Memory Lane Monday: The Shadowhunter's Codex by Cassandra Clare and Joshua Lewis

Yes, it is that time of the week. The day we dread and wish would never come- Mondays. *Wipes tear* But have no fear, Memory Lane Monday is here! Every Monday, here at TheYABookworm, I'll do a special post called Memory Lane Monday. What's that you ask? Memory Lane Monday is a once-a-week post where I (or any other bloggers that wish to participate)  choose one book that I've previously read to be featured on that day. From the book chosen, I will pick two of my favourite quotes and write a little blurb containing my quick thoughts on the book. The books that I choose will not be books I've reviewed- since I've read so many books, I want to share with you my opinions on ones that I won't get the chance to fully review (because seriously, rereading dozens of books would take a year...or two)! Be sure to participate by leaving your "Memory Lane Monday" in the comments, or a link to your blog post with the hash-tag #YAMemoryLaneMonday on twitter :D

This Week's Memory Lane Monday...

The Shadowhunter's Codex By: Cassandra Clare and Joshua Lewis

Delve into the details of all things Shadowhunter with this illustrated guide to the knowledge and lore of the Shadowhunter world.                                                                      
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 Timesbestselling series.

     The Shadowhunter's Codex isn't exactly a "Memory Lane" type of item, but since I just wanted to share some quick thoughts on this companion novel, I decided to make it one this week. The Shadowhunter's Codex is a manual or guide that I like to describe as the "google" for the Shadowhunter world. Want to know, and I quote, "What is that disgusting black liquid that appears when you cut a demon?" or what to do if you meet a werewolf/vampire/faerie/ect then this is the book for you!

     I'll admit, as much as I love the Shadowhunter world, I did not read every word in this codex from cover to cover. Due to the fact that this is more of a guide than an actual novel, I think it will mostly come in use at times when I'm actually in the process of reading a TMI/TID novel and I want more details on something referred to. I spent about an hour last night skimming through some sections that particularly interested me and I think if anything, this codex proved once again how grand this world Cassandra Clare has created actually is! 

     As the synopsis of this codex points out, this isn't just any Shadowhunter Codex, it's Clary's. Within the codex's margins are added notes and conversations between Clary, Simon and Jace in addition to sketches done by Clary herself. The margin notes were hilarious (as most of Clary, Simon and Jace's conversations are) and gave snippets of comedic relief that I'd imagine would be very much appreciated by those who actually do read the entire codex from start to finish. My favourite part of this codex would have to be the stunning illustrations located inside the front and back cover. The inside front cover has characters from The Mortal Instruments, and the inside back cover has characters from The Infernal Devices trilogy (I took a picture of the illustrations that can be seen below this paragraph). These drawings are vibrant, colourful and beautifully done--I love how it connects the two series and shows the codex's importantance in both time periods. 

Shadowhunter's Codex: Front inside cover featuring
Mortal Instrument characters

Shadowhunter's Codex: Back inside cover
 featuring Infernal Devices characters

     Overall, I think this codex is something any Shadowhunter fan should have in their collection. It's informative while still possessing a certain kind of personality to it that makes it not only a great companion to Cassandra Clare's series, but also a beautiful piece of art on its own. Have you picked up your own Shadowhunter's Codex? Do you like it when author's publish guides for their series or do you just ignore them? Be sure to let me know in the comments below! Keep Reading!

Your Y.A. Bookworm,

Caitlin <3