Book 3 - The Whitechapel Fiend - Shadowhunter Academy

"The Whitechapel Fiend (Tales of the Shadowhunter Academy #3)" is a nostalgic reunion of Jace and Simon at the Shadowhunter Academy on Idris. Brought to the school to teach Shadowhunter skills legendary Jace Herondale has his own agenda which is linked to the other visitor at the Academy, Tessa Gray whose lecture details the truth about the mysterious end of Jack the Ripper's killing spree and the role that Will Herondale and his former parabatai played in it.

The story is set in the Shadowhunter Academy where Simon and his friend George have a room on the mundane level; one that's uncomfortable, cold, slimy and infested with rats. In an atmosphere where Elite snobbery rules because of their Shadowhunter lineage Simon is searching for his own identity and keeps being reminded that it's his choices that matter and not bloodlines. Into this setting Jace has been asked to instruct the students, but he too is looking for clues to his Herondale heritage and finds a connection through Tessa Gray.

In a twist in the story Tessa begins lecturing at the school on the murders in London in 1888 when Will Herondale and his parabatai James Carstairs ended the killing spree of Jack The Ripper. In a creative and intricate way the author uses Simon and the Academy as the catalyst to re-introduce familiar characters while exploring the fabled murders as well as the mystery behind the Herondale name.

Another short tale in the ongoing Shadowhunter Academy saga Simon continues to suffer the insecurity of knowing nothing about his past exploits or the people he cared for except for an awakening of vague feelings that could be opening a door to his past. He hates his inferiority in developing Shadowhunter skills and his guilt over Isabelle's vulnerability and desire to protect him; determined to find a solution to both. Tessa Gray contrasts strongly with Simon who's searching for his own identity and self-worth. Once poor, friendless and defenceless she overcame her weaknesses to not only become a formidable warlock, but to discover the love of two daunting men. In this story Jace Herondale is relaxed, mysterious and popular with the Shadowhunters-in-training. Yet for all his bravado he too is looking for the truth to his past.

Like all Shadowhunter Academy novellas "The Whitechapel Fiend" is a captivating tale that unlocks clues to Simon's future.

The second I realized that Tessa was in this one, I made a little *YAY* dance. Because if there’s Tessa, then you know there’s going to be Will…<3

This was a bit better than the other two, because we actually get to read something interesting!! I got to see Will + Tessa’s married life bliss!! YAAAS!! I saw one of my old OTPs, that is Gabriel & Cecily! Plus, it was a wonderful refresher of what happened in The Infernal Devices. It really made me want to reread the whole thing again.

I really loved this third book in The Shadowhunter Academy series. In this third installment Simon is finally having bits and pieces come back and he is getting better at his training of becoming a shadowhunter. I loved how Jace made an appearance in this book. Jace is still the typical Jace we have all come to love but he is here to help Simon and learn more about his infamous family the Herondales. I really loved how Tessa made an appearance and we got to hear more of hers, Will's Cecily and Gabriel's story post Clockwork Princess. I loved the ending when Simon writes a really great letter to Izzy. I feel that as time goes on more of The Simon we love will come back. I highly recommend this book.

Book 3 of the Shadowhunter Series. Simon’s Lessons continue. A shadowhunter doesn’t fall, he drops. We get a revisionist history of the London Ripper. The narrator’s accent in this audiobook proved hard to follow.

The short stories keep getting better. Simon is still slogging his way through Shadowhunter Academy living in the slimy basement with George and the other mundanes. Due to a lack of staff some familiar faces keep popping up both for educational purposes and to visit Simon who remembers them to varying degrees. These aren't just throwaways but help move some part's of the larger story along. We hear more about Tessa, Will and Jem post Infernal Devices and Jace learns more about his past. Looking forward to the next one.

The more this series progresses the more I enjoy the stories offered within it. I loved the cameo from Jace and Tessa and the glimpse into the The Infernal Devices world offered by Tess within the history class. Seeing Simon's complicated feelings about Isabelle progress was also a delight. Definitely recommended.

This series is supposed to be about Simon and his experiences in the Shadowhunter Academy.... So shouldn't they be focusing on Simon and not flashbacks and pop up visits from other key characters in every story? Let Simon stand on his own and have the spotlight through his own merit.

This was even more exciting then the first two! I honestly wasn't expecting a certain character to pop up in this one, let alone do the things I wish was done in City of Heavenly Fire. Can't wait to continue.

I love everything Cassandra Clare writes. She's just a genius. All her stories are entirely captivating and this one is no different. I decided to start on the Tales From Shadowhunter Academy last week and I've already blown through almost all of them because I just can't stop reading!