The Bane Chronicles - Book Review

If you’ve read The Mortal Instruments, then you’re well aware of the ancient warlock; Magnus Bane.

Magnus Bane is one of the most intriguing and mysterious characters in the world that Clare has cleverly orchestrated.

We weren’t given many contexts on Bane since he wasn’t the focus of the story, yet he has been living for centuries. Luckily though, we have a book that gives us a little bit of insight into Bane’s life, personality, and flamboyant character. 

This book is constructed of 11 novellas that are not connected to each other. These short stories act as a little window that we get to peek through and experience the enchanting life of this warlock.

Through these short stories, we witness some of Bane’s heartwarming and wrenching relationships. We live through his life as a child, a bisexual man, and as a powerful warlock.

These stories take place in different time periods; for instance, What Really Happened in Peru takes place in the 18th century; whereas The Voicemail of Magnus Bane is in the 21st century.

This is another fascinating aspect of the book, where the readers get to experience different centuries alongside the ever-so-fascinating Magnus Bane.

This feature also adds a lot of depth to Bane’s character; it portrays how bane has immensely changed throughout the centuries, with the exception of his flamboyant, sassy, sarcastic side.

The Bane Chronicles also references some characters from The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices as well as filling in some gaps that were vaguely mentioned in previous books.

It also gives us context on his relationship with the Shadowhunter, Alec. We get to see some behind the scenes action in What to Buy the Shadowhunter Who Has Everything, The Voicemail of Magnus Bane, and The Course of True Love.

The Bane Chronicles is a must-read, especially if you’re not satisfied with Bane’s storylines in Clare’s earlier books.