Everyone who has read Cassandra Clare’s Shadowhunters books has a favorite character, and for many readers, Magnus Bane is at the top of the “favorites” list. Whether you love him for his penchant for fashion, or relate to his dramatic flare, we can all agree that the High Warlock of Brooklyn delivers more than a few great quotes throughout the Shadowhunters books. Beware: potential spoilers ahead!
Top 10 Magnus Bane Quotes from the Shadowhunters Books
10. Magnus to Maryse and the Inquisitor in City of Ashes
“Is he dead?” he inquired. “He looks dead.”
“No,” snapped Maryse. “He’s not dead.”
“Have you checked? I could kick him if you want.” Magnus moved toward Jace.
9. Magnus to Jace in City of Ashes
“There’s no need to clarify my finger snap,” said Magnus. “The implication was clear in the snap itself.”
8. Magnus about Camille to Alec in City of Lost Souls
“She wasn’t very pleasant the last time I saw her. Of course, that could be because I’ve got an eighteen year-old boyfriend with a stamina rune and she doesn’t.”
7. Magnus to Clary in City of Ashes
“I was alive when the Dead Sea was just a lake that was feeling a little poorly.”
6. Magnus to Tessa in Clockwork Angel
“Black hair and blue eyes are my favorite combination.”
5. Magnus to Clary, Simon, and Alec in City of Ashes
“We came to see Jace.” Clary said. “Is he alright?”
“I don’t know,” Magnus said. “Does he normally just lie on the floor like that without moving?”
4. Magnus to Shinyun in Lost Book of the White
“Every warlock’s life starts as a tragedy. There are no love stories in any warlock’s origins. But you get to choose. You choose what kind of world you live in.”
3. Magnus to Clary in City of Bones
Magnus, standing by the door, snapped his fingers impatiently. “Move it along, teenagers. The only person who gets to canoodle in my bedroom is my magnificent self.”
2. Magnus to Alec, Izzy, and Simon in City of Lost Souls
“I think of myself as a freewheeling bisexual.”
1. Magnus to Alec in City of Glass
“No.” Magnus strode toward [Alec]. “I didn’t call you because I’m tired of you only wanting me around when you need something. I’m tired of watching you be in love with someone else—someone, incidentally, who will never love you back. Not the way I do.”
“You love me?”
“You stupid Nephilim,” Magnus said patiently. “Why else am I here?”
Want more epic quotes from the Shadowhunters books? Check out our Top 10 Jace quotes from the series!