Although I loved the exploration of the Shadowhunters world, and not only about Simon's time in the Academy but the little glimpse into The Circle (I have always wanted the full tale) and into the Academy days of James Herondale, I wished Simon's friends were a bit more fleshed out (apart from George).

Somehow these stories were light but meaningful. A unique twist on the ever common “finding yourself” story. The stories touched on serious things such as homophobia, racism, and death but also was full of humor, friendship, and love. A great follow up to the Mortal Instruments series.

This was so wholesome and heartwarming. Chronologically, this books falls after City of Heavenly Fire. I loved that I got to follow Simon as he starts to make new memories. Simon was one of my favorite characters in the Mortal Instruments. It is a little bit of filler book, but I think it is worth the read. We have people telling stories within the stories - of the Herondales, Lightwoods, Magnus Bane. I loved the little snippet of Magnus' namesake. I liked a lot of the stories, except the Lost Herondale. It seemed really irrelevant in the scheme of the whole Shadowhunter world. My favorite stories were of the Tessa, Will, and their son James. Simon had peak character development, and I liked that he decided to move on from his "lost memories" phase. He wanted to become a new person, instead of striving to be the old him. Izzy and Simon deserve all the love they get. Because I got to see characters from future and past series, it builds a nice anticipation towards reading those. Cassandra Clare never fails to bring her stories together. I so easily fell in love with with the camaraderie of the Shadowhunter Academy friend group - Simon, George, Julie, Marisol, Beatriz, Jon. We got to see them grow closer, united under the one goal to become Shadowhunters. I know that Simon will show up more in the Clave politics in the TDA. 

I fell in love with George Lovelace. I didn't realize he was an adoptive relative of Jessamine's until the very end. Jessamine Lovelace from the Infernal Devices. The little scene with the Lovelace's at the end hurt a little bit. He deserved so much better, and he was more than worthy to be a Shadowhunter. Simon Lovelace is such a suitable name for him in honor of his brother he lost to the Mortal Cup.