Saturday Snippet Reviews | Life Before Legend & The Midnight Heir

There are times when Heather & I finish a book, but don’t have time to write a full, comprehensive review… or even a shorter “flashbulb” review.  BUT we still want to share our thoughts with you on what we’ve been reading. That’s why every Saturday we’ll be featuring 2 “snippet” reviews — short, sweet, to-the-point reviews that we’ll try to keep to 2-7 sentences.  So we hope you enjoy these!!

 

 

 

Taking place three years before Legend, more specifically the days centered around June’s admittance to Drake University, Life Before Legend provides readers with a peek into the separate, yet irrevocably entwined, lives of June and Day before their stories really intersect each other.

Day’s story chronicles his first kiss, but also some enlightening events that provide the foundation for the streetwise rebel/vigilante he’ll eventually become. We’re also introduced to an interesting character from Day’s past that I’m crossing my fingers we’ll meet again (as I have yet to read both Prodigy and Champion, it’s entirely possible this person has made a reappearance, but… I have yet to find this out).

June’s story was probably my favorite of the two. The girl is the poster child for the word “precocious.” I loved this look at twelve year old June — confident in her intellect and knowledge, determined to be the best, but a little… lost. She doesn’t quite fit in anywhere, and the short gives a basis as to why her years at Drake were a tad tumultuous.

Overall, while not a necessary piece of the plot, these two companion short stories are a must-read for readers who appreciate a little additional character building.

 

I’ve been reading a lot of audiobooks lately because of Christmas projects and such.  I’ve also had a lot of “Oooo!  Shiny” moments while reading too, so I have stumbled into The Bane Chronicles.  I absolutely ADORE Magnus.  He is a character that has so much depth and complexity to him.  You can never seem to figure him out.  While I’ve enjoyed all of The Bane Chronicles that I’ve read so far, I loved The Midnight Heir.

 The story takes place about 25 years after Clockwork Princess ends, so you definitely do not want to read it if you haven’t read Clockwork Princess because it will MAJORLY spoil it.  To keep from spoiling anything for anyone, I can’t say a lot about the story.  I will say this though, it made me cry, and Mr. James Herondale needs a book…or maybe 3…PLEASE Cassie!  I need to know what happens!  

It was also really interesting to see Magnus’ view on his relationship with Will, Tessa, and Jem compared to his relationship with other Shadowhunters.  I just love the growth and change and depth I’ve seen through these novellas.  He continues to intrigue, delight, and break my heart.

Overall, this was perfect fun and absolutely awesome extra content!  If you loved The Infernal Devices, you will definitely love jumping into The Midnight Heir and seeing some favorite old characters and perhaps some new favorites as well.

Happy Reading!