Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy - Book 10 - Angels Twice Descending

"Angels Twice Descending" the tenth and final novella in "Tales of the Shadowhunter Academy" is the most emotionally- gripping of the series as Simon Lewis decides whether or not he's ready to drink of the Mortal Cup which will either bind him to the life of a Shadowhunter or bring death. Grounded by the love of his friends, Clary and Isabella, Simon explores a decision which means abandoning his mother and sister, reawakening memories from his past, and devoting his life to fighting demons knowing life is fragile as a Shadowhunter; although uncertain in length it means living it to the fullest.

When the day of the Ascension Ceremony arrives, his choice made Simon never expects that it will herald triumph and a great loss.

In all of the novellas Simon's character grows as he deals with the prejudice and shifting attitudes of the Clave, becoming a catalyst for change within the Academy where tolerance and friendships have developed between mundanes and the elite (children of Shadowhunters). Even his romance with Isabella a renowned Shadowhunter has developed a new level of warmth and acceptance as they've fallen in love all over again because of Simon's loss of memory.

Well-developed and fast-paced the story heralds Simon's greatest challenge and a choice that will irrevocably change his life forever and bind him to Clave rules that forbid him from seeing his mundane family ever again. Only with the love of Isabella, Clary and his closest friends at school is Simon able to take the last step and face a test that will declare him a Shadowhunter, but which will also bring guilt, rage and horror when a fellow brother dies.

"Angels Twice Descending" is my favorite of the series as Simon's day to ascend awaits. It blends courage, love, friendship, forgiveness and loss in an entertaining plot that you can't put down until the end. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Not really happy with how this ended. Beyond the loss of yet another character which yes we were warned was coming and we'll I'd already guessed who before reading it, the story just didn't grip me like usual. It's hard to explain but it almost felt to me like it was missing something, that elusive sort of something that gives a story it's heart and brings an emotional reaction from the reader. Maybe it was having guessed the critical moment that caused me to feel this way but normally with a story I can read spoilers forever and still react when I'm reading the real scene because of the talent of the person writing the story. This one just sort of read to me like Clare wanted to be done with Simon's story and gave a sort of half hearted effort at drawing it to a close. It's not so much the plot of what was written but the sort of numbness I felt reading what should have been emotionally charged scenes. I guess it was an okay ending, but my overall reaction here is just disappointed at what I felt should gave been the best of the series, instead of probably my least favorite of the novellas.

An amazing ending to this series! Seriously, at first Simon's character was not a big one when I first started to read TMI series but WOW! He's like, one of THE most important people in this series and I'm SOOO happy we got to know him better through the Shadowhunter series! This is the ending he deserved and EARNED! I just wish we could get more of them! But I am excited for the new series.

Spoilers****

So, I'm sad about George! I wasn't expecting it and although it's stupid to think no one would die from the ascension, it came as a shock as I was listening to it! Poor George!! That sucks! But I'm was happy to see that Simon (as well as I) got some closure and what a perfect fit: Simon Lovelace!! That's awesome! I know Simon will make the name proud! I didn't know they had to change their names though but to do so with Lovelace, having read The Infernal Devices, its really cool. Well done once again Cassandra Clare! You're just wonderful and I love your stories!!

It was expected. Basically anticlimactic really. I'm not sure really what I was expecting, but it really just seemed skimmed over.
[SPOILERS}
Could have spent a lot more time of Simon revisiting NY, and made more of a climax about his memories coming back. It was just like "and his memories came back and he was whole again" The end. It was a good ending, just not an interesting one.
Also, quite an expensive book for the length you get. Finished it in an hour and a half.

A very great, solid, and emotional ending of these novellas. I for you liked the way it ended and I just can't wait to see what happens next in the Dark Artifices series, even though we are not going to see much of the Mortal Instruments characters. I for sure loved these group of novellas over the Bane Chronicles. My favorite novellas are the Whitechapel Fiend and Born To Endless Night.