Young adult
The Red Scrolls of Magic
by Cassandra Clare and Wesley Chu
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Quick take
A romantic getaway in Paris goes south when a demon-loving cult turns up…
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Famous author
Action-packed
LGBTQ+ themes
First in series
Synopsis
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.
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Why I love it
Emma Giordano
@emmmabooks
When I was a young 17-year-old, Cassandra Clare stole my heart and changed my life forever with her debut novel, City of Bones. 12 years later, Clare is one of the most highly-esteemed writers of young adult fiction (and my personal favorite author of all time). With the help of Wesley Chu, she's back with an all-new trilogy full of the same charm and creativity that has made her such a phenomenon.
Set in the same world that animated her Mortal Instruments series, the story begins with the vivacious warlock Magnus Bane, and his new demon-hunting boyfriend, Alec Lightwood, who have embarked on a lush vacation across Europe. But just as they are settling into their journey, an infamous cult named the Crimson Hand begins causing chaos—and apparently, Magnus is their founder. In a race across the decadent cities of Paris, Rome, and Prague, Alec and Magnus must track down the cult and clear Magnus’s name, lest the Crimson Hand tear them apart.
The Red Scrolls of Magic is the long-awaited Malec (that’s Magnus + Alec) adventure fans have been asking for. Clare and Chu have expertly transported readers back to the Shadowhunter series that started it all. Full of love, magic, betrayal, and battles to the death, this novel explores the innocence of new love through an exhilarating mystery sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. Bonus: A few cameos from beloved characters you won’t want to miss. Fans of the Shadowhunter Chronicles and those new to Clare’s writing will definitely be satisfied by this evocative, spin-off story.