Why is the Shadowhunter Codex SO IMPORTANT to the Shadowhunter Chronicles? Well, to answer that question, I’d suggest you read the Infernal Devices, and the Mortal Instruments (2 subseries that are basically the root of the Shadowhunting Universe). But just in case you have not read those books, that’s totally fine. I’m not going to spoil anything for you.
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So, despite us mortals living in a world where there isn’t (not yet confirmed) a Shadowhunter base with lots of tattooed teenagers with deadly weapons and even more lethal sarcasm, there’s still a book that will, arguably, help us to understand more about the Shadowhunting world, and the kindred (or not so) creatures that either assist, ally, or go against the Shadowhunters.
In the Shadowhunter Codex, there are basically definitions to important terms, interesting doodles, and also funny notes and scribbles that were drawn in by Clary Fray, Simon Lewis, and Jace Wayland, with all of their notes being either helpful, or just not even remotely related to anything in the book. Along with that, Clary also draws and doodles in the margins and blank spaces of the book.
I think maybe it’s a really good, important book in the series, given the fact that it’s kinda like an encyclopedia to all things Shadowhunters, and it’s really helpful. It was like a lifesaver to me when I read the book and didn’t know exactly what most of the words were in the series. This book is like the Shadowhunter Bible, and I promise, getting a set of the books and a Codex will definitely help you out in the best way possible.
So overall, this book will be vital in helping you process information from the Shadowhunter series, along with understanding the funny lives and notetakings of Simon, Clary, and Jace, the three awesome characters!