Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy by Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brennan, Maureen Johnson, Robin Wasserman

“People could bear so much, but Simon did not know how much of the original you was left when the world had twisted you into a whole different shape.”

Cannot fathom the reason why I’ve delayed reading this book (or stories) for so long. I guess I was done with this story when they cancelled shooting the second film. But the new TV series came along and bam I’m here, talking about the adventures of Simon Lewis in Shadowhunter Academy with all my passion.

The story continues after The City of Heavenly Fire. Simon couldn’t bare all the pressure and expectations from his friends (because demon amnesia sucks, you know) and decides to go to the Academy to become a Shadowhunter and be that hero again, bring his life back. Throughout these two years he grows into a completely different man, questions his place in Shadow world, his relationships and feelings to people him barely remembers. Little by little he restores Sizzy into a whole new level which I enjoyed. There were tragedies and sad moments, but, I guess, it was essential to the plot (I mean, Simon Lovelace has a nice ring to it).

Some stories I enjoyed more than the others. Like those with TID characters or Max Lightwood-Bane (Oh my Malec! <3). It was lovely reading and witnessing this Shadow world through the eyes of Simon – once mundane, than Downwolder and mundane again. I think, most of readers could relate to him in ways he sees injustices of Shadownunters breed towards mundanes, Downwolders and fellow Shadowhunters.

 This book is a total must-read before Lady Midnight.

The Tales of Dunk and Egg part 2

This story is by far the most interesting for me among existing three. The plot line is intriguing. Egg and Dunks' friendship was shown to us with deeper insight. I generally like these characters. they are pleasant, kind and noble above all circumstances. Through the time they spent togwther they started to appreciate each other’s loyalty.

The story is called "The Mystery Knight", but to the very end we don't really see whom he was. Was that young rebellious Black Dragon or Glendon or Dunk himself? or all of them at the same time?

We’ve got a little insight into Targaryens’ family matters this time as well. that’s really thrilling to find out aboul all these events that for A Song of Ice and Fire characters are history. we meet a young but already bitter Walder Frey.

This reading is lighter and more amusing than Martin series "A Song of Ice and Fire". It is enjoyable, it is fun, it is rather light, with some shades of grey and black. I recommend it to you, GoT fans, Dunk and egg's fans, fantasy fans and simply human beings who wants to spent hour-two on nice reading.

The Tales of Dunk and Egg part 1

This is a review of two novellas by George R.R. Martin The Hedge Knight and The Sworn Sword which are from The Tales of Dunk and Egg series and are prequel to A Song of Ice and Fire.

The novellas take us to the times when Targaryens ruled. The possible purpose of writing these novels is to show the readers the world before the game of thrones began when the Targaryens were at the peak. All the information we receive from a standpoint of hedge knight – possibly nobody, unimportant person who travels and works from time to time on different master. These works perfectly fit into fantasy category showing us knights. tournaments and beautiful ladies in all their glory and feasibility at the same time. The readers will be totally caught up with the narration – you can hardly say that it wasn’t written by a young knight. The thoughts, the colors in which he sees everything, naivety – narration is just brilliant.In the novellas we can clearly see that the author intended to show – book is a book and life is a life. Good guys won’t fight bad guys just because you want so. Or princess will not marry the hedge knight – she simply can’t allow it to herself. These realistic moments may be that point, that target which drives people to buy Martin’s books.
Characters. As a main characters we’ve got Dunk – the hedge knight, and Egg – from Targaryens who decides to travel with Dunk for some time seeking adventures. Both treat each other very well, almost like friends. Although Dunk never forgets about the Egg’s origin. These character’s attitudes are shown very well through their actions. Dunk values Egg’s opinion above all and Egg shows a lot of dedication to serving his knight.Generally I like these novellas. They are not bad. And I’m interested in continuation. I’d recommend it to all The Game of Thrones series fans, A Song of Ice and Fire fans and people who simply like fantasy and short stories.

Up at the Villa by W. Somerset Maugham

This short story had been written by one of my most favorite writers Somerset Maugham. It depicts the story of a young widow who seems to made her mind up about everything in her life – a convenient and well-to-do marriage, but this one night changes the way of things go completely. Having survived this dreadful night alongside with chiseler Rowley she starts to understand more about herself and her desires.

I like the way Maugham once again shows in very realistic and true-to-life way that it’s almost impossible to judge people only for one thing. Only true varieties of fortune and troubles will show them who they really are. Edgar, a man who she’d known for so long and who loved her for so long, making a proposal. Even if there’s no love in her heart she considers this proposal very serious and positive matter ‘cause Edgar’s rich and honorable man. She thinks she’ll be bored to death but at the same time hopes that they won’t see each other very often. On the other hand there’s Rowley – a man of bad reputation and his proposal means nothing to her. But one night only, the night which brought her tons of troubles, showed who she really needed when the one turned his back on her and the other was happy to be near and help her.

Mary discovers not only her interest for Rowley but understands that she doesn’t want to be bored. She doesn’t want to avoid her husband and live in unbearable boredom. On the contrary, she wants to take risks a lot!

In this story personally I like Rowley. The man is true to him and to the others, doesn’t pretend to be who he really isn’t and this is very valuable. Plus he doesn’t hesitate to demand and take what he wants.

All in all the story is quite pleasant and quick to read.

Rating 4/5