From The Mortal Instuments to The Infernal Devices and The Dark Artifices, Cassandra Clare’s novels never fail to enthrall us with her powerful words. The action is intense, the drama is heartbreaking and the characters are our closest friends. We would do anything to become a Shadowhunter because they constantly inspire us readers with bravery and wit. In every book, Cassandra Clare continues to teach us wonderful and impactful life lessons that we will always remember.
1. Keep your friends close.
If you’re going to break the Law of the Clave, might as well do it with your best friends. We can’t help but adore the #squadgoals from the New York, London and Los Angeles Shadowhunter crews. They’ve surely proven that the one way to change the world is teamwork.
2. Sarcasm never goes unappreciated.
You know you’re a Herondale when sarcasm becomes your best battle asset. Only Cassandra Clare can drop the perfect joke into the heat of battle and it is completely appropriate. She never fails to make us laugh and value lightheartedness in a dark situation.
3. A family that fights together stays together.
We’re looking at you, Blackthorns (and Lightwoods). Nothing is better than a family who trains and fights right alongside each other. A Shadowhunter name represents a legacy that each protagonist carries on beautifully and we truly admire them for that.
4. The truth is always worth it.
Sometimes it may not be the easiest choice, but honesty always leads to character development and successful relationships. The Shadowhunters constantly exhibit the importanc of trust and honor.
5. Art and music can truly shape a person.
Cassandra Clare has melted our hearts with Jem’s violin, Jace’s piano and Julian’s painting. They’ve shown us that strength lies not just in fighting abilities but also in an artistic heart.
6. A warm embrace goes a long way.
Shadowhunter group hug anyone? So many times has Cassie Clare made our hearts flutter with a powerful Parabatai handshake or a heavenly fire-free hug.
7. Don’t ignore your heart.
As painful as it can be to see two sweethearts forbidden to love each other, these books have taught us the power of following your heart. No matter what, fight for the love you deserve.
8. Sometimes you just have to accept the consequences.
Of course, a story would be boring if no one dared to break the Law every now and then. However, we have so much respect for the Shadowhunters who take risks to fight for justice, no matter the cost.
9. Love is always stronger than hate.
It’s true, the Clave is quite corrupt. Even so, our protagonists prove over and over again that one person’s spite is no match for the power of love. Evil is no match for Team Good.
10. The bond of friendship lasts a lifetime.
Nothing can separate Parabatai, or simple best friends. Whether it’s a trip to the demon dimension or the struggle of immortality, no one will let the Shadowhunter life get in the way of true friendship.
11. No sacrifice should be forgotten.
The Shadowhunter life is a dangerous one and many of our beloved characters have made brave sacrifices. We’ve learned to appreciate them with a hail and farewell—ave atque vale.
12. Words are the most powerful weapons.
Amidst constant war and battle, the Shadowhunter and Downworlder crew often proves that words can make a stronger impact than any blade. Cassandra Clare leaves us with passionate, heartfelt quotes as a reminder that words can truly change lives, as they have ours. Just like Will and Tessa, we've learned that "life is a book and there are a thousand pages [we] have not read yet."
