Shannara Chronicles & Shadowhunters: Episode One

I’ve been going through my drafts folder, clearing out the ones that weren’t going to happen or polishing up and scheduling those that could happen, when I came across a couple reviews I had started. On the flight back from Coastal Magic 2016, I had queued up the first episodes of (the then new) Shadowhunters, adapted from Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instruments series, and The Shannara Chronicles, adapted from Terry Brooks’ series of the same name, television shows.

To call what I found “reviews” would be expecting too much, they’re more like quick impressions, so I don’t want to write a full review – I haven’t seen them in over a year – and I want to binge watch both of them to get caught up.  Sadly, only The Shannara Chronicles, are available on Netflix; I’ll have to wait for the Shadowhunters.

I could rewatch the first episodes and then write a proper review for each, or I could give you these tweets I found and then write a review once I’ve caught up. That sounds like a better idea. Especially since it’ll give me a chance to see if my initial impressions are still there now that both shows will be premiering their third season later this year. Were my critiques/inquiries flushed out or am I still hanging? Maybe I’ll have to stop watching Naruto for awhile so I can see because now my curiosity is piqued.

Based on the best-selling fantasy book series by Terry Brooks, “The Shannara Chronicles” follows heroes in the Four Lands as they embark on a quest to stop an evil Demon army from destroying the universe. Thousands of years after the fall of humankind, the world’s fate rests on the shoulders of an unlikely trio: Elvin Princess Amberle, who dreams of a life outside of the palace walls; beautiful, wild and wily Human Rover Eretria, and half-elf Wil, who knows nothing of the great destiny that runs through his veins.

Love the fantasy world in a dystopian setting.

Have not read the books, but now I want to.

The idea that fantasy characters live in a magic less world is fascinating and I can only imagine what it will do to the nonbelievers when they are shown the truth.

Manu Bennett is fabulous as are the characters playing Will and Amberle.

Love the idea that our world is considered ancient culture, with mechanical ruins and everything, but I would like to know more. Did trolls, gnomes, and elves always exist or were they born during the catalyst?

Trolls & gas masks?

Elves appear to be the elite, but everyone hates them. I wish the reasoning was explained, and hope it will be later episodes.

Setting is rich and colorful.

Based on the bestselling young adult fantasy book series The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare, “Shadowhunters” follows 18-year-old Clary Fray, who finds out on her birthday that she is not who she thinks she is but rather comes from a long line of Shadowhunters – human-angel hybrids who hunt down demons. When her mother Jocelyn is kidnapped, Clary is thrown into the world of demon hunting with mysterious Shadowhunter Jace and her best friend, Simon. Now living among faeries, warlocks, vampires and werewolves, Clary begins a journey of self-discovery as she learns more about her past and what her future may hold.

So much better than the movie. In so many says.

  1. Jace is actually cute and looks like he spends his time fighting demons.
  2. Clary is freaked out, but she doesn’t seem as useless in a fight. She keeps her head straight instead of being a distraction during the fighting.
  3. The fight scenes are not overly dramatic, but they have this flair that makes them visually stunning.
  4. Magnus…what can I say except I can’t wait for more.
  5. Casting is much better.

It’s been awhile since I’ve read the book, but pieces of the movie remain and I like what i’m seeing so much more. The show seems to be delivering what the movie promised.

The pacing seems slow, but you can see where they have taken some liberties with the story. It’s currently working though, as its given the writers a way to introduce the world without info dumping in the first episode.

While I like Rhys, the actor playing Valentine just works so much. For one, he looks like he has an 8yo daughter.

I’m excited to see the show progress with the telling of Clary’s story, especially with how well they’ve been doing the special effects.

I do want to mention one other show – The Magicians. I didn’t find the beginnings of a review, but this is a show I clearly remember watching more than one episode of. I was intrigued enough that I tried catching it on SyFy when it was on, but I’ve since missed quite a bit. From what I remember, it’s definitely one that shows both the good and the ugly sides of magic and what it does to those who practice it. I have to say that I liked what I saw and I’m hoping it kept carrying the same energy forward. Is anyone caught up? How is it?

About Jackie 3282 Articles
I am a 30-something SAHM with two adorable boys and a supportive husband who is very tolerant of my reading addiction. I love to read and easily go through about a dozen books a month – well I did before I had kids. Now, not so much. After my first son was born, I began to take my hobby of reviewing a little more serious and started Literary Escapism to help with my sanity. I love to discuss the fabulous novels I’ve read and meeting all the wonderful people in the book blogging community has been amazing.