The Shadowhunter's Codex (The Mortal Instruments)
Since the thirteenth century, the Shadowhunter’s Codex has been the one and only manual for Shadowhunters looking to brush up on their demon languages, learn proper stele use, and discover just what exactly a pyxis is. Featured in both The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices, this guide is a necessity for any young Nephilim on their journey to becoming a Shadowhunter. Beautifully illustrated, the Codex contains images of the famous Shadowhunter homeland of Idris, as well as depictions of demons and other Downworlders.
But this isn’t just any copy of The Shadowhunter’s Codex. It’s Clary’s copy, and as an artist herself, she’s sketched pictures of her friends and family in the book, and scrawled helpful advice in the margins. Of course, she couldn’t exactly stop Jace or Simon from adding their thoughts either. Part encyclopedia, part history, part training manual—complete with commentary from Shadowhunters who have seen it all—this beautiful guide is a perfect supplement to the #1 New York Times bestselling series.
Reviews (196)
Get a Hardcopy, Not a book for Kindle Edition!
First, I want to start out with saying if you don't get a hardcopy of the book and get the Kindle edition you're going to be disappointed. Much of why we love the Shadowhunter's world and Cassandra's writing is because of the small details and touches that she puts into her work. I had read the series when it first came out between my middle school and high school years and, to be in college now it was great to see the TV series on Freeform. Though I had a bit of early confusion, as I remembered the characters and storyline but the details of her mythological world had been faded to me. The codex serves as a great reference and collectable to those who adore the series and the hardcopy is beautifully crafted. The hardcover copy has an embellished cover that has 3D detailing and a very unique look to it. The inside is neatly broken down and holds the same terminology and even images for some of the content to really showcase the fantasy world even more. There are some little 'notes' that look handwritten as if done by Jace and Clary and are a great touch to the overall book. If you get a Kindle edition instead of a hardcopy, you miss out on the effects of the notes and the overall craftsmanship that makes it such a neat book as it all becomes the same format text and lacks in many of the details.
Dry, dusty. Not worth the purchase price.
What a waste of $24.99 + tax! I should’ve gone with my first instinct, and borrowed it from the Public Library instead of spending money on it. Don’t waste your money! The book is divided into sections (complete with illustrations) to teach new Shadowhunters information about demons, the Law, how Shadowhunters were created, weapons, Marks, etc. Scattered in the margins of these various sections of information are comments by Clary, Jace and Simon that are supposed to be pithy or humorous but are just thrown in to awaken the reader who has just nodded off from all the boring “information.” It took all my willpower to finish the book. It was as dry and dusty as reading a Dictionary from A to Z. Don’t waste money, or your time. If you are a big Shadowhunter fan, as I am, then borrow it from the library and make sure to have a big – no make that GIANT – cup of coffee by your side. You’re going to need it to stay awake. Though I didn’t like it, I’ll leave it up to you to decide if you want to read it or not.
Great for fans of the series.
I received this for my 18th birthday from my mother (this is her account). As a fan of The Mortal Instruments series, I LOVE this book. It puts you in the world of the characters (much like the 'Tales of Beedle the Bard' or 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' is for Harry Potter fans) The little commentary written by the characters in the books is hilarious. I share a love of this series with my Parabatai and I'm considering getting her this for her birthday. I highly recommend for fans of the series. However, don't read if you haven't finished the series yet, because there are minor spoilers.
Nice Addition to My Shadowhunter Collection
This is a fun addition to my collection of Shadowhunter books. There are a lot of interesting details within this little book. Most of the information is at least touched on during Clare's two series, but I think it is really interesting to have an entire book dedicated to the world she created. It doesn't hurt the book fits in with my other book. There are little hints and nods to The Infernal Devices while Clary , Jace and Simon, from the Mortal Instruments, "comment" in the margins. There is a lot of information packed into this little books. There are sections that are boring, but not every section on a textbook/handbook can be interesting! It raises the believability just a bit. I think the little book gives a nice glimpse into the Shadowhunter world and the Clave mentality that we don't always see from the characters within the series. The "comments" from our favorite characters contrast to the message from the Clave as well. Overall it is just a lot of fun that doesn't take itself too seriously.
If you aren't a fan of the series, this isn't for you - but if you are, get it!
If you aren't a fan of this series, this isn't for you. It was interesting but at times I had to force myself to keep reading. Maybe it's because I'm in school and felt like I was reading a textbook at times. I LOVED the commentary between Clary, Simon, and Jace, it made the entire book. I wish there was more of it! I don't think if read this all the way through again, but I could see myself referencing it as I read/reread the series.
Addictive reading
I hadn’t intended to read this right now; I have so many other books I need to read. However, it was one of those times where you think you’ll just leaf through a page or two and the next thing you know, it’s three hours later and you’re half way through the book. Cassandra Clare’s world is totally captivating and I REALLY want to just sit and marathon my way through the rest of the Mortal Instruments series (I’ve only read the first book, City of Bones) but I have other books I must read and review first. The Shadowhunter’s Codex provides background information to the two series. I have seen some very minor spoilers in there – for example, I didn’t know about Simon’s status – but nothing that would spoil the series. Although I am an advocate of ebooks, this is one book I would strongly recommend buying in hardback format. Part of the fun of the book are Clary’s and Simon’s in-world notes in the margin of this Shadowhunter’s training manual. In the hardback format, this is represented by what look like handwritten scribbles. This has had to be translated into different fonts in the ebook and the formatting is often not quite accurate, leading to some confusion.
GREAT
I love the Infernal Devices and The Mortal Instruments. This book provided me with a lot of insight into the Shadowhunter world. It set up just like it should be for the real characters. It has beautiful illustrations and I really enjoyed reading the notes written by "Simon", "Clary", and "Jace". I also enjoyed the parts at the end of the chapters where you could write your own answers. My favorite parts in the book were when they had a list of names that you could combine to create your own Shadowhunter last name and the rune section where they drew them all out. I also like the weapons *evil grin*. If you like Cassandra Clare and her books, this is the thing for you. It is also good to have read this before you start her new series (Last Hours).
great fun for a true fan but just borrow from the library if possible. Tends to recover old info.
only buy if you're a shadowhunter fan who really wants to know every piece of cannon. It reads like what its a manual and goes over things most readers already know. the origins stories are great are the illustrations and the notes scribbled on the margins, by Clary, Jace, and Simon, I think the reader is meant to believe the codex is passed around and used and reused.
Review of The Shadowhunter's Codex
This book was great. It's similar to one of the Harry Potter textbooks where in this case Jace, Simon, and Clary right in it but it's based on each person lending it out to a different person. So, I think Jace had it, then lent it to Clary, then Simon had it so each person responds to each person's comments about different sections of the book. The book is very informative but I thought the comments were amusing the most. There is a special edition in hardcover of this book, but it costs more. I believe in the special edition the angel on the front is all gold as well as the cup.
Great Condition, Nice Book
The book is beautiful, and perfect for any shadowhunter fan. The only problem I had with it was the condition. It was in a pretty great condition. No use wear, no minor scratches, no paper bends. The spine was a bit loose. Like it wasn't really that noticeable, but since I'm really picky with books, I do not like that. But the biggest problem I had is the mark on the book. On the top, there is a remainder mark in red. I'm really not happy about it. But it's not like it did much damage to the book. Just wished it didn't have the mark, and had a sturdy spine. Then I'd be fine. But overall, great condition. Inside there were lots of interesting things to read. Lots of beautiful pictures. I haven't read it yet because I have some others book to read.
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