#James’s power literally changed between the short stories and the start of TLH

[gracecarstairss]

In Nothing But Shadows, Ragnor tells James that he’s been waiting for James to come to him for help on his warlock powers, and James says he’s only ever wanted to be a Shadowhunter. I think this should have been explored much more in TLH, where James is struggling to differentiate himself from his warlock side but it’s hard because of his abilities and his warlock mark.

On the other hand, we have Lucie who always says she doesn’t appreciate being overlooked (even though she ends up being overlooked through the whole narrative even though her power is more plot-relevant than James’s). Objectively, Lucie has the more powerful ability between her and James, and she does not have a warlock mark and is unafraid to use her power. She has a willingness to learn about her warlock side. Therefore, I think she definitely should have started warlock training so we could see the way that James and Lucie have opposite views on their powers and whether they are a blessing or curse, something to hide away and tame or something to utilize. It would also be interesting to see because, although this is not discussed in TLH, it is mentioned in the short stories that even at a young age people in Shadowhunter society think that Lucie is never going to be married because of her warlock blood and that any little misstep could forever ruin her reputation. So her warlock training just adds even more risk but I think that seems like something Lucie would do regardless. It could have added much more dimension to Lucie’s character and furthered an antihero arc (that I so desperately wish would have happened).