Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie R. Wheadon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Mature Shadowhunter series spin-off focuses on Alec, Magnus.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In THE RED SCROLLS OF MAGIC: THE ELDEST CURSES, BOOK 1, the great war has just ended and Magnus just wants to take his new boyfriend, Alec, on a European vacation. In the middle of the most romantic outing Magnus can think of -- dinner in a magically controlled hot air balloon over Paris -- they spot demons attacking Shadowhunters and rush to save them. And when they return to their posh hotel to clean up for the theater, the warlock Tessa Grey is waiting for them, bearing some difficult news. A cult is on the rise in Europe, killing faeries and other Downworlders to raise demons, and rumor has it that Magnus could be to blame. Magnus searches memories of his very long warlock life and finds a blank spot of years, as if something important had been magically erased. As he tries to remember, he and Alec hop a train to Italy to locate the source of the cult before more Shadowhunters get involved. So much for a romantic getaway.
Is It Any Good?
Fans of the Shadowhunters universe have another fun spin-off series to follow with more demons, demonic cults, and intense romance, this time featuring a gay couple. Alec, a Shadowhunter, and Magnus, a warlock, are the power pair in question in The Red Scrolls of Magic: The Eldest Curses. Neither Shadowhunters (the older ones anyhow) nor Downworlders like the match at first, but readers will. Who wouldn't want to be on a European vacation with Magnus, who picks the best hotels, restaurants, and parties to attend and knows how to dress everyone for every occasion? Alec is a good counterpart to Magnus, levelheaded and ready to save anyone who needs saving.
While the cult stuff is nothing new in the Shadowhunter universe of books, the Italian setting and some supporting characters keep it a bit fresher. Longtime fans will enjoy the meet-cute between Aline and Helen. They may also enjoy this closer look at the world of warlocks. A surprise twist ending will excite readers for the sequel.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the main relationship in The Red Scrolls of Magic. How do the characters handle homophobia? How does Alec deal with his disapproving parents?
What does the Red Scrolls of Magic propose followers do? Why was it written? How has interpretation of it changed over the ages?
Have you read other books in the Shadowhunters universe? How does this one compare? Why do you think author Cassandra Clare decided to co-write this series?
Book Details
- Authors :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Transportation ( Trains )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Margaret K. McElderry
- Publication date : April 9, 2019
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 18
- Number of pages : 368
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate