The Red Scrolls of Magic
#1 of 2 in The Eldest Curses Series
on Goodreads (56,633)
What’s inside...
From #1 New York Times bestseller Cassandra Clare and award-winner Wesley Chu comes the first book in a new series that follows High Warlock Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood as they tour the world after the Mortal War. The Red Scrolls of Magic is a Shadowhunters novel. All Magnus Bane wanted was a vacation—a lavish trip across Europe with Alec Lightwood, the Shadowhunter who against all odds is finally his boyfriend. But as soon as the pair settles in Paris, an old friend arrives with news about a demon-worshipping cult called the Crimson Hand that is bent on causing chaos around the world. A cult that was apparently founded by Magnus himself. Years ago. As a joke. Now Magnus and Alec must race across Europe to track down the Crimson Hand and its elusive new leader before the cult can cause any more damage. As if it wasn’t bad enough that their romantic getaway has been sidetracked, demons are now dogging their every step, and it is becoming harder to tell friend from foe. 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.
Character compass
Magnus Bane
Alexander Lightwood
Aline Penhallow
Helen Blackthorn
Shinyun Jung
Alexander "Alec" Lightwood
Discussion points
What did you think about the relationship between Alec and Magnus and how they work together throughout their adventures?
How do the choices of the characters affect their journey? Can you think of a time when you made a decision that affected your own journey?
What did you learn about the importance of trust and friendship from ‘The Red Scrolls of Magic’?
If you had magical powers like Magnus, how would you use them to help others around you?
What does the story tell you about facing fears and overcoming obstacles?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare their own experiences with those of Alec and Magnus, creating connections between the story and their own life.
Use the discussion about characters’ decision-making processes as a gateway to talk about personal responsibility and consequence.
Discuss how trust is built between friends and in teams, and ask your child for examples from their lives or other stories.
Explore the themes of bravery and courage by asking your child what scares them and how they overcome those fears, making it personal and relatable.
Focus the conversation on the magic within the book, asking your child how they would use such powers and debate the ethics of using magical abilities.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of trust in relationships
Explanation: The protagonists, Alec and Magnus, navigate their complex relationship while facing external threats, demonstrating how trust is foundational to overcoming obstacles together.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of trusting family and friends in collaborative tasks and in resolving misunderstandings.
Example Lesson: Unity in diversity
Explanation: Alec, a Shadowhunter, and Magnus, a warlock, come from different backgrounds and species. Their cooperation and acceptance of each other's differences underline the strength found in diversity.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to embrace and celebrate differences among their peers, fostering a more inclusive environment at school and in their communities.
Example Lesson: Responsibility for one’s actions
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters face the consequences of their decisions, stressing the importance of thinking before acting.
Real-World Application: It teaches children the value of personal responsibility and the impact of their choices on themselves and others.
Example Lesson: Courage to face the unknown
Explanation: Alec and Magnus embark on a perilous journey to stop a demonic plot, showing bravery in the face of new challenges and unknown threats.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to tackle new tasks and challenges with courage, whether it's trying new activities or standing up for what's right.
Example Lesson: The power of redemption
Explanation: Characters who have made mistakes are given chances to make amends, illustrating that it’s never too late to change for the better.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to understand that making a mistake doesn’t define them, and they have the power to always improve and correct their course.