of these stories together. Each story, co-authored by Clare (The Red Scrolls of Magic, 2019, etc.) with one of the other four writers, features Shadowhunter favorites in different eras and international locales. "Learn About Loss" is set in a Depression-era Tennessee carnival, and "A Deeper Love" finds Zachariah's one true love, the immortal warlock Tessa Gray, working as a nurse during the London Blitz. Other tales are set in contemporary New York and Buenos Aires. Clare's gift for melodrama is on fine display, and there's no shortage of atmosphere, emotion, and yearning hearts. Anna Lightwood's doomed attraction to a beautiful—and betrothed—young woman in "Every Exquisite Thing" is unrequited love at its most angst-y, and "Through Blood, Through Fire," which reuni tes Jem with Tessa—and then some—will warm even the coolest of hearts. While there are some standouts, the overall caliber of the stories is high and the voice feels consistent. However, this collection assumes readers know their stuff and isn't the best place for newcomers to this world to jump in. There is considerable diversity in ethnicity and sexual orientation. Fast food for dedicated fans. (about the authors) (Fantasy. 14-18) Copyright Kirkus 2019 Kirkus/BPI Communications. All rights reserved.
Voice of Youth Advocates Reviews
Hidden within cities throughout the world lies a place called the Shadow Market, invisible to most humans. The Shadow Market offers potions and treasures and a place for Shadowhunters, vampires, faeries, vampires, werewolves, and warlocks to meet and mingle. Over the course of a century and several countries and continents, a Shadowhunter called Jem Carstairs searches for links to his own past and connections to much-loved friends now lost. As Jem continues his quest across the years and over several countries, he encounters a range of mystical creatures, from alluring to deadly. Always, his heart hearkens back to warlock Tessa, his forever love and his touchstone across the century and the miles. The first eight chapters in this book were originally released as e-books in early 2018, with the final two chapters of the book available for the first time in this edition. This is a companion to Clare's series The Mortal Instruments, The Infernal Devices, and The Dark Artifices, and while fans of those series have been eagerly awaiting the final two stories in this book, the stories here can certainly be read as a stand-alone and do not require knowledge of the other series. The character-building in this book is intricate and well developed, with a deeply touching conclusion that is profoundly true to the characters. The high level of prepublication interest and the excellent quality of the book make this an essential young adult purchase for both public and school libraries.—Sherrie Williams. 5Q 5P S Copyright 2019 Voya Reviews.