For fans, this anthology will enrich their appreciation of the series, and for those unfamiliar with Clare’s work, it will pique their curiosity.

— Publishers Weekly

For a Mortal Instruments super fan, every one of these essays will be a hit, the kind of detailed, passionate conversations so many readers long for when finishing a beloved book.

— All Things Urban Fantasy

If you're a fan of The Mortal Instruments, and you're also someone who fancies yourself an educated reader, then you owe it to yourself to snatch up this collection. Then, when the movie comes out, you can prove quite the intellectual as you point out the subtleties missed by the average moviegoer.

— The Trades

This is the definitive guide to the ins and outs of the Shadowhunter world.

— Ink and Page

If you are a fan of this series you should pick this up. The beauty of it is, since it's essays about different topics that the series touches on, you can page through and read one that you are in the mood for. They were so well written and dissected each topic they talked about so well, I think I could go back and read them over and over again and still get something new out of them. A must have in your collection if you are a TMI fan!!

— Book Loving Mom

The essays touch on a variety of topics such as the characters, the setting in New York, and themes that are found throughout the series . . . Overall Shadowhunters and Downworlders was a quick and interesting read. I definitely recommend this to any fans of The Mortal Instruments.

— The Reading Geek

I'm not one who normally writes in my books, but I totally highlighted some of my favorite passages from this book. How could I not? There are so many insightful quotes to highlight. I loved it . . . Normally I'm not a fan of [anthologies]. I've not been impressed with ones I've previously read in other big fandoms. In fact I swear I'd never read another, and then this lovely book arrived, and I went back on my word and read it. I'm glad I did. Honestly, when I first sat down to read it I wasn't excepting to enjoy it as much as I did. Luckily this anthology is one that lives up to it's hype.

— Mundie Moms

I encourage all hard-core Mortal Instruments . . . fans to include this anthology of essays in their 'to-be-read' piles. This anthology offers up some interesting points of discussion for book clubs, as well!

— Reading Lark

All and all, I must say this book is the perfect anecdote for a case of “Mortal Instruments Withdrawals.”

— A Bookish Escape

I love talking books and this is very much like a great conversation with somebody who really knows the material. I was very impressed with all the essays! And I found a few new authors to check out!

— Spontaneous Literary Awareness

All the other "readers" that I've read have either been incredibly boring, or complete nonsense. This was not either of those. Shadowhunters and Downworlders was an excellent balance of information and entertainment. It had essay topics that me, and many other Mortal Instrument fans, would enjoy. I blew through this book, and could hardly put it down. That's how fantastic it was.

— Confessions of A Book Addict

This collection of essays takes you beyond Clare’s stories and examines the heart of the characters and their drama that makes us love this series so much . . . All of the authors approached their topics with brilliant passion and heart. It is impossible to have a favorite because they are all that good and well-written . . . If you consider yourself a fan of Clare’s Mortal Instruments series then wait no more. Read Shadowhunters and Downworlders: A Mortal Instruments Reader today.

— The Mortal Instruments Examiner

This is a book for fans of TMI. It is written in a clear manner and easily understandable. With notes and quotes from the books which serve as evidence of what is being discussed. A talk with people who understand and speak to us in a loving, funny (and even sarcastic) way about the characters (or moment) of our favorite books.

— The Reader Lines

Shadowhunters and Downworlders has something for everyone. There’s research and scholarship, there’s opinions and laughs, and there’s something about our favorite books, characters, and places on every. single. page. As an added bonus, Cassandra Clare introduces each essay with her own blurb on the topic, guaranteeing you that the woman behind the curtain is excited about its contents.

— The Mortal Instruments Fandom

These essays were so well-written, thought-out and passionate. Each author took their topic and really delved into the heart of it, giving the reader something to think about when they finish each essay. There’s wit, thoughtfulness, admiration in these essays that jumps off the page. This book is a must-read for fans of the Mortal Instruments and is sure to have you mentally high-fiving each author that wrote an essay for this reader.

— TMI Source

. . . if you are in to reader type books, and looking in to the deeper meaning of fictional stories and its characters then this book is definitely for you. Seriously, I think you’ll love it.

— Punk's House of Books

A selection of essays about the Mortal Instruments series edited by the series’ author offers a couple of gems . . . Self-serving, but enjoyable for committed fans.

— Kirkus Reviews

Fangirl moment: This cover is amazing, the essays are amazing, the authors are amazing. Okay, I think I'm good now. I've completed my proverbial happy dance . . . If you loved the Mortal Instruments, you will love this book too.

— Pixie Dust Book Reviews

The perfect companion piece for Cassandra Clare’s titles . . . The entire time I was reading this was like having one huge literary boner, and I thoroughly recommend it to fans of the series, particularly if you have no one else to flail with about it, because lets face it, each and every one of those essays features an argument you have had with yourself about this world.

— The Perks of Being a Bookworm

Deeply insightful . . . Comparing my comprehension, of a series that I’ve read repeatedly, to other opinions was extremely fun and exciting.

— Tome Tender

This collection is really good, with tons of insights about characters, setting and issues that are approached in the five books.

— The Loyal Book

Chapters range from an exploration of GLBTQ themes to the power of drawing, from (possible) incest to tattoos . . . an impressive array of YA authors.

— Booklist