The Red Scrolls of Magic has been out for years, but I never got around to reading it until now. Why it took me so long, I don’t know, but what I do know is that this is an absolutely adorable addition to the Shadowhunter universe. There are so many parts of this novel that made me so happy, so let’s get into it.

Set following City of Glass, The Red Scrolls of Magic follows Magnus and Alec’s vacation in Paris at the start of their relationship, but as soon as the pair settles in Paris, an old friend arrives with news about the Crimson Hand, a demon-worshipping cult bent on causing chaos around the world. A cult that was apparently founded by Magnus himself as a joke centuries ago. Now Magnus and Alec must race across the Alps to Venice and then down to Rome to track down the Crimson Hand and its elusive new leader, demons dogging their every step. As their quest for answers becomes increasingly dire, Magnus and Alec will have to trust each other more than ever—even if it means revealing the secrets they’ve both been keeping.

This novel doesn’t feature the usual gang of the New York Institute, but I can happily say that old favourites from the Mortal Instruments series return nevertheless, as well as others from different trilogies. Seeing these characters come together makes for such an entertaining read because I never would have guessed the character line-up in this novel. On top of that, we have new characters, character interactions and relationships, and a whole lot of demonic action to keep us on our toes.

I really like how this kind of spin-off series allows for characters from all the trilogies and series within the Shadowhunter chronicles to interact. I didn’t know I needed to see Helen Blackthorn in action, but I am so glad that I did. I didn’t know I needed Raphael back (who am I kidding, I always need Raphael), so seeing him pretend to not love his friends made me all kinds of emotional. I didn’t know I needed my girl Tessa and all her wisdom, but let it be noted that she is a character you always want to see in the Shadowhunter universe.

The fact there is a discernible romantic note to all of this provided by Magnus given this is their couple holiday makes it all the more enjoyable, especially when the scenes are serious and shouldn’t have any space for one-liners or casual flirting. It strikes a great balance between the usual Shadowhunter adventure with demons, warlocks, the Shadow Market and certain danger and the good ol’ fashioned nervous budding relationship drama. Throw in some phone calls to Izzy, with Jace in the near vicinity, and you have a bundle of laughs and giddiness.

In terms of plot, The Red Scrolls of Magic was a fun change from other conflicts within the Shadowhunter Chronicles, but it was a fairly easy plot to follow and predict. That doesn’t make it bad in any way, if anything it makes appreciating the finer details of this book all the more possible. Sometimes we just need a good story with no surprises in the trajectory, but all the happy occurrences in the supporting cast and subplots.

I am so glad I picked this novel up, and I am excited to continue with the adventures of Magnus and Alec in The Lost Book of the White. That one will feature the New York Institute family, and given its set after the Mortal Instruments, I am sure I will enjoy it just as much as this one.