The Lost Book of the White

Written by Cassandra Clare and Wesley Chu

Narrated by BD Wong

From #1 New York Times bestselling authors Cassandra Clare and Wesley Chu comes the second book in the Eldest Curses series and a thrilling adventure for High Warlock Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood, for whom a death-defying mission into the heart of evil is not just a job, it’s also a romantic getaway. The Lost Book of the White is a Shadowhunters novel.

Life is good for Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood. They’re living together in a fabulous loft, their warlock son, Max, has started learning to walk, and the streets of New York are peaceful and quiet—as peaceful and quiet as they ever are, anyway.

Until the night that two old acquaintances break into Magnus’s apartment and steal the powerful Book of the White. Now Magnus and Alec will have to drop everything to get it back. They need to follow the thieves to Shanghai, they need to call some backup to accompany them, and they need a babysitter. Also, someone has stabbed Magnus with a strange magical weapon that is changing the very nature of his powers.

Fortunately, their backup consists of Clary, Jace, Isabelle, and newly minted Shadowhunter Simon. In Shanghai, they learn that a much darker threat awaits them. Magnus’s magic is growing unstable, and if they can’t stop the demons flooding into the city, they might have to follow them all the way back to the source—to the very realm of the dead.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Release date: Sep 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9781508232278

Cassandra Clare

Cassandra Clare is the author of the #1 New York Times, USA TODAY, Wall Street Journal, and Publishers Weekly bestselling Shadowhunter Chronicles. She is also the coauthor of the bestselling fantasy series Magisterium with Holly Black. The Shadowhunter Chronicles have been adapted as both a major motion picture and a television series. Her books have more than fifty million copies in print worldwide and have been translated into more than thirty-five languages. Cassandra lives in western Massachusetts with her husband and three fearsome cats. Visit her at CassandraClare.com. Learn more about the world of the Shadowhunters at Shadowhunters.com.

Reviews for The Lost Book of the White

[Morgan Bakersen · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

The narrator is so bad it is hard to listen to this book. It’s as if this narrator did not bother to learn how names had been pronounced in every other book and didn’t know anything about any of the characters going in. He gives accents to people that the book blatantly says “accentless English”. Jem, who has at least a faint English accent in every other book until now, has a Chinese accent here. Jace is read like dumb frat boy. It’s frustrating to have zero continuity of narration between books in this very long series, but this narrator is garbage. Read the book if can, I don’t recommend the audiobook version at all.

[Kirsten Otis · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

The story is fine - a shadowhunting good time. The narration, however, is really not good. With such a long-running franchise, they should have checked how to pronounce character names, or what type of accent characters should have.

[Elizabeth Iman · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Love Magnus and Alec but I took so long to finish this! (I’ll blame it on the pandemic and the political unrest lol). Also, I think the problem is the timing of these events (being between Tales of Shadowhunter Academy and TDA)... it should read as a standalone but you also get treated to all this extra easter eggs that you already know happened... it’s weird!!! I loved the malec in the Magnus Bane chronicles and Ghosts of the Shadow Market so idk why I feel this way (must be the pandemic)... the best part of the Book is Sammael hands down (the audiobook version, that is... book version doesn’t give any intonations).... also THAT ending saved the book for me... I felt it all went too fast at the beginning... might as well have started the book in Shanghai lol 3.5

[Sammi Meisenheimer · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love this gang so much! It was awesome to come back and get more background. It's odd that it's not in the time after carstars but I love these characters so much! The end was good and left you wanting the next book

[Shae · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I love Malec and I'm happy to see the gang together again. The reason why I didn't enjoy it as much is because they sort of feel out of character at times. I like how the narrator portrayed Sammael's character but the accents in some parts kind of irk me a bit.

[Cheryl Clough · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love the world of the Shadow Hunters. The characters are so realistic and the adventures so stirring. I put off reading this series because it is listed as YA, but I am enjoying every minute of these books. I adore Magnus Bane. I still have a few books to go before I’m finished, but I’m collecting the series for my shelves so so may reread it!

[ROCHELLE BEATRICE BAUTISTA · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The narrator is amazing!! He made these characters so much more animated and given them distinct personalities through his performance! I had the best time listening to this!

[재인이 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Just love it , very nice experience listen and read at the same time from my book

[eristhea · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

In this new installment of the saga, we once again have Alex and Magnus as the undisputed protagonists, allowing us to continue discovering their life and story, this time after the Mortal Instruments plot. However, unlike the first part of the trilogy, they will be well accompanied by their usual friends and a new member who will join them.
I have to say that I don't know what's happening to me with this trilogy; from the beginning, I bet that it would be one of my favorite parts of the saga, and it's falling quite short for me. I don't know if it's because it's written by two hands, but it has something that doesn't completely hook me, and I've had it on hold for a long time. I get the feeling that the narration is linear, and even though we're at the peak of the plot, I don't feel that spark that makes me feel like I'm in an important moment. I've even come to believe that I might be tired of the saga, but with the Last Hours trilogy, I'm not feeling any of this, so I'm not sure what to tell you... I have quite mixed feelings.
I think the plot is good and presents us with new challenges, but I believe that everything is quite predictable; everything happens as it should, and the ending left me feeling a bit meh... Everything gets resolved very... well, okay.
The life of our Malec still seems the most interesting to me, but I think it's not being handled as well as it could be. (Translated from Spanish)

[Violet2300 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Full of emotions, you see the team again, an unexpected ending, laughter... a little extra story at the end and the reunion of those characters you loved. (Translated from Spanish)

[Val1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

5 stars. Just like the first book, I also liked this second installment, including the other characters, the plot, the appearance of Max, the inclusion of new characters, and the descriptions of the places, which I found very detailed. The only thing I didn't like was some dialogue between Clary and Jace, but that doesn't stop me from giving it five stars. (Translated from Spanish)

[Angela Herondale · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I must say that I found it very difficult to read this book and even more to enjoy it; I felt that many parts were filler. I think from halfway through it gets interesting and has more action.

Obviously, I loved reading about Clary, Jace, Simon, and Izzy. I think the best part of this book is that I realized I already like Clary ?

This is probably one of the books that caused me to have a tremendous reading block, but I still like it because Magnus and Alec will always be my favorite couple, although I was expecting something better, maybe spicier things, and there were only a few. (Translated from Spanish)

[LaChicadelGuion · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I liked this second book more than the first in the Malec saga, seeing them in this new stage with little Max, the new challenges, and how deep their relationship has become. The story captured me and entertained me a lot, problems caused by a character from the first book come to light, and we see how our daring boys rush to the rescue, a good book that made me laugh and shed a couple of tears. (Translated from Spanish)

[Jackie Herrera · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I think it's just as good as the previous one. The truth is that I feel this series of stories has many good things, but I also think they don't have the same level as the others that Cassandra Clare has done. On one hand, I must say that I loved that so much time passed between one book and another, and that it connects with certain things I've already read in other sagas; that's very nice. I feel like it makes the story feel like it's been simmering for a long time, that it's not something that happens overnight and a small problem that any solution can fix. On the contrary, the issues in these books have been around for a long time and thus evolve from being a minor issue to a bigger problem than initially thought. I would like to see Clary and Jace more involved; I know they are not the main characters, but I miss them so much, and since they appear here, I need at least a moment of them being more important. I think overall it's fine, but I must say that my biggest problem with this trilogy is the interest; the truth is that these two books capture little of my interest and it's hard to follow the thread or finish them quickly. I fully trust the author, but I feel that these are the weakest books she has. Even some of the short stories have more drama and feeling than these. They're not that bad, but they're not the best either; I don't know if it's really necessary to read them if you're not a fan. (Translated from Spanish)

[Ann - Into My Books · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

We dive into a new story of Malec, who live happily in their Brooklyn loft until they are threatened and have the Book of White stolen from them. A powerful book of magic that Magnus was guarding.

Not content with that, they attack Magnus, creating a wound that shines and is anything but normal.

This book takes place after the end of TMI and before Lady Midnight.

Regarding Alec, I will always highlight the evolution of this character because he is literally another person from the one we met in TMI.

The best part for me has been seeing the protagonists of TMI united against a new evil; I've missed them and it will always be a pleasure to see them again.

On the contrary, in terms of story, I didn't find it to be Cassie's best, not because it was weak, but because it had many flaws and illogical things (which we might discover at the end of the trilogy).

But I can overlook this because, in the end, having all my kids together makes me happy and we forgive the author.

Moreover, she has shown us another new world aside from Thule and Edom, and honestly, I’m fascinated by the demonic realms.

The ending surprised me greatly because it seems we are going to face the worst demon we have encountered so far.

And from the extra chapter at the end, I don’t want to say anything because it was just tears; undoubtedly, one of the most beautiful chapters I have read. (Translated from Spanish)

[Mounstrocomelibros · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

As always, I loved the Malec, and adding Max to the equation made it adorable. I also liked that they included the whole little group.
I don’t give it 5 stars because I felt something was missing, I’m not sure what. More than a Shadowhunters book, it felt like a very well-made fanfic. (Translated from Spanish)

[1997Libros · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

When you thought everything was fine... that epilogue arrives to complicate everything❤? (Translated from Spanish)

[Alymichi · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

After 'Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy' and before 'Lady Midnight', we have this second part of 'The Ancestral Curses'. ?

I love continuing with this great saga! After so many years getting to know the characters, reading this continuation feels super enjoyable and familiar.
It obviously continues telling the adventures in which Magnus and Alec find themselves. In this case, accompanied by several protagonists from previous books, which has made my heart race ? per hour knowing what happened in their lives after The Academy and before Lady!
The number of details you come across, the connection between books, the appearances of characters, and especially learning more about the life of some of them has been wonderful!
My only complaint is that at times it felt a bit boring as the plot seemed somewhat pulled out of thin air by giving more prominence to a secondary character.
But still, I absorbed it.

And that extra story after the ending is sensational!! ☺??

This trilogy is very good for learning more about certain details omitted in earlier or later books depending on how you read them??? (Translated from Spanish)

[RuthLightwood · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It will always be a pleasure to read Cassandra Clare, especially to see my beloved Malec again and, of course, the rest of the group Jace, Clary, Isabelle, and Simon. This second part, like the previous one, tied up some loose ends and dropped hints of what could (in my opinion) appear in TWP (I don’t know, I’m just saying). So, I am eager for the last book of the trilogy (hopefully it will be soon :c) because let me tell you that the epilogue left me in WTF mode and with many theories in my crazy mind. (Translated from Spanish)

[MilagrosBane · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I will just say that I was left like this with the epilogue ???? (Translated from Spanish)

[Paoemylia · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Many thanks to the talented Cassandra Clare for the wonderful adventure once again in the world of Shadowhunters. This time, Magnus and his partner Alex find themselves needing to travel to Shanghai to try to save the world, for which they will require the help of Jace, Clary, Simon, and Isabelle; since their enemy is none other than a prince of hell. Also, I loved that short story at the end about Tessa and Jem. (Translated from Spanish)

[geralramirez · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book undoubtedly surpasses the previous one, especially because it leaves us with that desperation and bittersweet feeling THAT WE STILL HAVE TO WAIT SO LONG FOR THE WICKED POWERS.

I loved that in this installment, despite mainly focusing on Malec, his friends Izzy, Simon, Jace, and of course, candy Clary were included. Haha I know it’s not like that, but in the other books there’s that vibe that Magnus and Alec do whatever for their friends and don’t get much in return for it, since they are the bold ones, but the moment the tables turn, they rush to help the couple that made all of them uncles haha. However, even though I enjoyed it more than the previous one, it left me feeling a bit strange with the problem resolving so suddenly that I didn’t even realize how they were about to die and then they were already on their way home. (Translated from Spanish)

[Zcky1226 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Very good ending, I mean, the whole process was very good but that ending was wonderful. Well, first of all, I felt that this story wouldn't be as relevant as the first one (that doesn't mean I didn't like it) however, I thought that the way the problems would be resolved would be very predictable. Wow, was I wrong, and the epilogue, uff, God, I need to know what will happen next!!! (Translated from Spanish)

[Mjojo24 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved it!
The Shadowhunters has a big part of my life and soul, each book and story makes me love each character in a different way. ? (Translated from Spanish)

[Lizana Tarín · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Second book of The Eldest Curses, starring Malec, here the suffering from the first book comes back, that one isn't going to change even if left quadriplegic. This woman has an obsession with demons and the magical Magnus.

The story starts cold, but it takes us through a portal to see spectacular views of Shanghai, here I really saw Chu's touch, it has good content on Chinese culture, genius, and the Shadow Market which is actually a daytime market. This book became that portal you cross with every word, diving you into the knowledge of the Chinese hell and its legends, an introduction.

You find a bunch of references to other books, like: Alice in Wonderland, Dante's hell, and little details that can go unnoticed by many. There are memorable moments, others that double you over with laughter, and others that are ridiculous; Cassandra makes us quotidian with the Shadowhunters with insightful audacity.

We have a view of a Shadowhunter in full warrior mode of Alec, wow! Along with Magnus, they undergo a process of maturity, creating quite peculiar aphorisms.

Simon appears, this guy with his patterned shirts, a genius! Clary with her more settled head, Jace, oh God! that conceited one, Isabelle, dear Izzy! With all her glamour; but then Jem Carstairs appears and everything else disappears. (Translated from Spanish)

[Ailed Rguez · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It hurts me a little to rate this book because I was really looking forward to it, but even though there were beautiful moments that filled my heart with happiness, the truth is that I couldn't connect with the story. I'm not sure if it was because I was too distracted, but I found it a bit hard to follow everything. In any case, I'm really looking forward to the next one, and I'm interested to see what else happens with these characters. Another joint reading with @MarianaA2909 @lizana tarín @Irandy2002 Thank you, girls, for joining me and clearing up doubts. (Translated from Spanish)

[MarianaA2909 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Well, I must say that this second installment exceeded the first book by a lot. While in the previous book we had Alec and Magnus exploring their relationship, just beginning and overcoming the trials of their relationship, here in the second book, we have them more mature, stable, strong, and united. The villain from the first book returned with more strength and madness than before, we discovered what really happened to Ragnor, and we have the participation of the whole gang. A Jace, Clary, Izzy, and Simon, much more mature as well, which made the book more pleasant and fun. I really felt the bond between the characters, the importance of friendship and love. It was truly very good and improved the trilogy a lot; that ending was BEAUTIFUL, OK? And the epilogue… OMG, I can't wait for the third book; that epilogue is INCREDIBLE! I didn't see it coming; it was a complete surprise. I must add that despite some things being predictable and because of the time that passes in comparison to the other published books, and therefore we know that nothing really happens to the characters and how they are in the future, the authors still surprised me with little things, and I didn't see that epilogue coming. (Translated from Spanish)

[citrarowan · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Domestic fluff and demons to sum it up. This book is an excellent companion to TMI. I feel that in the main saga, the villains take all the spotlight, but here we can really appreciate our six protagonists. I liked it much more than the previous one (which was also very good). I love how this book paves the way for what TWP will be in the future, the epilogue was wonderful, but that's to be expected with CC. (Translated from Spanish)

[Beelu López · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

How much I wanted to read it, to meet Malec again, I love them.. my favorite ship of all time. This story tells us about the adventures of Magnus and Alec along with their friends in Shanghai, and Diyu (a demonic dimension). They travel to Shanghai to recover "The Book of White" stolen by Shinyun and Ragnor from Magnus's house. What I liked: Malec scenes everywhere, I never get tired of reading them. The incredible nature of their love, their growth as a couple, and also individually, affects me in an amazing way. Plus, Max appears, who is really adorable, and reading them as parents is simply beautiful. We also have Sizzy scenes.. OH MY GOD, I was eagerly waiting for them, finally reading about them together and in love! And well, Cassie also had time to include the love of Clary and Jace. Unfortunately, I didn’t understand the ending; it didn’t seem believable, not even the characters knew what they were doing, everything they did was based on whims or hunches, intuition as Alec himself said, and it worked for them ?‍♀️. Anyway.. I have thousands of questions left, but they will likely be answered in the third book, or so I hope. I can't compare this one to the first because they seemed very different to me. I read many fan comments saying that this one surpassed the first, but for me it was the other way around. I think the previous one resolved the plot better. STILL, MY FANGIRL HEART LOVES IT! (Translated from Spanish)