The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare & others
The Bane Chronicles
by Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brennan, and Maureen Johnson
(Audio)
I'd earread one of the stories on its own last year, but when I saw them all available in one audio collection at the library, I snatched it up and immediately began to listen. Best idea I've made in a long while. While work was not going well for me, the only bright spot in my life some days was this book and the 10-20 minute chunks I got to spend with it a few times a day.
It's a series of short stories written by Cassandra Clare & other writers, including Maureen Johnson (whose books I usually love), so it's actually pretty well written. The stories all center around Magnus Bane, a fabulous, glittery warlock who has dealings with demons, downworlders, and shadowhunters alike. But through it all, he's his normal cheeky, clever, funny self. I adore Magnus and learning more about him, getting more backstory and insight into their universe, was all a treat. There were some utterly fantastic Magnus/Alec moments. There was a scene with Will and Tessa and Jem that made my heart sing. There was humor (get him a mix tape!) and tenderness (baby Clary) and drama (the Circle at its most ruthless) and courage (Raphael Santiago) and heartbreak (as well as some drunken voice mails).
While some stories were definitely more moving and enjoyable than others, there really wasn't a story I didn't like. They all had their moments and they all helped to flesh out my favorite character from both series.
Another strange and wonderful thing about the audio is that each story is read by a different narrator. It's strange getting different voices for the same characters every single time. But it gives each story its own unique feel and distinquishes them from the ones before. It also means that both Andrew Scott (BBC Sherlock) and Gareth David-Lloyd (Torchwood) could each read a story. I adore both actors and I really liked both of their stories, especially the latter's "The Course of True Love (and First Dates)" which was so beautifully awkwardly Malec :-)
I ended up buying this in print form as well to add to my collection. Any time I feel down, I'll be able to dive right into some Magnus Bane goodness.