Book 2, The Runaway Queen: The Bane Chronicles

My thoughts on the audio:
George Blagden is the narrator for The Runaway Queen. You might remember him from the 2012 film adaptation of Les Miserables. He played Grantaire in the film. Blagden now lends his voice to the second installment of The Bane Chronicles. He has a pleasant easygoing voice. I have absolutely no complaints here. He wasn't the best I've ever come across, but he was better than average. I would definitely like to hear him narrate more books.

My thoughts on the book:
Magnus Bane is smack dab in the middle of the French Revolution. He's recruited by an attractive count to help rescue Marie Antoinette from the horrors that await her. Bane can't refuse, so he plans an escape. Only to be thwarted by angry mobs, vampires, and possibly a hot air balloon.
I am becoming a huge fan of Bane's. I love his flippant and flamboyant attitude He's absolutely charming. I love how Clare gives the readers a glimpse into Bane's soul. I'm a huge history lover, so I especially love this 'take' on the French Revolution. If you've not read the previous story, don't worry. These are stand alone stories that are a quick and fun read!

Magnus Bane is in Paris during the French Revolution. He's trying to avoid become part of the revolution. However when a charming young man named Axel asks him to help, he can't resist becoming involved. Axel needs his help to save the King and Queen, the lovely Marie Antoinette. However Magnus' plans go awry when the local coven of vampires get involved and want Antoinette for themselves.

I'm liking these short novellas that look into Magnus' history and adventures. This time it's almost-debauchery in Paris. It was interesting getting re-introduced to the vampires (who I met through the initial Mortal Instruments books) and seeing that Magnus didn't like them anymore then than he does in the modern day.

The Runaway Queen does reference that Magnus can't go back to Peru, which gave me a giggle given his first adventure. He also acquires a monkey that he names "Ragnor" and I hope the monkey will be in the next adventure too.

I'm having fun with these short stories and will continue with the next one.

Ah, another tale of Magnus Bane and his recklessness. I still would like to know how old he is but I suppose we'll probably never know. I wouldn't be surprised if Magnus didn't exactly remember himself....

The Runaway Queen was another entertaining story of Magnus's life. But, much like What Really Happened in Peru, it was rather disappointing. I'd mostly describe it as cute. It's nice to learn more about Magnus's life, especially with Alec's new fascination with it, but I wish The Runaway Queen had had a little more direction to it.

The first short story was supposed to reveal why Magnus was banned from Peru. That was a purpose. This one however, just felt slightly empty. And, if I'm honest, I was little disinterested with it. It wasn't awful, I just felt like it didn't have a purpose.

With that said, I do think sometimes I'm looking for something more when really, all I'm reading is just a short story and not a whole novel.

This second novel follows Magnus while he is in Paris in 1791, where he meets Marie Antoinette. He is hired to Glamour her and her family so that they can escape.

I loved that readers got to see a little bit of history woven into this novel, even if most of it was not exactly real. I also love that there was a little bit of romance in this novella between Magnus and Axel, the guy who hired him.

I look forward to seeing more of Magnus and his crazy adventures in the continuing novellas.

Just came across these Bane stories and was really excited until I saw how many are being released and that each will cost $2.99. I loved Clare's books, so I am sure the e-stories are just as good and would add a lot of background to Bane's character. Just wished the stories would have been released in one single collection. With so many planned to be released and the length of each story about 50pgs, it's not very economical. I am very sad to say, I think I will have to pass and save my money.

Terrible. I was very disappointed in the writing style, the lack of storyline, and the general silliness of both books. It didn't have anything to do with The Mortal Instruments or the Infernal Devices series.

This Bane Chronicle was better than "What Really Happened in Peru", but still not up to par with Clare's writing. Yeah, her name's on the title, but beyond the characters and shadowhunter series' themselves I doubt she has much to do with the actual writing of the Bane Chronicles at all.
Still, it's nice to have some kind of bone or scrap to naw on until COHF releases- I might go insane otherwise!

Although I absolutely adore all things Magnus, this story isn't nearly as well written as "What really happened in Peru", or half as fun to read. Honestly, I'm weary to spend another 2.99 on the next installment at this point. I may just wait until all of the chronicles are sold as one book.. That way if one of the stories isn't quite to my liking i won't feel as jipped.