“It’s just a book!” 

“Do you do anything other than read those books?”

“Those books are stupid.”

“You’re too obsessed with these books!”

I hear these horrific words on a daily basis from everyone who doesn’t care about my favorite book series. But their arguments are invalid, for they’re only mundanes. Mundane is a term often used in the books by shadow hunters to describe someone who is not a part of their special group of warriors. I am a Shadowhunter. Shadowhunters are a race of super humans who are part angel part human, which keep the mundane world, or human world, safe from those of the demon dimensions. Even though they are responsible for keeping humans safe, Shadowhunters aren’t very fond of them. The alternate definition, a crazy group of people who live and breathe the New York Times bestselling series The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare.

Recently, I have joined this fandom, and I have quickly grown attached to the characters, plot and merely the idea of shadowhunters. These books have put me through a lot emotionally because of my attachment. I try to vent to my friends and explain to them what is happening in the books, but they only laugh and make fun. They do not understand simply because they are mundanes.

I admit, I have an absurd addiction to these books. I find myself thinking about TMI and TID more often than I should, but I cannot help it. I have completed all eight of these 500 page books within the span of two weeks. Once I pick up the book it is extremely difficult for me to put it back down. I have begun to make book references, like using “by the angel” instead of “oh my gosh,” around people who are not a part of the fandom to the point where they might not even comprehend what I am saying.

Friends find my obsession hilarious, annoying and slightly ridiculous. So, when I rant they only dismiss me as a crazy fangirl. But I believe it may have grown to more than that. Cassandra Clare has created a fantasy world in which I can lose myself in and forget the problems of reality. These books have indeed helped me through horrible times, and I am grateful for it.  But, by the angel, what am I saying? You wouldn’t understand, for you are only a mundane.