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The Last Hours #1
Chain of Gold
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Best Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction (2020)An inheritance of shadows. A love in chains. An unconquerable foe.
Cordelia Carstairs is a Shadowhunter, a warrior trained since childhood to battle demons. When her father is accused of a terrible crime, she and her brother travel to London in hopes of preventing the family’s ruin. Cordelia’s mother wants to marry her off, but Cordelia is determined to be a hero rather than a bride. Soon Cordelia encounters childhood friends James and Lucie Herondale and is drawn into their world of glittering ballrooms, secret assignations, and supernatural salons, where vampires and warlocks mingle with mermaids and magicians. All the while, she must hide her secret love for James, who is sworn to marry someone else.
But Cordelia’s new life is blown apart when a shocking series of demon attacks devastate London. These monsters are nothing like those Shadowhunters have fought before—these demons walk in daylight, strike down the unwary with incurable poison, and seem impossible to kill. London is immediately quarantined. Trapped in the city, Cordelia's friends discover that a dark legacy has gifted them with incredible powers—and forced a brutal choice that will reveal the true cruel price of being a hero.
Cordelia Carstairs is a Shadowhunter, a warrior trained since childhood to battle demons. When her father is accused of a terrible crime, she and her brother travel to London in hopes of preventing the family’s ruin. Cordelia’s mother wants to marry her off, but Cordelia is determined to be a hero rather than a bride. Soon Cordelia encounters childhood friends James and Lucie Herondale and is drawn into their world of glittering ballrooms, secret assignations, and supernatural salons, where vampires and warlocks mingle with mermaids and magicians. All the while, she must hide her secret love for James, who is sworn to marry someone else.
But Cordelia’s new life is blown apart when a shocking series of demon attacks devastate London. These monsters are nothing like those Shadowhunters have fought before—these demons walk in daylight, strike down the unwary with incurable poison, and seem impossible to kill. London is immediately quarantined. Trapped in the city, Cordelia's friends discover that a dark legacy has gifted them with incredible powers—and forced a brutal choice that will reveal the true cruel price of being a hero.
582 pages, Hardcover
First published March 3, 2020
About the author
Cassandra Clare
195 books273k followersCassandra Clare was born to American parents in Tehran, Iran and spent much of her childhood travelling the world with her family, including one trek through the Himalayas as a toddler where she spent a month living in her father’s backpack. She lived in France, England and Switzerland before she was ten years old.
Since her family moved around so much she found familiarity in books and went everywhere with a book under her arm. She spent her high school years in Los Angeles where she used to write stories to amuse her classmates, including an epic novel called “The Beautiful Cassandra” based on a Jane Austen short story of the same name (and which later inspired her current pen name).
After college, Cassie lived in Los Angeles and New York where she worked at various entertainment magazines and even some rather suspect tabloids where she reported on Brad and Angelina’s world travels and Britney Spears’ wardrobe malfunctions. She started working on her YA novel, City of Bones, in 2004, inspired by the urban landscape of Manhattan, her favourite city. She turned to writing fantasy fiction full time in 2006 and hopes never to have to write about Paris Hilton again.
Cassie’s first professional writing sale was a short story called “The Girl’s Guide to Defeating the Dark Lord” in a Baen anthology of humor fantasy. Cassie hates working at home alone because she always gets distracted by reality TV shows and the antics of her cats, so she usually sets out to write in local coffee shops and restaurants. She likes to work in the company of her friends, who see that she sticks to her deadlines.
City of Bones was her first novel. Sword Catcher is her most recent novel.
Since her family moved around so much she found familiarity in books and went everywhere with a book under her arm. She spent her high school years in Los Angeles where she used to write stories to amuse her classmates, including an epic novel called “The Beautiful Cassandra” based on a Jane Austen short story of the same name (and which later inspired her current pen name).
After college, Cassie lived in Los Angeles and New York where she worked at various entertainment magazines and even some rather suspect tabloids where she reported on Brad and Angelina’s world travels and Britney Spears’ wardrobe malfunctions. She started working on her YA novel, City of Bones, in 2004, inspired by the urban landscape of Manhattan, her favourite city. She turned to writing fantasy fiction full time in 2006 and hopes never to have to write about Paris Hilton again.
Cassie’s first professional writing sale was a short story called “The Girl’s Guide to Defeating the Dark Lord” in a Baen anthology of humor fantasy. Cassie hates working at home alone because she always gets distracted by reality TV shows and the antics of her cats, so she usually sets out to write in local coffee shops and restaurants. She likes to work in the company of her friends, who see that she sticks to her deadlines.
City of Bones was her first novel. Sword Catcher is her most recent novel.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 15,212 reviews
September 18, 2022
1.) City of Bones ★★★
2.) City of Ashes ★★
3.) City of Glass ★★★
1.) Clockwork Angel ★★★
4.) City of Fallen Angels ★
2.) Clockwork Prince ★★★★
5.) City of Lost Souls ★★★★
3.) Clockwork Princess ★★★★★
6.) City of Heavenly Fire ★★★★★
*.) The Bane Chronicles ★★★
*.) Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy ★★★
1.) Lady Midnight ★★★★★
2.) Lord of Shadows ★★★★
*.) Ghosts of the Shadow Market ★★★★
3.) Queen of Air and Darkness ★★★★
1.) The Red Scrolls of Magic ★★★★★
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1st read: February 2020
2nd read: February 2021
Want to read
May 9, 2015You know what this means?
MORE WILL HERONDALE!
Update: First review for this book. Claiming it! (27/03/13)
Edit 10/05/15 Since writing this review I've fallen out of love with Clare's novels, and in fact most novels I used to love (*shakes fist* "curse you, maturity!"), but I'm strangely proud that this semi-positive review is one of the top liked reviews amongst all these nasty reviewers... Seriously, why are you wasting your time with such redundant commentary? If I'd created a world as expansive as Clare's of-fucking-course I'D like to write about it as much as I can!!
So boo on you fellas. Don't buy the books, save a tree, & save us from your bitterness ( ˘ ³˘)♥
MORE WILL HERONDALE!
Update: First review for this book. Claiming it! (27/03/13)
Edit 10/05/15 Since writing this review I've fallen out of love with Clare's novels, and in fact most novels I used to love (*shakes fist* "curse you, maturity!"), but I'm strangely proud that this semi-positive review is one of the top liked reviews amongst all these nasty reviewers... Seriously, why are you wasting your time with such redundant commentary? If I'd created a world as expansive as Clare's of-fucking-course I'D like to write about it as much as I can!!
So boo on you fellas. Don't buy the books, save a tree, & save us from your bitterness ( ˘ ³˘)♥
July 2, 2024
CASSANDRA, ¿QUÉ HAS HECHO? ¿QUÉ ACASO QUIERES QUE ME MUERA? CÓMO VOY A SOPORTAR HASTA EL PRÓXIMO AÑO.
AHORA... no lo duden, llegará mi review. QUIERO LLORAR. Llorar porque no tengo el siguiente libro en mis manos y no sé qué va a ser de estos personajes por los que ya daría mi vida OK.
Sólo les digo que, aunque apenas está empezando el año, este libro FÁCIL quedará en mi TOP 3 del 2020. I’m calling it.
AHORA... no lo duden, llegará mi review. QUIERO LLORAR. Llorar porque no tengo el siguiente libro en mis manos y no sé qué va a ser de estos personajes por los que ya daría mi vida OK.
Sólo les digo que, aunque apenas está empezando el año, este libro FÁCIL quedará en mi TOP 3 del 2020. I’m calling it.
Read
November 9, 2020my official review:
matthew is my king
james is an idiot
grace is probably the spawn of satan
cordelia is a baddie b
also cassandra really took the idea that "everyone is a lil gay" and RAN with it. i applaud her.
matthew is my king
james is an idiot
grace is probably the spawn of satan
cordelia is a baddie b
also cassandra really took the idea that "everyone is a lil gay" and RAN with it. i applaud her.
January 17, 2024
2.5 stars
Oof this book. It’s objectively a hot mess.
Oof this book. It’s objectively a hot mess.
March 6, 2020
I am absolutely broken
June 9, 2023
WooooooooooWWWWWWW
How does she keep thinking of new and PAINFUL ways to keep people apart? Love it.
How does she keep thinking of new and PAINFUL ways to keep people apart? Love it.
Want to read
June 7, 2020You can't imagine how long I have waited for this. Will and Tessa's story will live on.
December 22, 2019
My new favourite book in the Shadowhunter Chronicles? I think so.
I will never get over the fact that I got to read this early. What a dream come true. This was one of my most anticipated releases and it did NOT disappoint.
Wow I loved everything about this book. The characters (hello new favourite character Cordelia Carstairs <3), the angst, the QUOTES (so many good quotes), the setting (1900s London), the plot (super engaging and love the antagonist), EVERYTHING! It's also so satisfying having questions answered!
I can't wait for this to be released in March 2020 so everyone can read this masterpiece!
Thank you so much to Walker Books Australia for sending me an early copy of this book. I am forever thankful!
I will never get over the fact that I got to read this early. What a dream come true. This was one of my most anticipated releases and it did NOT disappoint.
Wow I loved everything about this book. The characters (hello new favourite character Cordelia Carstairs <3), the angst, the QUOTES (so many good quotes), the setting (1900s London), the plot (super engaging and love the antagonist), EVERYTHING! It's also so satisfying having questions answered!
I can't wait for this to be released in March 2020 so everyone can read this masterpiece!
Thank you so much to Walker Books Australia for sending me an early copy of this book. I am forever thankful!
Read
January 12, 2022me: I'm never gonna read a Shadowhunter book again
me: NEVER
me: Mortal Instruments is a MESS
me: never
me: the Infernal Devices finale s u c k s
me: nope
me: the Bane chronicles are so bad I cried
me: n e v e r
me:
me: I'm so gonna read this book
Fellow reader, after giving up Shadowhunters for good...I fell victim to them once more. And surprisingly, I think I enjoyed myself?
Let's state the obvious, I really liked CC's writing style in CoG, her period Shadowhunter novels just have that romantic atmosphere that comes with a more antiquated and elegant style of writing. I also found the characters much (much) less irritating than Clary, Jace, Will and most of that whole messy bunch. Apart from Magnus that is. I think he is overused and badly written and I just don't enjoy having to read about him. But even James and Matthew seemed less annoying than their predecessors. Their edges are softened and they're not totally unbearable when it comes to self-centredness and the urge to feel pity for yourself 24/7 while looking dramatically gorgeous.
But, while we're at it, I do find it boring that every single character is beautiful. If everyone is beautiful, the world gets boring. SJM makes the same mistake and it results in characters becoming soulless and interchangeable. Also, eyes like "pale gold tea"? Oh please. I imagine CC sits in her writing room and just pulls random adjectives out of a glass jar. Well, what eye colour will our character have today? Muddy sapphire it is.
I believe that the cast of characters was way too big. CC might know them inside out but whoah it was a lot to take in and eventually I stopped trying to keep everyone apart. They blurred into each other, and I also found myself not caring who lived or died cause I didn't know who they were to begin with. I did like that multitude of queer characters, mostly because there can never be too many queer characters. I've seen people criticise her representation of them and saying that she merely included them to make her book more diverse. Personally, I could not find anything wrong with how the queer characters were written, although I am concerned about Anna Lightwood - who cannot be older than 20 - and the many immortals that have had an affair with her. That feels a bit iffy.
The story was engaging. It was slightly predictable, especially considering who would end up with whom. But I am intrigued to find out what happens in the sequels, and it feels like CoG was merely a setup for books two and three. The plot wasn't overly dramatic, so I expect the stakes will be much higher in the future. I genuinely enjoyed reading it, and even though it was almost 600 pages, it was a quick and entertaining read. I guess the many alternating POVs make it more engaging. What I don't enjoy is CC turning the last 100 pages into a soppy epilogue. She did this with Clockwork Princess and it resulted in me wanting to throw the book out of the window. And she did it once more with CoG. The final showdown happens around the 500 page mark, but we get about 90+ more pages of plot and nothing really happens? I find that very irritating.
Kudos though to CC including a more diverse set of poets and writers in this book. I remember her doing this ever since City of Bones: every chapter is introduced with a quote from Dickens, Yeats, the bible. But this time around, it wasn't just dead white men, I spotted a selection of female writers and a beautiful traditional Persian tale that was also woven into the main plot. Thumbs up for that.
So yes, even though nothing can get me to read TDA or her novella collections, I really want to know what happens next in this series.
Find more of my books on Instagram
me: NEVER
me: Mortal Instruments is a MESS
me: never
me: the Infernal Devices finale s u c k s
me: nope
me: the Bane chronicles are so bad I cried
me: n e v e r
me:
me: I'm so gonna read this book
Fellow reader, after giving up Shadowhunters for good...I fell victim to them once more. And surprisingly, I think I enjoyed myself?
Let's state the obvious, I really liked CC's writing style in CoG, her period Shadowhunter novels just have that romantic atmosphere that comes with a more antiquated and elegant style of writing. I also found the characters much (much) less irritating than Clary, Jace, Will and most of that whole messy bunch. Apart from Magnus that is. I think he is overused and badly written and I just don't enjoy having to read about him. But even James and Matthew seemed less annoying than their predecessors. Their edges are softened and they're not totally unbearable when it comes to self-centredness and the urge to feel pity for yourself 24/7 while looking dramatically gorgeous.
But, while we're at it, I do find it boring that every single character is beautiful. If everyone is beautiful, the world gets boring. SJM makes the same mistake and it results in characters becoming soulless and interchangeable. Also, eyes like "pale gold tea"? Oh please. I imagine CC sits in her writing room and just pulls random adjectives out of a glass jar. Well, what eye colour will our character have today? Muddy sapphire it is.
I believe that the cast of characters was way too big. CC might know them inside out but whoah it was a lot to take in and eventually I stopped trying to keep everyone apart. They blurred into each other, and I also found myself not caring who lived or died cause I didn't know who they were to begin with. I did like that multitude of queer characters, mostly because there can never be too many queer characters. I've seen people criticise her representation of them and saying that she merely included them to make her book more diverse. Personally, I could not find anything wrong with how the queer characters were written, although I am concerned about Anna Lightwood - who cannot be older than 20 - and the many immortals that have had an affair with her. That feels a bit iffy.
The story was engaging. It was slightly predictable, especially considering who would end up with whom. But I am intrigued to find out what happens in the sequels, and it feels like CoG was merely a setup for books two and three. The plot wasn't overly dramatic, so I expect the stakes will be much higher in the future. I genuinely enjoyed reading it, and even though it was almost 600 pages, it was a quick and entertaining read. I guess the many alternating POVs make it more engaging. What I don't enjoy is CC turning the last 100 pages into a soppy epilogue. She did this with Clockwork Princess and it resulted in me wanting to throw the book out of the window. And she did it once more with CoG. The final showdown happens around the 500 page mark, but we get about 90+ more pages of plot and nothing really happens? I find that very irritating.
Kudos though to CC including a more diverse set of poets and writers in this book. I remember her doing this ever since City of Bones: every chapter is introduced with a quote from Dickens, Yeats, the bible. But this time around, it wasn't just dead white men, I spotted a selection of female writers and a beautiful traditional Persian tale that was also woven into the main plot. Thumbs up for that.
So yes, even though nothing can get me to read TDA or her novella collections, I really want to know what happens next in this series.
Find more of my books on Instagram
Shelved as 'ca-ching'
December 18, 2018Note December 18, 2018: With much regret I requested that GR freezes the comments for this review. I am tired of constantly getting alerts and having to delete harassment. I really don't know why people can't get it into their thick heads that this is my review. They can disagree with it, but they don't have to come on here and attack me. God, just grow up already.
Disclaimer: Fanbots and trolls will be blocked. I don't care if you think I'm mean to Cassandra Clare. I really doubt she's read this review and I doubt she's hurt by it. I really don't care if you think these books are great and that having a grand total of eighteen plus books in a series is a good idea. If you want to whine about it write your own damn review.
Let me tell you a little story, boys and girls. It's how to over milk a series.
Pre Step One: Start a ridiculous popular fan fic that you later use for the basis on your work. Never mind the fact you might occasionally borrow quotes and passages from other sources. If you get enough reviews you'll get noticed and eventually.....hello, publishing contract.
Step One: Write a fairly decent YA series. It doesn't have to be great, but decent enough to have interest and a catchy theme that you can use over and over again. It also helps if you get a blurb from Stephenie Meyer.
Step Two: Come up with a spin off (note, spin off should be fairly decent and better than the original).
Step Three: Restart first series even though it had a decent ending so you can add in future conflicts. Add a bunch of annoying characters and unnecessary plot to claim there's room for more story.
Step Four: Sell movie rights after a substantial amount of time so you don't look like a sell out and build a substantial fan base.
Step Five: Graphic novel adaptions. Note, once spinoff is successful rinse and repeat step five.
Step Six: After your first series starts sagging and your second series is about to wrap up announce a new series in addition to a lot of info books about your world.
Step Seven: Edit your own info books and gets your b.f.f.s to write the essays so they portray you in the best light. Also, state you and your hubby are going to write a guide to your own universe as well. Because hey, info books worked for Stephenie Meyer and JK Rowling has mentioned a Harry Potter encyclopedia throughout the years as well. So that must be the cool thing to do.
Step Eight: Get your b.f.f.s to help you write a spinoff with your best character-spread this out over time so you can keep getting those royalties.
Step Nine: After second series wraps up and the hype for your movie starts announce you'll be writing at least two more series (it also helps if final book in said series has a family tree which will make fanoholics want to know what happens with these characters and write fan fic that might be better than your own work).
Step Ten: Relish in the green. You're a true success now. Also work on licensing out games, toys, etc. Heck, maybe you can get your own theme park/production company if you're successful enough.
Amendment Post City of Heavenly Fire:
1) Pimp your new series with brand new characters in your last book. So that it's almost a prequel to that series. And furthermore, feature your other spinoff so fans and people who want to know what's actually going on other than feeling stupid the entire book, will have to read the eight other books prior to this epic finale.
Disclaimer: Fanbots and trolls will be blocked. I don't care if you think I'm mean to Cassandra Clare. I really doubt she's read this review and I doubt she's hurt by it. I really don't care if you think these books are great and that having a grand total of eighteen plus books in a series is a good idea. If you want to whine about it write your own damn review.
Let me tell you a little story, boys and girls. It's how to over milk a series.
Pre Step One: Start a ridiculous popular fan fic that you later use for the basis on your work. Never mind the fact you might occasionally borrow quotes and passages from other sources. If you get enough reviews you'll get noticed and eventually.....hello, publishing contract.
Step One: Write a fairly decent YA series. It doesn't have to be great, but decent enough to have interest and a catchy theme that you can use over and over again. It also helps if you get a blurb from Stephenie Meyer.
Step Two: Come up with a spin off (note, spin off should be fairly decent and better than the original).
Step Three: Restart first series even though it had a decent ending so you can add in future conflicts. Add a bunch of annoying characters and unnecessary plot to claim there's room for more story.
Step Four: Sell movie rights after a substantial amount of time so you don't look like a sell out and build a substantial fan base.
Step Five: Graphic novel adaptions. Note, once spinoff is successful rinse and repeat step five.
Step Six: After your first series starts sagging and your second series is about to wrap up announce a new series in addition to a lot of info books about your world.
Step Seven: Edit your own info books and gets your b.f.f.s to write the essays so they portray you in the best light. Also, state you and your hubby are going to write a guide to your own universe as well. Because hey, info books worked for Stephenie Meyer and JK Rowling has mentioned a Harry Potter encyclopedia throughout the years as well. So that must be the cool thing to do.
Step Eight: Get your b.f.f.s to help you write a spinoff with your best character-spread this out over time so you can keep getting those royalties.
Step Nine: After second series wraps up and the hype for your movie starts announce you'll be writing at least two more series (it also helps if final book in said series has a family tree which will make fanoholics want to know what happens with these characters and write fan fic that might be better than your own work).
Step Ten: Relish in the green. You're a true success now. Also work on licensing out games, toys, etc. Heck, maybe you can get your own theme park/production company if you're successful enough.
Amendment Post City of Heavenly Fire:
1) Pimp your new series with brand new characters in your last book. So that it's almost a prequel to that series. And furthermore, feature your other spinoff so fans and people who want to know what's actually going on other than feeling stupid the entire book, will have to read the eight other books prior to this epic finale.
October 28, 2021
Me: ahahaha I'm so over Cassie Clare. She's really just milking this series. Gosh when will she stop with the recycled tropes?!
Also me: I would die a thousand deaths for Will Herondale and his babies
[ a list of the short stories that feature the crew from Chain of Gold can be found at the end of this review ⤵️]
The Shadowhunters of the London Institute have had 10 years of peace. The younger generation have been raised surrounded by love and with little exposure to the hardships their parents faced in their youth. For some odd reason demons have been avoiding London. But that changes when the Carstairs and Blackthorn families move to the city.
A series of demon attacks leave several Shadowhunters poisoned and London goes on lock down. Nobody in, nobody out. And no help from the rest of the Clave.
Cordelia Carstairs along with her soon to be parabatai Lucy Herondale her brother James and his friends find themselves not entangled in the search for answers and a cure.
Friendships, secrets, betrayal and love - this book is everything we adore about the Shadowhunter Chronicles
“The point of stories is not that they are objectively true, but that the soul of the story is truer than reality. Those who mock fiction do so because they fear the truth.”
TID was one of my favourite series ever. So when Cassie announced she'd be writing about the next generation of Herondales/Carstairs/Lightwoods/Fairchilds I, like everyone one else in this fandom, freaked out!
Yes it took years of patience, but it's finally here and it did not dissapoint.
To me the plot felt splendidly thought out. This is a generation raised by loving parents with hardly any need for them to fight demons. But still, none of them are perfect, they all have they own problems. The reason I thought this was so, is because as we all know, YA authors are fond of killing off the protagonists parents. Happy and whole families just aren't a normal feature in YA. So it was really interesting to see how Cassie would tackle this.
I quickly came to adore the characters but that is probably helped by the fact that I am familiar with them due to all the short stories and snippets Cassie has releases over the years.
In true CC fashion, we had a group of friends who love each other fiercely and who, despite knowing they shouldn't, take it upon themselves to get things done while the adults and the Clave argue and bicker.
Cordelia was an awesome MC. She is fierce and sweet and loyal, but also a bit lonely. I loved how welcoming the Merry Theives were to her.
I absolutely loved getting to know more about Cortana. Like wow, I thought that sword was amazing before but now I'm just in awe. Gotta get me one of those 😂.
The Merry Thieves were precious. I loved their dynamic, their banter and how much they care for each other. I also liked James's place as leader.
So yes, this book is jam packed with new characters I love. But there were also ones I hated. *cough*Grace, Charles, Tatiana*cough*
The only reason I didn't give a full five stars is because I thought there was one trope the CC is recycling once again that everyone is tired of and was really unnecessary.
The ending was fantastic. It has me so desperate for the next book and I sincerely hope we get it soon!
‹ Thank you to the publishers for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review ›
_____
• WHAT TO READ OR RE-READ BEFORE CHAIN OF GOLD •
When they said you can read this without reading of the previous Shadowhunter books, THEY LIED. A lot of people were confused and couldn't keep track of all the characters and families. At least read The Infernal Devices before jumping into this. If you haven't read Chain of Gold yet and wondering which short stories feature our crew from CoG that you might want to reread, I've made a list:
The Bane Chronicles:
4. The Midnight Heir - [very important!!] about James Herondale, set just before COG
Tales from the shadowhunter academy:
3. The Whitechapel Fiend - about Tessa and Will and the kids are still babies. Not very relevant to COG but still interesting to see domestic will/tessa
4. Nothing but Shadows - [important] James at the academy
Ghost of the Shadow market:
2. Cast Long Shadows - [important] about Matthew Fairchild
3. Every Exquisite Thing - about Anna Lightwood
______
My reviews for:
The Infernal Devices Series
Book 1: Clockwork Angel
Book 2: Clockwork Prince
Book 3: Clockwork Princess
[Sorry no reviews for TMI, I read it too long ago and don't plan to re-read]
The Dark Artifices Series
Book 1: Lady Midnight
Book 2: Lord of Shadows
Book 3: Queen of Air and Darkness
Also me: I would die a thousand deaths for Will Herondale and his babies
[ a list of the short stories that feature the crew from Chain of Gold can be found at the end of this review ⤵️]
The Shadowhunters of the London Institute have had 10 years of peace. The younger generation have been raised surrounded by love and with little exposure to the hardships their parents faced in their youth. For some odd reason demons have been avoiding London. But that changes when the Carstairs and Blackthorn families move to the city.
A series of demon attacks leave several Shadowhunters poisoned and London goes on lock down. Nobody in, nobody out. And no help from the rest of the Clave.
Cordelia Carstairs along with her soon to be parabatai Lucy Herondale her brother James and his friends find themselves not entangled in the search for answers and a cure.
Friendships, secrets, betrayal and love - this book is everything we adore about the Shadowhunter Chronicles
“The point of stories is not that they are objectively true, but that the soul of the story is truer than reality. Those who mock fiction do so because they fear the truth.”
TID was one of my favourite series ever. So when Cassie announced she'd be writing about the next generation of Herondales/Carstairs/Lightwoods/Fairchilds I, like everyone one else in this fandom, freaked out!
Yes it took years of patience, but it's finally here and it did not dissapoint.
To me the plot felt splendidly thought out. This is a generation raised by loving parents with hardly any need for them to fight demons. But still, none of them are perfect, they all have they own problems. The reason I thought this was so, is because as we all know, YA authors are fond of killing off the protagonists parents. Happy and whole families just aren't a normal feature in YA. So it was really interesting to see how Cassie would tackle this.
I quickly came to adore the characters but that is probably helped by the fact that I am familiar with them due to all the short stories and snippets Cassie has releases over the years.
In true CC fashion, we had a group of friends who love each other fiercely and who, despite knowing they shouldn't, take it upon themselves to get things done while the adults and the Clave argue and bicker.
Cordelia was an awesome MC. She is fierce and sweet and loyal, but also a bit lonely. I loved how welcoming the Merry Theives were to her.
I absolutely loved getting to know more about Cortana. Like wow, I thought that sword was amazing before but now I'm just in awe. Gotta get me one of those 😂.
“I never quite thought of friendship like that—as something that makes you more than you are.”
The Merry Thieves were precious. I loved their dynamic, their banter and how much they care for each other. I also liked James's place as leader.
“Each of you follows his own star—but you are the thread that binds all four together. You are the one who sees what everyone needs, if anyone requires extra care from their friends, or even to be left alone. Some groups of friends drift apart, but you would never let that happen.”
“Do not let those who cannot see the truth tell you who you are. You are the flame that cannot be put out. You are the star that cannot be lost. You are who you have always been, and that is enough and more than enough. Anyone who looks at you and sees darkness is blind.”
So yes, this book is jam packed with new characters I love. But there were also ones I hated. *cough*Grace, Charles, Tatiana*cough*
The only reason I didn't give a full five stars is because I thought there was one trope the CC is recycling once again that everyone is tired of and was really unnecessary.
The ending was fantastic. It has me so desperate for the next book and I sincerely hope we get it soon!
‹ Thank you to the publishers for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review ›
_____
• WHAT TO READ OR RE-READ BEFORE CHAIN OF GOLD •
When they said you can read this without reading of the previous Shadowhunter books, THEY LIED. A lot of people were confused and couldn't keep track of all the characters and families. At least read The Infernal Devices before jumping into this. If you haven't read Chain of Gold yet and wondering which short stories feature our crew from CoG that you might want to reread, I've made a list:
The Bane Chronicles:
4. The Midnight Heir - [very important!!] about James Herondale, set just before COG
Tales from the shadowhunter academy:
3. The Whitechapel Fiend - about Tessa and Will and the kids are still babies. Not very relevant to COG but still interesting to see domestic will/tessa
4. Nothing but Shadows - [important] James at the academy
Ghost of the Shadow market:
2. Cast Long Shadows - [important] about Matthew Fairchild
3. Every Exquisite Thing - about Anna Lightwood
______
My reviews for:
The Infernal Devices Series
Book 1: Clockwork Angel
Book 2: Clockwork Prince
Book 3: Clockwork Princess
[Sorry no reviews for TMI, I read it too long ago and don't plan to re-read]
The Dark Artifices Series
Book 1: Lady Midnight
Book 2: Lord of Shadows
Book 3: Queen of Air and Darkness
January 12, 2021
El mejor inicio posible a una saga que promete ser espectacular.
Por fin ha llegado el momento en el que he leído Chain of Gold, la primera parte de la saga The Last Hours de Cassandra Clare, que nos cuenta la historia de los descendientes de Will, Tessa, Sophie, Henry, Charlotte… Es decir: continúa -en parte- con la historia de Los Orígenes, aunque este libro se puede leer sin haber leído nada de la saga con anterioridad. ¡Que eso es IMPORTANTE saberlo!
PERO VAMOS POR PARTES. No estaba ready para esta novela. Tengo TANTO que comentar… Así que coge un cafecito o algo para comer, porque se viene una reseña bastante larga. Contendrá pequeños spoilers, pero nada demasiado grave como para no disfrutar de la lectura. O eso espero... Así que: *lee bajo tu propia responsabilidad.*
El principio de la novela nos presenta a algunos de los personajes centrales, en este caso empezamos con Lucie teniendo una experiencia sobrenatural que hace levantar bastantes interrogantes, pero que sobre todo te engancha a querer saber más de la historia. He de decir que la trama de Lucie me ha gustado MUCHÍSIMO, no solo porque me haya encantado como personaje (luego hablaré más de eso), sino por lo interesante que me parece explorar el talento de los Herondale con los fantasmas. En esta ocasión creo que podemos aprender muchísimas cosas interesantes, que estoy SEGURO AL CIEN POR CIEN que veremos reflejadas en Kit de Renacimiento/The Dark Artifices para la guerra final en The Wicked Powers.
Continuamos con la introducción de los Merry Thieves, que me han robado el corazón. Matthew, Thomas, Cristopher y James son un cuarteto fantabuloso. Parecen un amalgama de personalidades, pero poco a poco durante la novela se va viendo mejor de qué pie cojea cada uno, y cómo cada uno aporta algo diferente con dinámicas propias.
En la introducción de esta tanda de personajes, que es el primer capítulo, vemos el esfuerzo de Cassandra Clare por introducir de cero qué es un cazador de sombras, las runas, las estelas, los demonios… Me recordó mucho a la primera escena de Ángel mecánico, ya que se inicia con un ataque demoniaco en las calles de Londres y los protagonistas terminan bañados en icor. La cuestión es que llevamos tan solo unas páginas y ya tenemos unos cuantos personajes y tramas de las que preocuparnos. Y, por cierto, Cassie sale airosa de esa introducción. Well done!
En Chain of Gold lo más importante son los personajes, sus dinámicas y relaciones. Pero la manera en la que estas evolucionan me han encantado, porque se entrelazan irremediablemente con las tramas. Esto creo que puede llevar la saga a nuevas alturas porque hay destinos irremediablemente oscuros que pueden oscurecer a los personajes sin que lo puedan evitar. Hay muchísimos intereses ocultos, y como siempre, temas de la Clave, juicios... Ya sabemos, ¿no? Todas esas cosillas del mundo adultos que siempre hacen que nuestros protagonistas jóvenes actúen. Aunque sea algo que vemos en bastantes libros de Cassandra Clare, creo que en esta ocasión está mucho mejor llevado. Además, todos los personajes protagónicos encajan super bien entre ellos, y son probablemente la mejor tanda de nuevos cazadores de sombras que ha habido, por sus diferentes intereses y potenciales. (Lo siento, Emma.)
La representación LGTB levantó ampollas en la comunidad lectora un poco hater de Cassandra Clare, porque argumentaban que no era realista tener un cast tan amplio de personajes de la comunidad. Y yo en plan… ¿Perdón? ¿Las lesbianas, bisexuales y gays solo existen a partir del año 2005 o qué c*ño pasa? No, no, Cassie, lo estás haciendo genial. Ya conocíamos la orientación sexual de personajes como Anna Lightwood gracias a historias de Ghosts of the Shadow Market, que en este caso también se explora su expresión de género y no puedo estar más on board con ella. Otros personajes creo que es mejor que descubráis que pertenecen al colectivo, porque sus tramas son de lo mejorcito. ¡Y bueno! Obviamente tenemos magos y brujas que ya conocemos, como Magnus Bane o Hypatia Vex, que hacen gala de nuevo de vivir como quieren independientemente de la época en la que se encuentren.
Las relaciones románticas… Mira, si pensaba que el triángulo amoroso Jem-Will-Tessa era insuperable, me da a mí que en esta saga vamos a sufrir muchísimo más. Al final del libro hay tantos triángulos y personajes enamorados de otros que no les corresponden porque están enamorados de otros pero esos otros tampoco les corresponden, etc. HE PERDIDO LA MALDITA CUENTA. Me gustan y me parecen coherentes todas estas dinámicas de pareja -o al menos románticas- de los personajes. Están muy bien desarrolladas y planteadas, y ninguna parece forzada. Estoy deseando ver cómo se desarrollan algunas de ellas en Chain of Iron, que podremos leer en menos de dos meses. Me muero de ganas.
Respecto a lo que es la trama, que en este caso es el tema de los ataques de demonios con comportamientos extraños y todo lo que va surgiendo de ello, además de una nueva enfermedad, sí que tengo que admitir que se me ha quedado un poco floja. El libro es muy character-driven en el sentido de que las tramas que más peso tienen -o van a tener- van muy ligadas a los personajes, como comentaba más arriba, y no en sí a una trama grande como tal. Sí que creo que para el segundo se presentan conflictos más que interesantes, pero me ha faltado un poquitito más de trama que una todo un poco más. Además, el gran conflicto que parecía ser la nueva enfermedad se soluciona en este libro, dejando solo conflictos de personajes planteados para los siguientes, algo que no sé todavía si me convence…
En cuanto a ritmo y estilo, Cassandra Clare vuelve a sorprendernos con una novela cuidada al detalle. Adapta los diálogos de los personajes a la época en la que se encuentran, al igual que hizo en la saga Orígenes. No solo eso, sino que al final del libro hay una nota donde Cassie explica el uso de ciertos elementos, llegando al punto de mencionar traducciones de libros concretos de la época o gentilicios mal usados que se utilizaban erróneamente en el Londres eduardiano. El ritmo en este caso me ha parecido brillante, porque introduce el mundo de los cazadores de un modo sencillo para nuevos lectores al mismo tiempo que no aburre al lector que ya es seguidor de la saga, presenta a los personajes y sus conflictos con calma pero para que se entiendan bien todos los matices, y las escenas de acción están bien equilibradas con todo lo demás. Si tuviera algo negativo que decir sería justamente de esto último, y es que siento que hay escenas de acción no lo suficientemente largas o con demasiados conflictos durante las luchas con demonios como para sentir que sean importantes en la trama y/o para apreciar la verdadera amenaza y conflicto de los demonios en Londres. Por lo demás, impoluto. Es una delicia leer a Cassandra Clare.
Ahora quiero hablar de los personajes. Solo hablaré de los nuevos, ya que volver a decir lo guay que es Magnus y lo que adoro a Jem o Tessa… Pues no, mi ciela, aquí estamos para hablar de Las Últimas Horas y sus nuevos integrantes.
TOP PERSONAJES
(Un poquito de spoilers, I’m so sorry)
Alastair. Sinceramente, igual me matáis, pero creo que es uno de mis personajes favoritos. Durante el libro vamos viendo su proceso interno, qué es lo que siente y por qué actúa como actúa, y me parece un incomprendido. Todo en su entorno va en su contra y lleva más responsabilidad sobre los hombros de lo que debería, especialmente con Cordelia y su protección. Al principio lo odiaba por ser un bully, pero creo entender sus motivaciones y conflictos internos. Y el tema con Charles... Mira, ES QUE ME MUERO YA MISMO. Pobre mi niño.
Lucie. El vibe de Dru que me da… no puc més. Me parece la más tierna de todas, la más consciente y que más amor está dispuesta a dar casi sin necesitar que se lo devuelvan. El tema de los espíritus -su poder como Herondale potenciado por la sangre demoniaca de Tessa- es de lo más interesante planteado en el mundo de Cazadores de Sombras, y de lo que más se pueden derivar tramas interesantes y con grandes implicaciones. O SEA QUE PUEDE INVOCAR A FANTASMAS Y QUE OBEDEZCAN SUS ÓRDENES. Iconic. Su relación con los Merry Thieves me encanta, así como con su futura parabatai Cordelia. Es inteligente, decidida… ADEMÁS QUIERE SER ESCRITORA. En serio que necesito leer su libro, que me parece una auténtica fantasía (además que lleno de referencias a los libros de Holly Black, que me ha dado cuenta). Quiero abrazarla y no soltarla y protegerla. Y m temo lo peor, porque Cassandra Clare no perdona nunca a los personajes que son buenos. #HateHer
Cordelia. Tengo sentimientos encontrados con que en teoría ella sea la protagonista de esta nueva saga, pero no la he percibido como tal. Sin embargo, es una de las mejores construidas de la novela. No solo es valiente, sino que se enfrenta en muchos aspectos a la sociedad de los cazadores de sombras en su época, algo que me gusta. Además, todo el tema de Cortana es brutal. Me rompe los esquemas totalmente y me flipa ver una Nephilim tan poderosa en la época eduardiana. Dilo tata! Y que oye, si tiene que enfrentarse a 233465 demonios ella solita con todo su papo lo hace. Probablemente evolucione hasta convertirse en mi personaje favorito de todos, pero de momento se queda en el top de los mejores.
Anna. ELLA. Simplemente ELLA. Adoro su vida, adoro todo. Es tan magnética como Magnus Bane, cada vez que aparecía solo quería que hablara por esa boquita y contara experiencias. Me encanta el tema de su expresión de género y sobre todo me fascina lo buena persona que es, y que siéndolo descoloque tanto al resto de personas de su entorno. Es sacrificada y consciente de que es una cazadora de sombras, y su lealtad no se ve interrumpida por nada. Me encanta que también tenga tan buena relación con los subterráneos. El tema con Ariadne… mejor me callo porque quiero ver qué narices pasa en Chain of Iron. Necesito un libro spin-off de Magnus y Anna viajando por el mundo conquistando a todo el mundo como solo ellos saben hacerlo.
Thomas. Mi favorito de los Merry Thieves, sí, obviamente por encima de James, Cristopher y Matthew. Creo que es el mejor construido de todos, o al menos al que mejor podemos conocer pese a tener un poco el papel de secundario. Su trama con Alastair… POR DIOS, NECESITO MÁS AHORA MISMO. Sufro con él, pero también me parece de los más nobles y sacrificados del grupo. No sé, simplemente creo que es como con el que más representado me he sentido de todo el grupito. Esas escenitas en París... Demasiado dolor para mi cuerpo. Necesito que le quieran como él quiere.
PEORES PERSONAJES
James. Estoy harto de los protagonistas de Cassandra Clare que empiezan por J: Jace, Julian, James. TODOS SON IGUALES. En este caso, James es un poco menos pesado que los otros, pero por favor ya es suficiente de personajes así de planos y que su meta en la vida es ayudar a todos y ser bueno y ser el héroe. Por dios, STOP IT.
Grace. Obviamente, ¿no? La odio, sí, pero creo que está muy bien construida. He dicho siempre que Cassie tiene talento innato para crear villanos, y junto a su madre Tatiana, son de lo mejorcito de la novela. Lo manipuladora que es Grace ????? Simplemente increíble, hay que tener talento para ser tan mala pécora y hacerlo tan bien. Todo el entramado del brazalete, Jesse... No sé, demasiados frentes abiertos con Grace. Me tiene confundido.
Charles. ¡No lo odio! O sea lo odio pero no lo odio. Es extraño. Siento que no debe gustarme, pero no es que todo me indique que es malo por naturaleza o que no va a cambiar, sino que su trama con Alastair puede cambiarle bastante, y creo que puede llegar a buen puerto. Lo pongo aquí porque no es que conozcamos demasiado de él, PERO le doy un voto de confianza. Así que de momento, aunque sea un narcisista y una mala compañía para los personajes principales que más me gustan, siento que nos va a sorprender para bien en el futuro de la trilogía.
(Fin de los SPOILERS)
En definitiva, creo que Chain of Gold es una de las mejores novelas de Cassandra Clare. Es coherente y consecuente con el universo creado, los personajes son espectaculares y en apenas unas páginas somos capaces de conectar con ellos y comprender sus conflictos. Las tramas presentadas pueden traer consecuencias interesantes en el Mundo de las Sombras y siento que esta trilogía puede superar a Los Orígenes. Nos vemos en dos meses con Chain of Iron. MUERO POR LEERLO.
ESTA RESEÑA CONTIENE LIGEROS SPOILERS. LA PARTE DE PERSONAJES EXPLORA MÁS EN ELLOS. ESTÁ DEBIDAMENTE INDICADO.
Por fin ha llegado el momento en el que he leído Chain of Gold, la primera parte de la saga The Last Hours de Cassandra Clare, que nos cuenta la historia de los descendientes de Will, Tessa, Sophie, Henry, Charlotte… Es decir: continúa -en parte- con la historia de Los Orígenes, aunque este libro se puede leer sin haber leído nada de la saga con anterioridad. ¡Que eso es IMPORTANTE saberlo!
PERO VAMOS POR PARTES. No estaba ready para esta novela. Tengo TANTO que comentar… Así que coge un cafecito o algo para comer, porque se viene una reseña bastante larga. Contendrá pequeños spoilers, pero nada demasiado grave como para no disfrutar de la lectura. O eso espero... Así que: *lee bajo tu propia responsabilidad.*
El principio de la novela nos presenta a algunos de los personajes centrales, en este caso empezamos con Lucie teniendo una experiencia sobrenatural que hace levantar bastantes interrogantes, pero que sobre todo te engancha a querer saber más de la historia. He de decir que la trama de Lucie me ha gustado MUCHÍSIMO, no solo porque me haya encantado como personaje (luego hablaré más de eso), sino por lo interesante que me parece explorar el talento de los Herondale con los fantasmas. En esta ocasión creo que podemos aprender muchísimas cosas interesantes, que estoy SEGURO AL CIEN POR CIEN que veremos reflejadas en Kit de Renacimiento/The Dark Artifices para la guerra final en The Wicked Powers.
Continuamos con la introducción de los Merry Thieves, que me han robado el corazón. Matthew, Thomas, Cristopher y James son un cuarteto fantabuloso. Parecen un amalgama de personalidades, pero poco a poco durante la novela se va viendo mejor de qué pie cojea cada uno, y cómo cada uno aporta algo diferente con dinámicas propias.
En la introducción de esta tanda de personajes, que es el primer capítulo, vemos el esfuerzo de Cassandra Clare por introducir de cero qué es un cazador de sombras, las runas, las estelas, los demonios… Me recordó mucho a la primera escena de Ángel mecánico, ya que se inicia con un ataque demoniaco en las calles de Londres y los protagonistas terminan bañados en icor. La cuestión es que llevamos tan solo unas páginas y ya tenemos unos cuantos personajes y tramas de las que preocuparnos. Y, por cierto, Cassie sale airosa de esa introducción. Well done!
En Chain of Gold lo más importante son los personajes, sus dinámicas y relaciones. Pero la manera en la que estas evolucionan me han encantado, porque se entrelazan irremediablemente con las tramas. Esto creo que puede llevar la saga a nuevas alturas porque hay destinos irremediablemente oscuros que pueden oscurecer a los personajes sin que lo puedan evitar. Hay muchísimos intereses ocultos, y como siempre, temas de la Clave, juicios... Ya sabemos, ¿no? Todas esas cosillas del mundo adultos que siempre hacen que nuestros protagonistas jóvenes actúen. Aunque sea algo que vemos en bastantes libros de Cassandra Clare, creo que en esta ocasión está mucho mejor llevado. Además, todos los personajes protagónicos encajan super bien entre ellos, y son probablemente la mejor tanda de nuevos cazadores de sombras que ha habido, por sus diferentes intereses y potenciales. (Lo siento, Emma.)
La representación LGTB levantó ampollas en la comunidad lectora un poco hater de Cassandra Clare, porque argumentaban que no era realista tener un cast tan amplio de personajes de la comunidad. Y yo en plan… ¿Perdón? ¿Las lesbianas, bisexuales y gays solo existen a partir del año 2005 o qué c*ño pasa? No, no, Cassie, lo estás haciendo genial. Ya conocíamos la orientación sexual de personajes como Anna Lightwood gracias a historias de Ghosts of the Shadow Market, que en este caso también se explora su expresión de género y no puedo estar más on board con ella. Otros personajes creo que es mejor que descubráis que pertenecen al colectivo, porque sus tramas son de lo mejorcito. ¡Y bueno! Obviamente tenemos magos y brujas que ya conocemos, como Magnus Bane o Hypatia Vex, que hacen gala de nuevo de vivir como quieren independientemente de la época en la que se encuentren.
Las relaciones románticas… Mira, si pensaba que el triángulo amoroso Jem-Will-Tessa era insuperable, me da a mí que en esta saga vamos a sufrir muchísimo más. Al final del libro hay tantos triángulos y personajes enamorados de otros que no les corresponden porque están enamorados de otros pero esos otros tampoco les corresponden, etc. HE PERDIDO LA MALDITA CUENTA. Me gustan y me parecen coherentes todas estas dinámicas de pareja -o al menos románticas- de los personajes. Están muy bien desarrolladas y planteadas, y ninguna parece forzada. Estoy deseando ver cómo se desarrollan algunas de ellas en Chain of Iron, que podremos leer en menos de dos meses. Me muero de ganas.
Respecto a lo que es la trama, que en este caso es el tema de los ataques de demonios con comportamientos extraños y todo lo que va surgiendo de ello, además de una nueva enfermedad, sí que tengo que admitir que se me ha quedado un poco floja. El libro es muy character-driven en el sentido de que las tramas que más peso tienen -o van a tener- van muy ligadas a los personajes, como comentaba más arriba, y no en sí a una trama grande como tal. Sí que creo que para el segundo se presentan conflictos más que interesantes, pero me ha faltado un poquitito más de trama que una todo un poco más. Además, el gran conflicto que parecía ser la nueva enfermedad se soluciona en este libro, dejando solo conflictos de personajes planteados para los siguientes, algo que no sé todavía si me convence…
En cuanto a ritmo y estilo, Cassandra Clare vuelve a sorprendernos con una novela cuidada al detalle. Adapta los diálogos de los personajes a la época en la que se encuentran, al igual que hizo en la saga Orígenes. No solo eso, sino que al final del libro hay una nota donde Cassie explica el uso de ciertos elementos, llegando al punto de mencionar traducciones de libros concretos de la época o gentilicios mal usados que se utilizaban erróneamente en el Londres eduardiano. El ritmo en este caso me ha parecido brillante, porque introduce el mundo de los cazadores de un modo sencillo para nuevos lectores al mismo tiempo que no aburre al lector que ya es seguidor de la saga, presenta a los personajes y sus conflictos con calma pero para que se entiendan bien todos los matices, y las escenas de acción están bien equilibradas con todo lo demás. Si tuviera algo negativo que decir sería justamente de esto último, y es que siento que hay escenas de acción no lo suficientemente largas o con demasiados conflictos durante las luchas con demonios como para sentir que sean importantes en la trama y/o para apreciar la verdadera amenaza y conflicto de los demonios en Londres. Por lo demás, impoluto. Es una delicia leer a Cassandra Clare.
Ahora quiero hablar de los personajes. Solo hablaré de los nuevos, ya que volver a decir lo guay que es Magnus y lo que adoro a Jem o Tessa… Pues no, mi ciela, aquí estamos para hablar de Las Últimas Horas y sus nuevos integrantes.
TOP PERSONAJES
(Un poquito de spoilers, I’m so sorry)
Alastair. Sinceramente, igual me matáis, pero creo que es uno de mis personajes favoritos. Durante el libro vamos viendo su proceso interno, qué es lo que siente y por qué actúa como actúa, y me parece un incomprendido. Todo en su entorno va en su contra y lleva más responsabilidad sobre los hombros de lo que debería, especialmente con Cordelia y su protección. Al principio lo odiaba por ser un bully, pero creo entender sus motivaciones y conflictos internos. Y el tema con Charles... Mira, ES QUE ME MUERO YA MISMO. Pobre mi niño.
Lucie. El vibe de Dru que me da… no puc més. Me parece la más tierna de todas, la más consciente y que más amor está dispuesta a dar casi sin necesitar que se lo devuelvan. El tema de los espíritus -su poder como Herondale potenciado por la sangre demoniaca de Tessa- es de lo más interesante planteado en el mundo de Cazadores de Sombras, y de lo que más se pueden derivar tramas interesantes y con grandes implicaciones. O SEA QUE PUEDE INVOCAR A FANTASMAS Y QUE OBEDEZCAN SUS ÓRDENES. Iconic. Su relación con los Merry Thieves me encanta, así como con su futura parabatai Cordelia. Es inteligente, decidida… ADEMÁS QUIERE SER ESCRITORA. En serio que necesito leer su libro, que me parece una auténtica fantasía (además que lleno de referencias a los libros de Holly Black, que me ha dado cuenta). Quiero abrazarla y no soltarla y protegerla. Y m temo lo peor, porque Cassandra Clare no perdona nunca a los personajes que son buenos. #HateHer
Cordelia. Tengo sentimientos encontrados con que en teoría ella sea la protagonista de esta nueva saga, pero no la he percibido como tal. Sin embargo, es una de las mejores construidas de la novela. No solo es valiente, sino que se enfrenta en muchos aspectos a la sociedad de los cazadores de sombras en su época, algo que me gusta. Además, todo el tema de Cortana es brutal. Me rompe los esquemas totalmente y me flipa ver una Nephilim tan poderosa en la época eduardiana. Dilo tata! Y que oye, si tiene que enfrentarse a 233465 demonios ella solita con todo su papo lo hace. Probablemente evolucione hasta convertirse en mi personaje favorito de todos, pero de momento se queda en el top de los mejores.
Anna. ELLA. Simplemente ELLA. Adoro su vida, adoro todo. Es tan magnética como Magnus Bane, cada vez que aparecía solo quería que hablara por esa boquita y contara experiencias. Me encanta el tema de su expresión de género y sobre todo me fascina lo buena persona que es, y que siéndolo descoloque tanto al resto de personas de su entorno. Es sacrificada y consciente de que es una cazadora de sombras, y su lealtad no se ve interrumpida por nada. Me encanta que también tenga tan buena relación con los subterráneos. El tema con Ariadne… mejor me callo porque quiero ver qué narices pasa en Chain of Iron. Necesito un libro spin-off de Magnus y Anna viajando por el mundo conquistando a todo el mundo como solo ellos saben hacerlo.
Thomas. Mi favorito de los Merry Thieves, sí, obviamente por encima de James, Cristopher y Matthew. Creo que es el mejor construido de todos, o al menos al que mejor podemos conocer pese a tener un poco el papel de secundario. Su trama con Alastair… POR DIOS, NECESITO MÁS AHORA MISMO. Sufro con él, pero también me parece de los más nobles y sacrificados del grupo. No sé, simplemente creo que es como con el que más representado me he sentido de todo el grupito. Esas escenitas en París... Demasiado dolor para mi cuerpo. Necesito que le quieran como él quiere.
PEORES PERSONAJES
James. Estoy harto de los protagonistas de Cassandra Clare que empiezan por J: Jace, Julian, James. TODOS SON IGUALES. En este caso, James es un poco menos pesado que los otros, pero por favor ya es suficiente de personajes así de planos y que su meta en la vida es ayudar a todos y ser bueno y ser el héroe. Por dios, STOP IT.
Grace. Obviamente, ¿no? La odio, sí, pero creo que está muy bien construida. He dicho siempre que Cassie tiene talento innato para crear villanos, y junto a su madre Tatiana, son de lo mejorcito de la novela. Lo manipuladora que es Grace ????? Simplemente increíble, hay que tener talento para ser tan mala pécora y hacerlo tan bien. Todo el entramado del brazalete, Jesse... No sé, demasiados frentes abiertos con Grace. Me tiene confundido.
Charles. ¡No lo odio! O sea lo odio pero no lo odio. Es extraño. Siento que no debe gustarme, pero no es que todo me indique que es malo por naturaleza o que no va a cambiar, sino que su trama con Alastair puede cambiarle bastante, y creo que puede llegar a buen puerto. Lo pongo aquí porque no es que conozcamos demasiado de él, PERO le doy un voto de confianza. Así que de momento, aunque sea un narcisista y una mala compañía para los personajes principales que más me gustan, siento que nos va a sorprender para bien en el futuro de la trilogía.
(Fin de los SPOILERS)
En definitiva, creo que Chain of Gold es una de las mejores novelas de Cassandra Clare. Es coherente y consecuente con el universo creado, los personajes son espectaculares y en apenas unas páginas somos capaces de conectar con ellos y comprender sus conflictos. Las tramas presentadas pueden traer consecuencias interesantes en el Mundo de las Sombras y siento que esta trilogía puede superar a Los Orígenes. Nos vemos en dos meses con Chain of Iron. MUERO POR LEERLO.
January 31, 2023
Wow! Cordelia Carstairs with Cortana. I love it!!!
James Herondale, son of William Herondale!!!!!
James Herondale, son of William Herondale!!!!!
February 9, 2023
By the Angel 4 Stars!
”We do not get to choose when in our lives we feel pain,” said Matthew "It comes when it comes, and we try to remember, even though we cannot imagine a day when it will release its hold on us, that all pain fades. All misery passes. Humanity is drawn to light, not darkness.”
I want to make this very, very clear that I am very much a Cassie Clare fan, The Infernal Devices is my favourite series and holds a very special place in my heart, so you can imagine my pure delight when I found out that Chain of Gold was coming out I was so excited to see my favourite characters once more and get to explore their lives as parents. What I didn’t expect was to fall in love with a whole new group of Shadowhunters (well I did, just not so quickly).
Before I begin I want to give a MASSIVE shout out to Katie for Buddy Reading this with me. Many melt downs, listening to my theories and then telling me some of yours (just saying we nailed it in some parts). I thought I was going to enjoy it either away, but reading it with you made the experience so much more special so thank you!
If you’re going to read this I strongly suggest you read The Infernal Devices at a minimum but there are lots of little nods to other novellas throughout and in particular a story with a certain character is brought to light in a particular novella.
The story starts off a little slow HOWEVER, I think it was needed. There are a lot of new characters, and it was interesting to see and learn the dynamic of them all. We are back in London and there has been something strange going on… there is no sightings of demons, however more and more attacks keep cropping up and some of them happen at lets say questionable times and the result of this makes the Shadowhunter have to come together and sort through a plan.
When you compare it to the other books in this world it is its own book, there are some similarities in the sense of strong bonds, something is going on and the younger generation are going to investigate, but some of the usual cliches we see such as forbidden romance, a love triangle are not there and I think it made it it’s own. Just to point out that the love triangle in both TID and TDA are one of my favourites and the forbidden love trope is always *Chef Kiss*. This had the absolute perfect balance of having TID references in, there wasn’t too much where it became over bearing and it was sometimes so subtle other than the mentions of worms and demons… still gets me overtime, but the story is itself.
Before going into the character portion of this review I want to point out that I have seen some negativity towards having so many LGBTQ+ Characters and I am completely baffled. I just want to point out a few things, it is always important to have representation in a book and Cassandra Clare always brings that. This is a fantasy book that has half Angels, Demons, Warlocks, Ghosts and many more but you can’t see why there are so many LGBTQ+ people? Finally just because in the 1900s people weren’t always outspoken about their sexuality and/or gender doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. I personally loved seeing so much diversity within the characters!
Added Bonus of Will and Tessas’ Wedding
Going into this, I knew hands down that I would cry. I just knew it, it just made me feel so happy and overjoyed BUT it also made me feel ridiculously sad just thinking about Jem. I think what made it so special was Charlottes words, the added touches with the Cane (I AM DESTROYED OKAY). It was even better than anything I could of asked for. I hope we get more little snippets of them in their twenties just living their life, because it makes me so ridiculously happy it’s crazy!
Characters
We have a new set of Shadowhunters for me to cry over and love with all of my heart and here are just some of my thoughts, just to warn you I will be gushing away, in a quick round up I genuinely really liked 90% of the characters, despised a few handful and intrigued about others but I have a feeling that they will come into it a lot more as the story continues.
”That’s everyone’s dream, isn’t it, really? Instead of many who give you a little piece of themselves, one who gives you everything”
Cordelia right now is probably my favourite of the new characters. We’ve seen a lot of female characters by Cassie, but I think Cordelia brings something new and exciting. She doesn’t think she’s the best, she works and trains so hard, painfully loyal to her friends and family. I low key kind of love her relationship with Alastair in the sense that she sees herself as the annoying younger sister and just wants to be thee for him which was SO sweet and she really puts herself on the line for other people. You know!
We have super sweet Lucie. For me personally Lucie has a super interesting arc that I don’t want to go too much into because of spoilers but one chapter in particular was so well executed I was sat there screaming at my book like OH MY GOD! It was just amazing. Lucie and Cordelias relationship is lovely and you can see that they both well and truly care about one another, I am invested in this friendship hands down!
Anna is SUCH an interesting character. After reading about her in the novella in Ghosts of The Shadow Market I was very excited to see her in this. I love her attitude, and you can see how much she cares. Her continuous love interests and her reactions had me dying it was just so funny. This is one more character I can’t wait to read more about! To quote Anna… ”They didn’t… and neither did you.”
Keeping it 100, I am not a fan of Grace. I just, from the very start I did not trust her what so ever. She was just too “perfect” and sickly sweet and I just couldn’t work her out, as the story progressed I just disliked her even more, saying this I am very very interested to find out more about her.
The Merry Thieves
”But we suffer for love because love is worth it.”
Where to begin with James? To start off you can tell he is Wills’ son, he has that easy charm but then he is like Tessa in the sense that he is quite a calming presence. I loved seeing him with the shadows and how relationships progressed. He stepped up to a “leader” role and you can see how much he cares.
Matthew is probably the most complex out of the shadow hunters, and it is very useful to of read his backstory. I really really feel for him in Chain of Gold. He has an issue when it comes to alcohol and sometimes like to play the fool. You can see his unyielding protection and love when it comes to James and there are some truly heartfelt moments. Out of all of the shadow hunters this time around Matthew is my favourite male (sorry, but Cordelia is my Queen right now).
”We don’t always love people who deserve it”
I’m finding it slightly hard to talk a lot about Thomas and Christopher/Kit so I think it’s easier to merge them together for this book. I can see a story arc playing out for Thomas very clearly in my mind, and I am here for it, but after things panned out I’m wondering HOW>! As for Christopher I think out of all of the characters he’s the least I know about, hopefully we will get to see more!
Just to point out the next Characters aren’t part of The Merry Thieves and I know that particularly in Chain of Gold Matthew and Thomas take more of a centre stage compared to Grace and Anna but I didn’t want to break them up!
Out of all of the character I feel the most conflicted towards Alastair, you can see SO much potential with him, and he is such an interesting character. He’s quite mysterious and we do learn little bits about him (not all good either) and I was well and truly on my way to full on rooting for him, I mean I still am but I’m kind of angry with him as well!
I’m saying it now I LOVE Jesse, he’s such an interesting character and his relationship with Lucie was one of my favourites. The interactions they have I was just oohing and ahhing, but he is so selfless and my heart literally broke at one point for him. I think that as the story progresses I am intrigued to see what’s going to happen with him.
You let me be something I had never been before, even when I was living. A Shadowhunter.
We got to see Papa and Mama Herondale AKA Will and Tessa and it was so lovely to see them being parents! I think what was so sweet was how much there loved showed even after all of those years together. You see their protective sides come out when it came to their children, nieces and nephews. You still got to see Wills silly and fun loving side and Tessa with her fondness. You still get so many lovely quotes from these two and see them in a different light. They’re still the same but just with the view of being parents and slightly more mature!
”A better Shadowhunter and a better man,” said Will. “All the best of me, I learned from Jem and your Mother...”
Finally last but not least we get Jem, it’s interesting to see him in his Silent Brother role, but with him still knowing who he truly is. I adored his interactions with the younger generation and the older ones and he really is that figure that many people look to for some form of guidance and knowledge. Even though I expected it and I KNOW what happens with his story Arc up until a certain point it still breaks my little heart.
What I liked?
- Lets state a few obvious ones in a bulk here: Back into the Shadowhunter world I go, Will Herondale, my number one book love, seeing so many people from TID, my heart was so happy, SO many references to TID I was overjoyed!
- So much love and friendship, honestly I don’t care what anyone says, the friendships across these books are always so well done
- Seeing little snippets of Jem, Will and Tessa had me weeping, by 90 pages in I’d cried twice.
- Some of the more “action” scenes had me completely gripped, they were done so well and I could just see it all playing out, it was so intense and had me gripped!
- Cortana I found it super interesting this time around, we all know about Cortana but I’m pretty sure it did something I haven’t seen it do before and I was like oooooh gurl
- It had me questioning a lot, I thought I had some things figured out and then something would happen and it would completely flip my opinion.
- Horses… and while we’re on it even though they’re not linked what so ever. Ghosts.
- The Warlocks that are Malcolm and Hypatia, it was interesting to see a reference in this knowing what we do I was like OOOOOH
- SO MUCH SIBLING LOVE!
- The amount of times I must of said “What is going on”
- Sending of dresses and Sonas reaction, I just knew who had sent them it was great
- A certain Herondale Star popping up… consistency is key!
- Magbus turning up six hours early and his response being “bloody hell” it was hilarious!
- All of the tension… ooooft
- OSCAR, who’s a good boy!
- A erm, certain locket and what is inside it…
- Gideon and Gabriel, oh I missed my favourite brothers!
- Hair colours…
I’m just going to say, that where it left off I am feeling very very anxious for what’s to come but I’m so excited, one whole year! Guess the countdown will begin, but I am very very excited!
What I didn’t like?
My only complaint is I wish we’d see more of Anna, Christopher and Thomas. I think from this first book we only got a slight glimpse into who they are, however that means that we will hopefully get to see a lot more of them as the series continues!
“But at least we can always pick up a book and read it anew. Stories offer a thousand fresh starts.”
Final thoughts…
My heart is so full with happiness, I can’t begin to explain how much these books and stories mean to me. I think because of my love for The Infernal Devices I was scared to see how this would pan out, but it was so enjoyable and I literally cannot wait for book 2 to be released!
--------
Re-Read 12.09.2022
My first re-read of this series, I have to say I still really really enjoyed this one, the characters really drive this series for me and upon the re-read you can see certain things, I think my only issue with this is that it is so long and I think it could of been slightly compressed. Still very enjoyable!
---------
09.03.2020
By The Angel!
That was hands down one of my most anticipated reads of the year and it did not let me down what so ever!
What an amazing introduction to the start of the New Years.
Currently sobbing my head out at Will and Tessas wedding but I knew I was going to!
Full review to come and just to warn you it will more than likely be a long one cause your girl is OBSESSED
All Cassandra Clare Reviews:
The Infernal Devices
Clockwork Angel - 5 Stars
Clockwork Prince - 5 Stars
Clockwork Princess - 5 Stars
The Infernal Devices (Manga) Reviews:
Clockwork Angel - 5 Stars
Clockwork Prince - 5 Stars
Clockwork Princess - 5 Stars
The Last Hours
Chain of Gold - 4 Stars
Chain of Iron - 5 Stars
Chain of Thorns - 4 Stars
The Mortal Instruments
City of Bones - 5 Stars
City of Ashes - 4 Stars
City of Glass - 4 Stars
City of Fallen Angels - 2 Stars
City of Lost Souls - 3 Stars
City of Heavenly Fire - 4 Stars
The Eldest Curses
The Red Scrolls of Magic - 3 Stars
The Dark Artifices
Lady Midnight - 5 Stars
Lord of Shadows - 5 Stars
Queen of Air and Darkness - 5 Stars
————
03.03.2020
Happy release day for Chain of Gold! Hope you all have the best time reading it!
Secretly jealous because Amazon ruined it and I haven’t got my copy even though I preordered it when it first came out...
Let’s hope I get my Waterstones delivery tomorrow :)
————-
02.03.2020
TOMORROW THIS WILL ARRIVE... I get to see my love again!
I also booked off Wednesday cause I’m that person who needs personal time with their books...
————
15.01.2020
It is the year 2020, in less than two months Chain of Gold will be here, I will have at least four copies and two book boxes of this, and if you dare be terrible and not give these character ALL of the love I will Riot (Zoe will join me as well)
—————
13.12.18
LOOK AT THAT COVER I AM IN LOVE!
————
28.07.18
So I’m reading TID (Clockwork Prince) and it’s just dawned on me.
Page 300
“We who are immortal, we are chained to this life by a chain of gold, and we dare not sever it for fear of what lies beyond the drop” said Magnus
Coincidence? I think not!
—————
When you need a book more than life itself, because your one true love is finally coming back to you... I. need. this. now.
WILL HERONDALE, sooooooooooooon!
”We do not get to choose when in our lives we feel pain,” said Matthew "It comes when it comes, and we try to remember, even though we cannot imagine a day when it will release its hold on us, that all pain fades. All misery passes. Humanity is drawn to light, not darkness.”
I want to make this very, very clear that I am very much a Cassie Clare fan, The Infernal Devices is my favourite series and holds a very special place in my heart, so you can imagine my pure delight when I found out that Chain of Gold was coming out I was so excited to see my favourite characters once more and get to explore their lives as parents. What I didn’t expect was to fall in love with a whole new group of Shadowhunters (well I did, just not so quickly).
Before I begin I want to give a MASSIVE shout out to Katie for Buddy Reading this with me. Many melt downs, listening to my theories and then telling me some of yours (just saying we nailed it in some parts). I thought I was going to enjoy it either away, but reading it with you made the experience so much more special so thank you!
If you’re going to read this I strongly suggest you read The Infernal Devices at a minimum but there are lots of little nods to other novellas throughout and in particular a story with a certain character is brought to light in a particular novella.
The story starts off a little slow HOWEVER, I think it was needed. There are a lot of new characters, and it was interesting to see and learn the dynamic of them all. We are back in London and there has been something strange going on… there is no sightings of demons, however more and more attacks keep cropping up and some of them happen at lets say questionable times and the result of this makes the Shadowhunter have to come together and sort through a plan.
When you compare it to the other books in this world it is its own book, there are some similarities in the sense of strong bonds, something is going on and the younger generation are going to investigate, but some of the usual cliches we see such as forbidden romance, a love triangle are not there and I think it made it it’s own. Just to point out that the love triangle in both TID and TDA are one of my favourites and the forbidden love trope is always *Chef Kiss*. This had the absolute perfect balance of having TID references in, there wasn’t too much where it became over bearing and it was sometimes so subtle other than the mentions of worms and demons… still gets me overtime, but the story is itself.
Before going into the character portion of this review I want to point out that I have seen some negativity towards having so many LGBTQ+ Characters and I am completely baffled. I just want to point out a few things, it is always important to have representation in a book and Cassandra Clare always brings that. This is a fantasy book that has half Angels, Demons, Warlocks, Ghosts and many more but you can’t see why there are so many LGBTQ+ people? Finally just because in the 1900s people weren’t always outspoken about their sexuality and/or gender doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. I personally loved seeing so much diversity within the characters!
Added Bonus of Will and Tessas’ Wedding
Going into this, I knew hands down that I would cry. I just knew it, it just made me feel so happy and overjoyed BUT it also made me feel ridiculously sad just thinking about Jem. I think what made it so special was Charlottes words, the added touches with the Cane (I AM DESTROYED OKAY). It was even better than anything I could of asked for. I hope we get more little snippets of them in their twenties just living their life, because it makes me so ridiculously happy it’s crazy!
Characters
We have a new set of Shadowhunters for me to cry over and love with all of my heart and here are just some of my thoughts, just to warn you I will be gushing away, in a quick round up I genuinely really liked 90% of the characters, despised a few handful and intrigued about others but I have a feeling that they will come into it a lot more as the story continues.
”That’s everyone’s dream, isn’t it, really? Instead of many who give you a little piece of themselves, one who gives you everything”
Cordelia right now is probably my favourite of the new characters. We’ve seen a lot of female characters by Cassie, but I think Cordelia brings something new and exciting. She doesn’t think she’s the best, she works and trains so hard, painfully loyal to her friends and family. I low key kind of love her relationship with Alastair in the sense that she sees herself as the annoying younger sister and just wants to be thee for him which was SO sweet and she really puts herself on the line for other people. You know!
We have super sweet Lucie. For me personally Lucie has a super interesting arc that I don’t want to go too much into because of spoilers but one chapter in particular was so well executed I was sat there screaming at my book like OH MY GOD! It was just amazing. Lucie and Cordelias relationship is lovely and you can see that they both well and truly care about one another, I am invested in this friendship hands down!
Anna is SUCH an interesting character. After reading about her in the novella in Ghosts of The Shadow Market I was very excited to see her in this. I love her attitude, and you can see how much she cares. Her continuous love interests and her reactions had me dying it was just so funny. This is one more character I can’t wait to read more about! To quote Anna… ”They didn’t… and neither did you.”
Keeping it 100, I am not a fan of Grace. I just, from the very start I did not trust her what so ever. She was just too “perfect” and sickly sweet and I just couldn’t work her out, as the story progressed I just disliked her even more, saying this I am very very interested to find out more about her.
The Merry Thieves
”But we suffer for love because love is worth it.”
Where to begin with James? To start off you can tell he is Wills’ son, he has that easy charm but then he is like Tessa in the sense that he is quite a calming presence. I loved seeing him with the shadows and how relationships progressed. He stepped up to a “leader” role and you can see how much he cares.
Matthew is probably the most complex out of the shadow hunters, and it is very useful to of read his backstory. I really really feel for him in Chain of Gold. He has an issue when it comes to alcohol and sometimes like to play the fool. You can see his unyielding protection and love when it comes to James and there are some truly heartfelt moments. Out of all of the shadow hunters this time around Matthew is my favourite male (sorry, but Cordelia is my Queen right now).
”We don’t always love people who deserve it”
I’m finding it slightly hard to talk a lot about Thomas and Christopher/Kit so I think it’s easier to merge them together for this book. I can see a story arc playing out for Thomas very clearly in my mind, and I am here for it, but after things panned out I’m wondering HOW>! As for Christopher I think out of all of the characters he’s the least I know about, hopefully we will get to see more!
Just to point out the next Characters aren’t part of The Merry Thieves and I know that particularly in Chain of Gold Matthew and Thomas take more of a centre stage compared to Grace and Anna but I didn’t want to break them up!
Out of all of the character I feel the most conflicted towards Alastair, you can see SO much potential with him, and he is such an interesting character. He’s quite mysterious and we do learn little bits about him (not all good either) and I was well and truly on my way to full on rooting for him, I mean I still am but I’m kind of angry with him as well!
I’m saying it now I LOVE Jesse, he’s such an interesting character and his relationship with Lucie was one of my favourites. The interactions they have I was just oohing and ahhing, but he is so selfless and my heart literally broke at one point for him. I think that as the story progresses I am intrigued to see what’s going to happen with him.
You let me be something I had never been before, even when I was living. A Shadowhunter.
We got to see Papa and Mama Herondale AKA Will and Tessa and it was so lovely to see them being parents! I think what was so sweet was how much there loved showed even after all of those years together. You see their protective sides come out when it came to their children, nieces and nephews. You still got to see Wills silly and fun loving side and Tessa with her fondness. You still get so many lovely quotes from these two and see them in a different light. They’re still the same but just with the view of being parents and slightly more mature!
”A better Shadowhunter and a better man,” said Will. “All the best of me, I learned from Jem and your Mother...”
Finally last but not least we get Jem, it’s interesting to see him in his Silent Brother role, but with him still knowing who he truly is. I adored his interactions with the younger generation and the older ones and he really is that figure that many people look to for some form of guidance and knowledge. Even though I expected it and I KNOW what happens with his story Arc up until a certain point it still breaks my little heart.
What I liked?
- Lets state a few obvious ones in a bulk here: Back into the Shadowhunter world I go, Will Herondale, my number one book love, seeing so many people from TID, my heart was so happy, SO many references to TID I was overjoyed!
- So much love and friendship, honestly I don’t care what anyone says, the friendships across these books are always so well done
- Seeing little snippets of Jem, Will and Tessa had me weeping, by 90 pages in I’d cried twice.
- Some of the more “action” scenes had me completely gripped, they were done so well and I could just see it all playing out, it was so intense and had me gripped!
- Cortana I found it super interesting this time around, we all know about Cortana but I’m pretty sure it did something I haven’t seen it do before and I was like oooooh gurl
- It had me questioning a lot, I thought I had some things figured out and then something would happen and it would completely flip my opinion.
- Horses… and while we’re on it even though they’re not linked what so ever. Ghosts.
- The Warlocks that are Malcolm and Hypatia, it was interesting to see a reference in this knowing what we do I was like OOOOOH
- SO MUCH SIBLING LOVE!
- The amount of times I must of said “What is going on”
- Sending of dresses and Sonas reaction, I just knew who had sent them it was great
- A certain Herondale Star popping up… consistency is key!
- Magbus turning up six hours early and his response being “bloody hell” it was hilarious!
- All of the tension… ooooft
- OSCAR, who’s a good boy!
- A erm, certain locket and what is inside it…
- Gideon and Gabriel, oh I missed my favourite brothers!
- Hair colours…
I’m just going to say, that where it left off I am feeling very very anxious for what’s to come but I’m so excited, one whole year! Guess the countdown will begin, but I am very very excited!
What I didn’t like?
My only complaint is I wish we’d see more of Anna, Christopher and Thomas. I think from this first book we only got a slight glimpse into who they are, however that means that we will hopefully get to see a lot more of them as the series continues!
“But at least we can always pick up a book and read it anew. Stories offer a thousand fresh starts.”
Final thoughts…
My heart is so full with happiness, I can’t begin to explain how much these books and stories mean to me. I think because of my love for The Infernal Devices I was scared to see how this would pan out, but it was so enjoyable and I literally cannot wait for book 2 to be released!
--------
Re-Read 12.09.2022
My first re-read of this series, I have to say I still really really enjoyed this one, the characters really drive this series for me and upon the re-read you can see certain things, I think my only issue with this is that it is so long and I think it could of been slightly compressed. Still very enjoyable!
---------
09.03.2020
By The Angel!
That was hands down one of my most anticipated reads of the year and it did not let me down what so ever!
What an amazing introduction to the start of the New Years.
Currently sobbing my head out at Will and Tessas wedding but I knew I was going to!
Full review to come and just to warn you it will more than likely be a long one cause your girl is OBSESSED
All Cassandra Clare Reviews:
The Infernal Devices
Clockwork Angel - 5 Stars
Clockwork Prince - 5 Stars
Clockwork Princess - 5 Stars
The Infernal Devices (Manga) Reviews:
Clockwork Angel - 5 Stars
Clockwork Prince - 5 Stars
Clockwork Princess - 5 Stars
The Last Hours
Chain of Gold - 4 Stars
Chain of Iron - 5 Stars
Chain of Thorns - 4 Stars
The Mortal Instruments
City of Bones - 5 Stars
City of Ashes - 4 Stars
City of Glass - 4 Stars
City of Fallen Angels - 2 Stars
City of Lost Souls - 3 Stars
City of Heavenly Fire - 4 Stars
The Eldest Curses
The Red Scrolls of Magic - 3 Stars
The Dark Artifices
Lady Midnight - 5 Stars
Lord of Shadows - 5 Stars
Queen of Air and Darkness - 5 Stars
————
03.03.2020
Happy release day for Chain of Gold! Hope you all have the best time reading it!
Secretly jealous because Amazon ruined it and I haven’t got my copy even though I preordered it when it first came out...
Let’s hope I get my Waterstones delivery tomorrow :)
————-
02.03.2020
TOMORROW THIS WILL ARRIVE... I get to see my love again!
I also booked off Wednesday cause I’m that person who needs personal time with their books...
————
15.01.2020
It is the year 2020, in less than two months Chain of Gold will be here, I will have at least four copies and two book boxes of this, and if you dare be terrible and not give these character ALL of the love I will Riot (Zoe will join me as well)
—————
13.12.18
LOOK AT THAT COVER I AM IN LOVE!
————
28.07.18
So I’m reading TID (Clockwork Prince) and it’s just dawned on me.
Page 300
“We who are immortal, we are chained to this life by a chain of gold, and we dare not sever it for fear of what lies beyond the drop” said Magnus
Coincidence? I think not!
—————
When you need a book more than life itself, because your one true love is finally coming back to you... I. need. this. now.
WILL HERONDALE, sooooooooooooon!
March 12, 2021
Let me tell you a funny story.
After this disaster and this dumpster fire, I was ready to distance myself from Cassandra Clare once and for all. But at least five people kept telling me to read Chain of Gold, that The Last Hours was better than TMI and TID, that even though I hated everything I’ve read by CC, I would love CoG.
I highly doubted it.
But I ended up reading this anyway, because it was free and available and what’s the worst that could happen? I had resigned myself to the loss of a few more brain cells from my dwindling supply.
What happened?
How dare I enjoy a Cassandra Clare book?
Chain of Gold is essentially a soap opera. It’s filled with romantic drama, hilarious cliffhangers, cheesy dialogue. I love it so much.
But this book did something that shocked me and made me question my addled logic.
I enjoyed the love triangles. All of them.
How could I?
Spoilers for the romance in this next paragraph only.
James likes Grace, Cordelia likes James, Matthew likes Cordelia and Lucie, Lucie likes no one, Grace is engaged to Charles, James is engaged to Cordelia. As if that weren’t confusing enough, Anna likes Ariadne, who was previously engaged to Charles. Alastair likes Charles and Thomas, and Charles is definitely not available.
Is this book okay? No.
Do I care? No.
It’s so dramatic and juicy and angsty and my heart is bursting.
What cements this book’s place in my soap-worthy shelf is the prioritization of drama over plot. I could honestly care less, because plot has always been a secondary thing for me, but I can see how some people wouldn’t enjoy this due to its lack of a comprehensive storyline.
Chain of Gold is about Cordelia Carstairs, whose family has fled to London in the wake of a scandal related to her father. She’s a bold, down-to-earth and logical main character who knows what’s good for her. She confronts those who are unpleasant to her, she always thinks a step ahead. Well, almost always, but we’re not going to talk about that. I actually didn’t like her at first because I thought she was going to turn out to be Tessa Gray 2.0, but I was pleasantly surprised when she gained her own personality.
Her Persian heritage was woven in very organically. Congratulations to Clare for finally adding some diversity to her books. And she did a very good job, actually. It was all quite natural and an integral part of the characters themselves, rather than, uh… what happened with Jem Carstairs in Clockwork Angel. We don’t talk about that.
The other main character is James Herondale, who is the son of Tessa and Will from TID. He was my least favorite character. He’s your typical leader-with-a-troubled-past, and I wasn’t too interested in him. I was more interested in Cordelia/James as a ship (even though I shipped Matthew and Cordelia more), because they had an intriguing dynamic.
I do think that the next generation of Herondales is more mild than the TID generation, which I absolutely love. That was one of my biggest complaints about TID. Will was just so brash and loud and I hated him. But James is calm and soft and sweet and overall much better than Will ever was. (Sorry, Will stans.)
Lucie Herondale, James’s sister, was an incredible character. I loved her. She’s a dryly sarcastic writer, and her narrative was so refreshing and subtly funny. Her relationship with Jesse Blackthorn wasn’t the best, mostly because Jesse had a ghost of a personality (ehehehe puns), so I definitely shipped her with Matthew. At least, I did in the beginning, but that changed at the end, and now I don’t ship her with anyone. She’s so bright on her own.
Matthew Fairchild… Oh, Matthew. What can I say? He’s amazing. He struggles with his alcohol addiction, but inside he’s a caring person who loves deeply and is just trying his best. He is my cinnamon roll.
Alastair Carstairs is such a morally grey and intriguing character. He was a bully when he was younger, and he’s still dealing with the repercussions of his actions. Not to mention that he feels like an outcast in society. He’s struggling to protect Cordelia while battling his own inner demons. I need more of these characters in my life.
I read this entire book in a British accent, it’s that classy and sophisticated and English. Cassandra Clare has a way of bringing the setting to life in Chain of Gold, and while it may be a little cliche, it’s just so, so good.
I was not expecting to love this book. In fact, I was prepared to rate it one star and write a rant review and move on. But fate had chosen a different path for me.
Why isn’t a copy of Chain of Iron in my hands right now. This is sacrilege.
4.5 stars, my favorite guilty pleasure book ever
I’m not ready to move on from this book, so here’s some amazing fanart. Seriously, this series has perfect art.
Also, a Chain of Gold playlist! Because… why not?
James - Line Without a Hook (Ricky Montgomery)
Cordelia - Chinese Satellite (Phoebe Bridgers)
Matthew - Sweater Weather (The Neighbourhood)
Lucie - Kyoto (Phoebe Bridgers)
Anna - we fell in love in october (girl in red)
Alastair - Black (Pearl Jam)
Chain of Iron review
Chain of Thorns review
After this disaster and this dumpster fire, I was ready to distance myself from Cassandra Clare once and for all. But at least five people kept telling me to read Chain of Gold, that The Last Hours was better than TMI and TID, that even though I hated everything I’ve read by CC, I would love CoG.
I highly doubted it.
But I ended up reading this anyway, because it was free and available and what’s the worst that could happen? I had resigned myself to the loss of a few more brain cells from my dwindling supply.
What happened?
How dare I enjoy a Cassandra Clare book?
Chain of Gold is essentially a soap opera. It’s filled with romantic drama, hilarious cliffhangers, cheesy dialogue. I love it so much.
But this book did something that shocked me and made me question my addled logic.
I enjoyed the love triangles. All of them.
How could I?
Spoilers for the romance in this next paragraph only.
James likes Grace, Cordelia likes James, Matthew likes Cordelia and Lucie, Lucie likes no one, Grace is engaged to Charles, James is engaged to Cordelia. As if that weren’t confusing enough, Anna likes Ariadne, who was previously engaged to Charles. Alastair likes Charles and Thomas, and Charles is definitely not available.
Is this book okay? No.
Do I care? No.
It’s so dramatic and juicy and angsty and my heart is bursting.
What cements this book’s place in my soap-worthy shelf is the prioritization of drama over plot. I could honestly care less, because plot has always been a secondary thing for me, but I can see how some people wouldn’t enjoy this due to its lack of a comprehensive storyline.
Chain of Gold is about Cordelia Carstairs, whose family has fled to London in the wake of a scandal related to her father. She’s a bold, down-to-earth and logical main character who knows what’s good for her. She confronts those who are unpleasant to her, she always thinks a step ahead. Well, almost always, but we’re not going to talk about that. I actually didn’t like her at first because I thought she was going to turn out to be Tessa Gray 2.0, but I was pleasantly surprised when she gained her own personality.
Her Persian heritage was woven in very organically. Congratulations to Clare for finally adding some diversity to her books. And she did a very good job, actually. It was all quite natural and an integral part of the characters themselves, rather than, uh… what happened with Jem Carstairs in Clockwork Angel. We don’t talk about that.
The other main character is James Herondale, who is the son of Tessa and Will from TID. He was my least favorite character. He’s your typical leader-with-a-troubled-past, and I wasn’t too interested in him. I was more interested in Cordelia/James as a ship (even though I shipped Matthew and Cordelia more), because they had an intriguing dynamic.
Reading together. Never had Cordelia heard of anything so romantic.
I do think that the next generation of Herondales is more mild than the TID generation, which I absolutely love. That was one of my biggest complaints about TID. Will was just so brash and loud and I hated him. But James is calm and soft and sweet and overall much better than Will ever was. (Sorry, Will stans.)
Lucie Herondale, James’s sister, was an incredible character. I loved her. She’s a dryly sarcastic writer, and her narrative was so refreshing and subtly funny. Her relationship with Jesse Blackthorn wasn’t the best, mostly because Jesse had a ghost of a personality (ehehehe puns), so I definitely shipped her with Matthew. At least, I did in the beginning, but that changed at the end, and now I don’t ship her with anyone. She’s so bright on her own.
Those who mock fiction do so because they fear the truth.
Matthew Fairchild… Oh, Matthew. What can I say? He’s amazing. He struggles with his alcohol addiction, but inside he’s a caring person who loves deeply and is just trying his best. He is my cinnamon roll.
Alastair Carstairs is such a morally grey and intriguing character. He was a bully when he was younger, and he’s still dealing with the repercussions of his actions. Not to mention that he feels like an outcast in society. He’s struggling to protect Cordelia while battling his own inner demons. I need more of these characters in my life.
I read this entire book in a British accent, it’s that classy and sophisticated and English. Cassandra Clare has a way of bringing the setting to life in Chain of Gold, and while it may be a little cliche, it’s just so, so good.
I was not expecting to love this book. In fact, I was prepared to rate it one star and write a rant review and move on. But fate had chosen a different path for me.
Why isn’t a copy of Chain of Iron in my hands right now. This is sacrilege.
4.5 stars, my favorite guilty pleasure book ever
I’m not ready to move on from this book, so here’s some amazing fanart. Seriously, this series has perfect art.
Also, a Chain of Gold playlist! Because… why not?
James - Line Without a Hook (Ricky Montgomery)
Cordelia - Chinese Satellite (Phoebe Bridgers)
Matthew - Sweater Weather (The Neighbourhood)
Lucie - Kyoto (Phoebe Bridgers)
Anna - we fell in love in october (girl in red)
Alastair - Black (Pearl Jam)
If Will was singing, that meant he was in a sociable mood and would seize them the moment he saw them and begin reminiscing about Wales and ducks.
”Oh, perfectly,” said Christopher. “I told her all about culturing bacteria, and she was so fascinated that she never spoke a word!”
Chain of Iron review
Chain of Thorns review
July 14, 2021
Wowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww! I waited too long to start this one! And as you can guess, I’m slapping at my face for three hours for my illogical delaying decision!
This is brilliant, unique, captivating!
I’m not gonna give so much away! But that cliffhanger broke my heart into millions of pieces! I’m still screaming and I am literally craving more! The characterization, balanced pacing, writing style, world building are fantastic!
My favorite books of the author are Clockwork Princess and Lady Midnight. I can proudly say that now I found another favorite one!
Took my five gazillion stars and give me the next book ASAP pleaseeeeeeeeeeeee!
This is brilliant, unique, captivating!
I’m not gonna give so much away! But that cliffhanger broke my heart into millions of pieces! I’m still screaming and I am literally craving more! The characterization, balanced pacing, writing style, world building are fantastic!
My favorite books of the author are Clockwork Princess and Lady Midnight. I can proudly say that now I found another favorite one!
Took my five gazillion stars and give me the next book ASAP pleaseeeeeeeeeeeee!
February 10, 2023
4.5 stars! How does Cassandra Clare always find new and painful ways to keep characters apart?😭❤️
I haven't read a book in the shadow hunter universe in YEARS (probably like 8+ years which makes me feel old), so I was SO EXCITED to get back into the shadow hunter world, and I was not disappointed.
I LOVE our main character Cordelia. She is brave, bold, and would do anything for her friends. I also love James and his whole group of friends. They would all walk straight into danger to protect people and do what's right.
We get a big cast of characters. And I loved reading about all of their relationships with each other and their romances. Overall a fast-paced plot in a fun world.
I haven't read a book in the shadow hunter universe in YEARS (probably like 8+ years which makes me feel old), so I was SO EXCITED to get back into the shadow hunter world, and I was not disappointed.
I LOVE our main character Cordelia. She is brave, bold, and would do anything for her friends. I also love James and his whole group of friends. They would all walk straight into danger to protect people and do what's right.
We get a big cast of characters. And I loved reading about all of their relationships with each other and their romances. Overall a fast-paced plot in a fun world.
February 1, 2020
If you're a Cassie Clare fan, ignore this review because you're gonna love the book. But if you're like me, with not enough brain cells to fathom rereading every Shadowhunter book and every little novella in between, you should probably read this book with the Shadowhunters wiki page pulled up in another tab.
I'll give this book its credit where it's due: I think Chain of Gold features my favorite cast of characters yet. Usually in Cassandra Clare worlds, I'll only be able to locate two or three characters I care deeply for and I skip the chapters of the rest. In Chain of Gold, however, I loved every character. You get the perfect balance of being reunited with old characters (ahhem, jem step on my neck) whilst falling in love with new ones (matthew and anna, stomp on me). The writing is great, this book is transporting, all is well.
But Cassie Clare books have ceased to be books that you can read with little effort. Because this book follows characters who have novellas about them already, you're expected to go into this with a lot of background knowledge. I had none. And I was baffled for nearly 300 pages before I finally stopped to Google everything. I hope the final copy has a family tree or a character guide to spare y'all the time. There are easily 10-15 moments in this book where the characters are like "hahaha remember when this happened??" in reference to the events of a previous novella, meanwhile I'm just chillin' with crickets in the background because I wasn't told there was an entire prequel to this new trilogy. I'm not sure if I'd go as far as to call it lazy storytelling to require so much extra reading on top of the 600 pages of development in this book, but it was definitely annoying that I felt I was witnessing the middle of a character arc rather than the beginning of it.
Even though I grew to love the characters (after I was finally able to distinguish who was who), not much happened in this book. If I were going to spoil you, there's probably only two or three major events to describe. Although this was one of my most anticipated releases of 2020, I found myself procrastinating picking it back up to read because it just isn't that exciting. I'm giving it a bit of credit because it's the first book in a series setting up the plot, but for a 600-page book, it was still a bit excruciating at times.
Another disappointment was the romance. It felt like there was none except one or two scenes, even though the synopsis almost revolves around Cordelia's crush on James. (Side note: It's a stretch to consider Cordelia the main character of this book. It follows the entire cast of characters almost equally.) This book lacked the angst of Cassie's previous books, though likely because a majority of the build-up and action occurred in previous novellas. Also, the time period makes sexuality and lust a lot more taboo, so that might have played a factor in why there was so little action I craved.
All I've said sounds super negative, but once I got into the groove of this book, I really did adore it. There's lots of nods to previous series with Will and Tessa and Magnus and Cortana and certain little Easter eggs that were so fun to find. Part of the reason this book wasn't 5 stars for me is entirely user error since I didn't read the prequel novellas, but I'm also just disappointed that Cassie Clare books from now on are going to be so difficult to read because they'll have required you to read her 20+ book series arc just to understand the basic premise and characters. So although this book took a sec to get through, I'm really looking forward to the sequel and I would like to thank not only God but Jesus that we've been spared too much of a cliffhanger.
I'll give this book its credit where it's due: I think Chain of Gold features my favorite cast of characters yet. Usually in Cassandra Clare worlds, I'll only be able to locate two or three characters I care deeply for and I skip the chapters of the rest. In Chain of Gold, however, I loved every character. You get the perfect balance of being reunited with old characters (ahhem, jem step on my neck) whilst falling in love with new ones (matthew and anna, stomp on me). The writing is great, this book is transporting, all is well.
But Cassie Clare books have ceased to be books that you can read with little effort. Because this book follows characters who have novellas about them already, you're expected to go into this with a lot of background knowledge. I had none. And I was baffled for nearly 300 pages before I finally stopped to Google everything. I hope the final copy has a family tree or a character guide to spare y'all the time. There are easily 10-15 moments in this book where the characters are like "hahaha remember when this happened??" in reference to the events of a previous novella, meanwhile I'm just chillin' with crickets in the background because I wasn't told there was an entire prequel to this new trilogy. I'm not sure if I'd go as far as to call it lazy storytelling to require so much extra reading on top of the 600 pages of development in this book, but it was definitely annoying that I felt I was witnessing the middle of a character arc rather than the beginning of it.
Even though I grew to love the characters (after I was finally able to distinguish who was who), not much happened in this book. If I were going to spoil you, there's probably only two or three major events to describe. Although this was one of my most anticipated releases of 2020, I found myself procrastinating picking it back up to read because it just isn't that exciting. I'm giving it a bit of credit because it's the first book in a series setting up the plot, but for a 600-page book, it was still a bit excruciating at times.
Another disappointment was the romance. It felt like there was none except one or two scenes, even though the synopsis almost revolves around Cordelia's crush on James. (Side note: It's a stretch to consider Cordelia the main character of this book. It follows the entire cast of characters almost equally.) This book lacked the angst of Cassie's previous books, though likely because a majority of the build-up and action occurred in previous novellas. Also, the time period makes sexuality and lust a lot more taboo, so that might have played a factor in why there was so little action I craved.
All I've said sounds super negative, but once I got into the groove of this book, I really did adore it. There's lots of nods to previous series with Will and Tessa and Magnus and Cortana and certain little Easter eggs that were so fun to find. Part of the reason this book wasn't 5 stars for me is entirely user error since I didn't read the prequel novellas, but I'm also just disappointed that Cassie Clare books from now on are going to be so difficult to read because they'll have required you to read her 20+ book series arc just to understand the basic premise and characters. So although this book took a sec to get through, I'm really looking forward to the sequel and I would like to thank not only God but Jesus that we've been spared too much of a cliffhanger.
March 25, 2020
3.75 stars - This book is exactly what I wanted right now. I’ve only previously read The Infernal Devices, but I enjoyed this for the same reason I enjoyed that series: it’s follows a bunch of beautiful people in love and there’s barely any plot. The fantasy world is a fun but fairly unimportant backdrop to the angst and romance of the characters. And I couldn’t be happier! I go into these books with those expectations and I am not disappointed. These are the book equivalent of a CW tv show (and I say that as a fan of CW shows for the same reason — pretty people who all love each other!)
While technically these series can be read separately because Clare does a good job of recapping important bits from other series and the Shadowhunter world in general, I can’t imagine reading it without TID. There’s too many characters from TID and too many references that make the book more fun if you understand them.
There are so many characters in here that at one point I had to draw a chart to outline how everyone was related and who liked who, but I caught on quickly after that. This was a fun romp with likable characters and plenty of angst and romance tropes to enjoy. But it did drag on a bit towards the end and would have been better as a shorter book.
I will be doing a full review and discussion in my channel :)
While technically these series can be read separately because Clare does a good job of recapping important bits from other series and the Shadowhunter world in general, I can’t imagine reading it without TID. There’s too many characters from TID and too many references that make the book more fun if you understand them.
There are so many characters in here that at one point I had to draw a chart to outline how everyone was related and who liked who, but I caught on quickly after that. This was a fun romp with likable characters and plenty of angst and romance tropes to enjoy. But it did drag on a bit towards the end and would have been better as a shorter book.
I will be doing a full review and discussion in my channel :)
May 14, 2020
I was desperate to read this book.
I’ve been part of the world of the Shadowhunters for more than ten years, The Infernal Devices being my favorite saga. I clung to the memories of the London Institute, of holy water and blood, of crushed hearts and clockwork angels and faded parabatai runes through happy times and difficult times, ever since I finished Clockwork Princess. When my hands touched Chain of Gold, when I breathed in its pages and sank into the familiar lives of the Nephilim, it felt like I returned home after a long, bittersweet journey. And yet… And yet a part of me, a guilty part of me wishes that The Last Hours trilogy would remain a distant hope, an expectation rather than a fact.
A part of me wishes it were never written.
The Shadowhunters have grown soft. Demonic activity is scarce, leaving room for frivolity and other mundane pleasures. But old debts must be paid, and a terrible storm is brewing, aiming to destroy the Nephilim once and for all. In the center of this new conspiracy, there is one of mixed heritage. Half angel, half demon, James Herondale and his friends shall fight, lie, bleed in order to uncover the mystery behind the irregular massacres and the poison that has infected the London Enclave, before it is too late.
I can hear my younger self shouting expletives. You were gifted with more time with Will, she says. With Edwardian Shadowhunters. With demon slaying and cosmic friendships and did I mention Will and Tessa as parents? It is true, my soul rejoiced and clenched and drowned in nostalgia and longing. The tether that binds it with the world of the Nephilim remained firm, and I fell in love with the new generation (with James and Lucy and Cordelia and Matthew and Thomas and Christopher and Anna and Jesse), I loathed some evil spawns (Grace and Charles), I am confused about my feelings for others (yes Alastair, that’s you) and in general, I was lost in a place where I always found myself. And yet, there are reasons Chain of Gold felt discordant. Like Cassandra Clare was playing a song she has mastered but missed a couple of notes, and I can attribute it to two factors.
First, the Shadowhunters Chronicles are no strangers to death. Many beloved characters have perished, leaving fresh wounds in their wake. However, I never wanted to experience such losses through the eyes of the teenagers I once rooted for so deeply. Will, Tessa, Sophie, Gideon, Cecily, Gabriel, Henry, Charlotte, they went through so much that it seems unfair to witness their lives unfold in a manner that will break them. I would prefer the ideal picture I built in my head about their happily ever afters free of revenge, pain and loss. The price of watching them become parents is simply too steep.
Second, a famous ingredient of the Shadowhunter Chronicles is teenagers rebelling against the adults who refuse to listen. In the past, the Clave has been a de facto enemy, the corrupt or scared or stubbornly ignorant authority that forces our valiant heroes to sneak, steal and lie in order to save the world. Now, the Clave consists of said heroes. That’s why all the secrets and unnecessary risks seem so mind-numbingly stupid. It’s Will Herondale . It’s Tessa Gray . It’s Charlotte Branwell . It’s Gabriel and Gideon Lightwood . Why, by the Angel, did Cassandra have to present lame excuses and misguided promises in order to keep the parents in the dark? They would assist, they would dive into danger headlong because they value and trust their children. Instead their children lied to their faces, withheld vital information and that was a stab in the heart. A betrayal to the heroes of The Infernal Devices.
On a more cheerful note, Chain of Gold was equal parts painful, engaging and amusing, as expected. The relationships tangled as ever. And the characters? They were shooting starts. Vibrant. Burning brightly and fiercely, with love being their greatest strength and most dangerous weakness.
Art by Cassandra Jean
The Merry Thieves are heart stealers. The leader, the scientist, the libertine, the kind one, with the addition of the Beautiful Cordelia (slay Queen, slay) and none other than the aspiring author, ghost-whisperer Lucie, they are all my cinnamon rolls who must.be.protected.at.all.costs. As for the romances? You didn’t expect simple, did you? Forbidden, hopeless, devastating, that’s Cassandra Clare’s way, and the road ahead is paved with suffering and pain. And even though I mentally prepared myself to deal with it, there are already cracks in my armor that will eventually leave me exposed to the tragedies which are bound to happen.
Chain of Gold was the beginning of a powerful story of revenge, blood and love which will undoubtedly wreak unimaginable emotional havoc.
I am equal parts excited and terrified.
P.S. Did it ever occur to you that for people bound by the holiest of bonds, the parabatai never talk to each other about their romantic aspirations? I sincerely hope that history shall not be repeated, and a love triangle similar to The Infernal Devices will be avoided. Because once was quite enough.
P.P.S. WILLIAM OWEN HERONDALE IS STILL THE LOVE OF MY LIFE MY HUSBAND MY SUN AND STARS
I’ve been part of the world of the Shadowhunters for more than ten years, The Infernal Devices being my favorite saga. I clung to the memories of the London Institute, of holy water and blood, of crushed hearts and clockwork angels and faded parabatai runes through happy times and difficult times, ever since I finished Clockwork Princess. When my hands touched Chain of Gold, when I breathed in its pages and sank into the familiar lives of the Nephilim, it felt like I returned home after a long, bittersweet journey. And yet… And yet a part of me, a guilty part of me wishes that The Last Hours trilogy would remain a distant hope, an expectation rather than a fact.
A part of me wishes it were never written.
“Whither thou goest, I will go, James. Even unto the tedious suburb of Highgate.”
The Shadowhunters have grown soft. Demonic activity is scarce, leaving room for frivolity and other mundane pleasures. But old debts must be paid, and a terrible storm is brewing, aiming to destroy the Nephilim once and for all. In the center of this new conspiracy, there is one of mixed heritage. Half angel, half demon, James Herondale and his friends shall fight, lie, bleed in order to uncover the mystery behind the irregular massacres and the poison that has infected the London Enclave, before it is too late.
“We don’t always love people who deserve it.”
I can hear my younger self shouting expletives. You were gifted with more time with Will, she says. With Edwardian Shadowhunters. With demon slaying and cosmic friendships and did I mention Will and Tessa as parents? It is true, my soul rejoiced and clenched and drowned in nostalgia and longing. The tether that binds it with the world of the Nephilim remained firm, and I fell in love with the new generation (with James and Lucy and Cordelia and Matthew and Thomas and Christopher and Anna and Jesse), I loathed some evil spawns (Grace and Charles), I am confused about my feelings for others (yes Alastair, that’s you) and in general, I was lost in a place where I always found myself. And yet, there are reasons Chain of Gold felt discordant. Like Cassandra Clare was playing a song she has mastered but missed a couple of notes, and I can attribute it to two factors.
First, the Shadowhunters Chronicles are no strangers to death. Many beloved characters have perished, leaving fresh wounds in their wake. However, I never wanted to experience such losses through the eyes of the teenagers I once rooted for so deeply. Will, Tessa, Sophie, Gideon, Cecily, Gabriel, Henry, Charlotte, they went through so much that it seems unfair to witness their lives unfold in a manner that will break them. I would prefer the ideal picture I built in my head about their happily ever afters free of revenge, pain and loss. The price of watching them become parents is simply too steep.
Second, a famous ingredient of the Shadowhunter Chronicles is teenagers rebelling against the adults who refuse to listen. In the past, the Clave has been a de facto enemy, the corrupt or scared or stubbornly ignorant authority that forces our valiant heroes to sneak, steal and lie in order to save the world. Now, the Clave consists of said heroes. That’s why all the secrets and unnecessary risks seem so mind-numbingly stupid. It’s Will Herondale . It’s Tessa Gray . It’s Charlotte Branwell . It’s Gabriel and Gideon Lightwood . Why, by the Angel, did Cassandra have to present lame excuses and misguided promises in order to keep the parents in the dark? They would assist, they would dive into danger headlong because they value and trust their children. Instead their children lied to their faces, withheld vital information and that was a stab in the heart. A betrayal to the heroes of The Infernal Devices.
“Did you expect more fear? Then you do not know my father. You do not know my mother. You do not know my family, or me.”
On a more cheerful note, Chain of Gold was equal parts painful, engaging and amusing, as expected. The relationships tangled as ever. And the characters? They were shooting starts. Vibrant. Burning brightly and fiercely, with love being their greatest strength and most dangerous weakness.
Art by Cassandra Jean
The Merry Thieves are heart stealers. The leader, the scientist, the libertine, the kind one, with the addition of the Beautiful Cordelia (slay Queen, slay) and none other than the aspiring author, ghost-whisperer Lucie, they are all my cinnamon rolls who must.be.protected.at.all.costs. As for the romances? You didn’t expect simple, did you? Forbidden, hopeless, devastating, that’s Cassandra Clare’s way, and the road ahead is paved with suffering and pain. And even though I mentally prepared myself to deal with it, there are already cracks in my armor that will eventually leave me exposed to the tragedies which are bound to happen.
Chain of Gold was the beginning of a powerful story of revenge, blood and love which will undoubtedly wreak unimaginable emotional havoc.
I am equal parts excited and terrified.
P.S. Did it ever occur to you that for people bound by the holiest of bonds, the parabatai never talk to each other about their romantic aspirations? I sincerely hope that history shall not be repeated, and a love triangle similar to The Infernal Devices will be avoided. Because once was quite enough.
P.P.S. WILLIAM OWEN HERONDALE IS STILL THE LOVE OF MY LIFE MY HUSBAND MY SUN AND STARS
Want to read
December 13, 2018JEEZ!!!
My heart stopped beating when I saw this cover.
It's so gorgeous I want to marry it. <333
___________________________
I've been dying to read more about James Herondale ever since I read "The Midnight Heir" in "The Bane Chronicles".
I love all those Herondales and Carstairs and Lightwoods and Blackthorns.
Gosh just give me all those awesome Shadowhunters!
I need them like I need air to breathe! <333
I genuinely hope Cassie Clare never stops to write those books because it certainly would be the death of me. *lol*
My heart stopped beating when I saw this cover.
It's so gorgeous I want to marry it. <333
___________________________
I've been dying to read more about James Herondale ever since I read "The Midnight Heir" in "The Bane Chronicles".
I love all those Herondales and Carstairs and Lightwoods and Blackthorns.
Gosh just give me all those awesome Shadowhunters!
I need them like I need air to breathe! <333
I genuinely hope Cassie Clare never stops to write those books because it certainly would be the death of me. *lol*
February 24, 2023
Chain of Gold: ☆☆☆☆☆
Chain of Iron: ☆☆☆☆☆
“There is no better distraction in this world than losing oneself in books for awhile.”
I WANT THE NEXT BOOK
this kids have such a complicated love life, and i didn't really expected some of those, let's say complications...
I just want these teens to be happy.
cassie, you really are a devil playing with our hearts...
but this has to be my favourite shadowhunters' book so far.
First read: March 9th 2020 - March 11th 2020
Second read: July 30th 2020 - August 2nd 2020
Third read: January 26th 2021 - February 6th 2021
*Buddy read with: May and Lorelei
Forth read: February 21st 2021 - February 27th 2021
*Buddy read with: Mashie and Krizzie
Fifth read: February 18th 2023 - February 22nd 2023
*Buddy read with minty 💕
Chain of Iron: ☆☆☆☆☆
“There is no better distraction in this world than losing oneself in books for awhile.”
I WANT THE NEXT BOOK
this kids have such a complicated love life, and i didn't really expected some of those, let's say complications...
I just want these teens to be happy.
cassie, you really are a devil playing with our hearts...
but this has to be my favourite shadowhunters' book so far.
First read: March 9th 2020 - March 11th 2020
Second read: July 30th 2020 - August 2nd 2020
Third read: January 26th 2021 - February 6th 2021
*Buddy read with: May and Lorelei
Forth read: February 21st 2021 - February 27th 2021
*Buddy read with: Mashie and Krizzie
Fifth read: February 18th 2023 - February 22nd 2023
*Buddy read with minty 💕
April 1, 2020
Me reading this book was just like: *waiting for Matthew POV* *waiting for Matthew POV* *waiting for Matthew POV* *waiting for Matthew POV* *waiting for Matthew POV* *waiting for Matthew POV* *waiting for Matthew POV* *waiting for Matthew POV* *waiting for Matthew POV*
*****************
Three whole books starring Will Herondale as a DILF? Sign me tf up 👀 👀 👀
*****************
Three whole books starring Will Herondale as a DILF? Sign me tf up 👀 👀 👀
April 11, 2021
reread#1 — 5★ forgot to mention. I read it with @Viki and @Hafsa this time and I loved it! So, thank you, you guys :)
Perhaps life was not like books. Perhaps life was never going to be like that.
Last year, I rated it 5 because I loved it so much and because I'm usually biased when it comes to Cassie's books. Last year I thought this book was a bit too slow, and despite loving it so so much, I felt a bit disappointed too.
This time, however, everything seemed perfect. Maybe because I've become a little more calmer than before. This book was very like "Queen of Air and Darkness" in terms of writing style and plotting and I LOVED IT! Also, I'm glad this book wasn't unnecessarily long like that one because that one was.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Cordelia Carstairs travels to London with her family. Her main goal is to make a good relationship with some of the most influential family members so that she could take them on her side, explain the problem with her dad regarding which she needs help, and also make a good match with someone she can get married to because ... Reasons.
Everything happens very smoothly and clearly, the drama starts from the beginning and the action is almost always there. There are complexities, misunderstandings, secrets, unexpressed love, I mean, everything you could expect from a shadowhunter book. It's not something new. In fact, it's something we know we'll find inside every time we start a Shadowhunter book; at least I do. But the way Cassie shapes the personality of a Character and the way she further develops them is fascinating as well as fun to read. The humour, whether it's 1800s-1900s or 2007-2012, is my favourite! Also the historical world set-up? Cassie does the very best at writing those. I love her books set in modern times but I just LOVE this Edwardian-Victorian time. And this probably falls under character development, but I really want to tell that I love how unique these characters are in terms of their backstory and personality. (Ofc, except Herondales)
About the main characters,
Cordelia Carstairs
I really liked seeing how different Cassie wrote Cordelia from her other female Protagonists (Clary, Emma, Tessa) I personally loved her own family dynamic, having always traveled so she never had any friends, the way she felt like she had to help her father, the way she tried to never hurt her mother and how much she cared for her brother, Alastair, everything really kept me curious. Her love for James, on the other hand, not so much. I like their romance, I even ship them, but I think it's too much drama for my usual taste of shadowhunter-drama. The way she stood up for what was right and never hesitated to tell someone when they were wrong, that was my favourite thing about her. This girl ... was definitely an amazing protagonist. However, even after my reread, I feel like I need more to know her better. (I feel the same for all characters, but) esp. her because she's the main character. I see she's been in love with James, I see how fierce she is and how loyal too, I've seen her hurt and it has hurt me for her too, and yet, something feels missing.
By @adamar.art
James Herondale
hmm. I liked him. I liked his calm nature. But again, the Herondales-destroying-themselves-in-love. Oh boy. Please Cassie, please stop this. I love these Characters. I love these troubled Herondale boys, but just stop. It's not fair that you make us hurt for them and in the end give them a happy ending. Like always!! Why? Why can't they sometimes just be trouble-free and happy? And why are they always the ones to get importance?
Is it just me? Because I noticed the wings in the shadows just a few days ago while I'm looking and admiring this fanart from last year!
My main problem with this bookisn't that characters don't communicate because that's obviously the part of age-old-shadowhunter-drama, it's that I was expecting more about Anna Lightwood, Lucie Herondale, Matthew Fairchild and Jesse Blackthorn, Grace and Tatiana too, which I absolutely didn't get. But oh well, Cassie could only do so much in the first book so let's see if she gives me what I wanted in the sequel.
⚠️ SPOILER ALERT ⚠️
About Characters and relationships while also getting into the plot, so I'll definitely discuss scenes I loved. Kindly avoid reading ahead if you don't wanna be spoiled.
CHARACTERS
—Jesse Blackthorn
The most underrated character in this book. I want his pov from when he first met Lucie to when he got shocked Lucie could still see him, I want his pov from when she visited him when she went with Cordelia to when he visited her the time Will called her "Lulu", I want it all! How he felt for her, what he thought of her, why he was so ready to give his last breath away for her or anyone she loved, and I want to know just how much Grace and Tatiana had told him of their plans. I just need to know!
—Matthew Fairchild
My Love. This boy deserves a world full of happiness and that's it. If he doesn't get to be happy, I'm gonna be very mad at Cassie. I love his Character, I love his personality, I love his dialogues, I love his sense of humour, I love how sincere he is and I love how intensely he feels things and loves people/his friends. This boy is just so imperfectly perfect for a fictional world and yet that shadow of the past won't let him fully live the way he could have. I deeply hurt for him everytime he remembers what he's done or gives a hint at what Alastair said or how he's reminded of his mom at times, I really hurt for him and just want him to have it in him to share his burden with someone and just ... Forgive Alastair. The way he makes people (me) laugh, oh! My heart is full of love for him. And yes, I want a long time pov from him too! Esp, after that whispering room scene and that scene in the end when he talks to Magnus.
—Lucie Herondale
Cassie's first character, (I guess) who loves writing, not sketching, painting, reading, etc. This girl has a lot ahead of her.
She's gonna fall into trouble.
And seeing the Chain of Iron cover, I'm assuming the plot is going to mainly revolve around her and her Will-like-reckless decisions, haha. Oh, I'm so in for it.
I think, depending on how Cassie writes book 2, I might love her more than Cordelia. There's definitely a chance.
And, I was a bit hurt the last time I read that she didn't love Matthew, but this time, I'm glad that at least she didn't play around with him by pretending she loves him just so he doesn't get hurt and that she was actually honest, because imo, in those times, relationships used to get affected easily regarding such matters. It was really amazing seeing how strong the friendships were that even such truths couldn't weaken the bonds.
I also wonder who's ghost it might be that she saw. A Blonde boy. 🤔
Oh, and I just love the way Lucie always steps forward in any matter of the Herondale family name.
In fact, I loved her spirit when she said,
—Alastair Carstairs
Um, please understand him. Please forgive him. I'm not saying I never hated what he did; I did. But not when I read Chain of Gold. In fact, when I read his story from Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy. And because I had read this first, I couldn't hate him. I just felt so many things. I hated what he did, I hated what his rumour-spreading made Matthew do, but I also admired him for taking so much care of Cordelia, I was actually happy that he was strong enough to face those he hurt so bad and prove he isn't the same boy from the academy. The things he was going through because of guilt, the insecurity he felt for Cordelia just because he thought James would take revenge through his sister, and lastly, the things he was understanding because of Charles for so long ... It was a lot.
The things I'm glad about for him is that,
he trusts his sister enough to include her in his personal matters and
that he knows that no matter what all wrong things he did, he was worth more than being in a secret relationship with that jerk, Charles.
—Grace Blackthorn
Idk if you've noticed it or not but I've seen two sides of Grace. No, not the general, evil and pretentious side. Those are obviously there.
What I'm talking about is the unfriendly and defensive side as well as the caring and helpless side. It might be my assumption or a seeing-what-I-want-to-see kind of case but I feel Grace genuinely cares about James. And I think she's mostly defensive because she sees the judgement about her in people's eyes.
(for reference: scenes when she talked to Cordelia, Matthew, Lucie, and even Magnus in The Midnight Heir)
I really think she could have left Tatiana, that "Tatiana could blame her for something" is just an excuse because most shadowhunters know how mad Tatiana is and wouldn't believe whatever she'd say about Grace, I think she wants to bring Jesse back so so much that it's part of the reason she doesn't want to go against Tatiana or even leave her. I think at least that much is true.
I really hate the way she asked James to marry her even if they had to get their marks stripped, idc if it was a test, it was very cruel and unfair esp. when she knows he doesn't actually love her, and esp. when she knows it's just the influence of the Gracelet.
but in the end, again, thanks to @El in Oz, despite hating some things Grace did, I'm not able to fully hate her. I really need her side of the story.
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE this illustration of Grace but I feel like she looks way older than her age.
—Magnus Bane
The most iconic character that Cassie has ever created! What was it that Matthew said?
—ch: loyalty binds me
Exactly! Mine too! There's just one thing that bothered me a little, which includes a spoilery paragraph from The Midnight Heir—a short story in the bane chronicles.
After this, Magnus left London. And by the end of this book, he told in the meeting that Tatiana had asked him for that help in January. I was confused in my reading vlog but while writing this review, I just remembered that in The Penultimate Hours, Ragnor wrote Magnus a letter about what was happening among these shadowhunters, and I think that's what made Magnus come back to London again and I'm so happy that no matter how hurt Magnus gets, he selflessly gets ready to help anybody he can.
Magnus. Is. Precision. ❤️✨
by @adamar.art
I am not going to talk about Anna, Ariadne or anyone else I'm missing because they just didn't have enough part in this book to talk about individually.
All the rest of fanart is by @charliebowater.
RELATIONSHIPS/FRIENDSHIPS
I'll link it here—scroll a little, as the page count is almost over and I can't write more here.
DAYS PAST CHAPTERS
My absolute Favourites! I enjoyed reading about these glimpses from the past, so so much.
° Lucie meeting Jesse for the first time? Not knowing he was Jesse, I had already been so curious to know the boy, and oh! The way he laughed? He just, I knew he was gonna be a favourite and so he is. When he again met Lucie at the ball, told her he is Jesse Blackthorn, oh my! I was just wishing Cassie gave us Jesse's pov. That boy deserves it! I WANT an extra scene written by Cassie in Jesse's pov!
° James meeting the oh-so-graceful, Grace. The way she approached him by calling him "Herondale boy". I was like, are you even real? I see, she isn't the real evil bitch here, Tatiana is. But she sure is her mother's blade and has learned a great deal of manipulation.
° Grace put the Gracelet on James. I was so relieved when she finally took it back. It clearly showed she was tired of playing Tatiana's games and the first chance she got (when Tatiana was attacked), Grace took the Gracelet back from James. We didn't get any single scene from her pov but I'm assuming she cared enough about James to want to free him from that enchantment. The only thing that makes me sad and mad at her is that she confessed almost everything to James before putting the enchantment back where that Demon asked her to. My only wish for now, is that Lucie keep the words that demon said to Grace, in her mind and put the pieces together when she sees James is wearing the bracelet and acting unlike him. But I guess no one would pay that much attention. Alas! I'm so deeply sad.
° When Thomas met Alastair on his holiday from his travel year? All I want to say is I ship them hard and I really appreciate Alastair's initiative towards Thomas, showing he's not the same academy bully, and making things as better as he could by having as much of a quality time, he could have with Thomas. Also, I'm glad Thomas sincerely gave Alastair a chance to prove he's become better than he was, even if it was because he was having butterflies, lol. 🤭
° Matthew's memory of the crime he commited? It Seriously hurts me. Idk why some people think it's not much and he should get over it. In fact, I think if only Math shared it with someone, he even would have gotten over it. But something THAT big done for a rumour, that surely can't be easy when you keep it to yourself. Not just because you killed someone in your family, but because you didn't trust them enough to have so easily believed a rumour, and it sure can't be easy to forgive when: 1) that rumour was so sick, and 2) that rumour was reason you went that far, anyway.
° Cordelia and Alastair's chapter? My favourite!
To sum up, this book was a mess and it a mess of me too.
Chain of Gold—Reading Vlog
Stories connecting to TLH Characters:
Nothing But Shadows 5★
Cast Long Shadows 5★
Every Exquisite Thing 5★
The Midnight Heir 4★
Prequel:
The Penultimate Hours 4★
Sequels:
Chain of Iron
Chain of Thorns
______
I cannot wait to reread this! Cassie writes the best historical/Victorian set up in books! ❤️
Perhaps life was not like books. Perhaps life was never going to be like that.
Last year, I rated it 5 because I loved it so much and because I'm usually biased when it comes to Cassie's books. Last year I thought this book was a bit too slow, and despite loving it so so much, I felt a bit disappointed too.
This time, however, everything seemed perfect. Maybe because I've become a little more calmer than before. This book was very like "Queen of Air and Darkness" in terms of writing style and plotting and I LOVED IT! Also, I'm glad this book wasn't unnecessarily long like that one because that one was.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Cordelia Carstairs travels to London with her family. Her main goal is to make a good relationship with some of the most influential family members so that she could take them on her side, explain the problem with her dad regarding which she needs help, and also make a good match with someone she can get married to because ... Reasons.
Everything happens very smoothly and clearly, the drama starts from the beginning and the action is almost always there. There are complexities, misunderstandings, secrets, unexpressed love, I mean, everything you could expect from a shadowhunter book. It's not something new. In fact, it's something we know we'll find inside every time we start a Shadowhunter book; at least I do. But the way Cassie shapes the personality of a Character and the way she further develops them is fascinating as well as fun to read. The humour, whether it's 1800s-1900s or 2007-2012, is my favourite! Also the historical world set-up? Cassie does the very best at writing those. I love her books set in modern times but I just LOVE this Edwardian-Victorian time. And this probably falls under character development, but I really want to tell that I love how unique these characters are in terms of their backstory and personality. (Ofc, except Herondales)
About the main characters,
Cordelia Carstairs
That's everyone's dream, isn't it, really? Instead of many who give you little pieces of themselves—one who gives you everything.
I really liked seeing how different Cassie wrote Cordelia from her other female Protagonists (Clary, Emma, Tessa) I personally loved her own family dynamic, having always traveled so she never had any friends, the way she felt like she had to help her father, the way she tried to never hurt her mother and how much she cared for her brother, Alastair, everything really kept me curious. Her love for James, on the other hand, not so much. I like their romance, I even ship them, but I think it's too much drama for my usual taste of shadowhunter-drama. The way she stood up for what was right and never hesitated to tell someone when they were wrong, that was my favourite thing about her. This girl ... was definitely an amazing protagonist. However, even after my reread, I feel like I need more to know her better. (I feel the same for all characters, but) esp. her because she's the main character. I see she's been in love with James, I see how fierce she is and how loyal too, I've seen her hurt and it has hurt me for her too, and yet, something feels missing.
By @adamar.art
James Herondale
I am a Herondale. We love but once.
That is only a story.
Haven't you heard? All the stories are true.
hmm. I liked him. I liked his calm nature. But again, the Herondales-destroying-themselves-in-love. Oh boy. Please Cassie, please stop this. I love these Characters. I love these troubled Herondale boys, but just stop. It's not fair that you make us hurt for them and in the end give them a happy ending. Like always!! Why? Why can't they sometimes just be trouble-free and happy? And why are they always the ones to get importance?
Is it just me? Because I noticed the wings in the shadows just a few days ago while I'm looking and admiring this fanart from last year!
My main problem with this book
⚠️ SPOILER ALERT ⚠️
About Characters and relationships while also getting into the plot, so I'll definitely discuss scenes I loved. Kindly avoid reading ahead if you don't wanna be spoiled.
CHARACTERS
—Jesse Blackthorn
Think of me as on the threshold of a door. I am unable to take a step outside the door, and I know I can never be allowed back in, to live again. But the door has not closed behind me.
The most underrated character in this book. I want his pov from when he first met Lucie to when he got shocked Lucie could still see him, I want his pov from when she visited him when she went with Cordelia to when he visited her the time Will called her "Lulu", I want it all! How he felt for her, what he thought of her, why he was so ready to give his last breath away for her or anyone she loved, and I want to know just how much Grace and Tatiana had told him of their plans. I just need to know!
—Matthew Fairchild
I should like to have a portrait in the attic, that would show all my sins, while I stayed young and beautiful.
My Love. This boy deserves a world full of happiness and that's it. If he doesn't get to be happy, I'm gonna be very mad at Cassie. I love his Character, I love his personality, I love his dialogues, I love his sense of humour, I love how sincere he is and I love how intensely he feels things and loves people/his friends. This boy is just so imperfectly perfect for a fictional world and yet that shadow of the past won't let him fully live the way he could have. I deeply hurt for him everytime he remembers what he's done or gives a hint at what Alastair said or how he's reminded of his mom at times, I really hurt for him and just want him to have it in him to share his burden with someone and just ... Forgive Alastair. The way he makes people (me) laugh, oh! My heart is full of love for him. And yes, I want a long time pov from him too! Esp, after that whispering room scene and that scene in the end when he talks to Magnus.
—Lucie Herondale
What was the point of having exciting things happen to you if you couldn't tell a story about them?
Cassie's first character, (I guess) who loves writing, not sketching, painting, reading, etc. This girl has a lot ahead of her.
She's gonna fall into trouble.
And seeing the Chain of Iron cover, I'm assuming the plot is going to mainly revolve around her and her Will-like-reckless decisions, haha. Oh, I'm so in for it.
I think, depending on how Cassie writes book 2, I might love her more than Cordelia. There's definitely a chance.
And, I was a bit hurt the last time I read that she didn't love Matthew, but this time, I'm glad that at least she didn't play around with him by pretending she loves him just so he doesn't get hurt and that she was actually honest, because imo, in those times, relationships used to get affected easily regarding such matters. It was really amazing seeing how strong the friendships were that even such truths couldn't weaken the bonds.
I also wonder who's ghost it might be that she saw. A Blonde boy. 🤔
Oh, and I just love the way Lucie always steps forward in any matter of the Herondale family name.
"I see you have decided to follow in the long Herondale tradition of poor decision-making."
"So have I!" said Lucie, determined not be left out.
In fact, I loved her spirit when she said,
I can promise it. I do promise it. I am a Herondale, and we do keep our promises.
—Alastair Carstairs
I chose the one where I wasn't made to feel like a laughingstock.
And how has that worked out?
Awful. It's awful.
Um, please understand him. Please forgive him. I'm not saying I never hated what he did; I did. But not when I read Chain of Gold. In fact, when I read his story from Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy. And because I had read this first, I couldn't hate him. I just felt so many things. I hated what he did, I hated what his rumour-spreading made Matthew do, but I also admired him for taking so much care of Cordelia, I was actually happy that he was strong enough to face those he hurt so bad and prove he isn't the same boy from the academy. The things he was going through because of guilt, the insecurity he felt for Cordelia just because he thought James would take revenge through his sister, and lastly, the things he was understanding because of Charles for so long ... It was a lot.
The things I'm glad about for him is that,
he trusts his sister enough to include her in his personal matters and
that he knows that no matter what all wrong things he did, he was worth more than being in a secret relationship with that jerk, Charles.
—Grace Blackthorn
My mother made me her blade, to cut every barrier raised against her.
Idk if you've noticed it or not but I've seen two sides of Grace. No, not the general, evil and pretentious side. Those are obviously there.
What I'm talking about is the unfriendly and defensive side as well as the caring and helpless side. It might be my assumption or a seeing-what-I-want-to-see kind of case but I feel Grace genuinely cares about James. And I think she's mostly defensive because she sees the judgement about her in people's eyes.
(for reference: scenes when she talked to Cordelia, Matthew, Lucie, and even Magnus in The Midnight Heir)
I really think she could have left Tatiana, that "Tatiana could blame her for something" is just an excuse because most shadowhunters know how mad Tatiana is and wouldn't believe whatever she'd say about Grace, I think she wants to bring Jesse back so so much that it's part of the reason she doesn't want to go against Tatiana or even leave her. I think at least that much is true.
I really hate the way she asked James to marry her even if they had to get their marks stripped, idc if it was a test, it was very cruel and unfair esp. when she knows he doesn't actually love her, and esp. when she knows it's just the influence of the Gracelet.
but in the end, again, thanks to @El in Oz, despite hating some things Grace did, I'm not able to fully hate her. I really need her side of the story.
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE this illustration of Grace but I feel like she looks way older than her age.
—Magnus Bane
There is no better distraction in this world than losing oneself in books for a while.
The most iconic character that Cassie has ever created! What was it that Matthew said?
Ah, Magnus Bane. My personal hero
—ch: loyalty binds me
Exactly! Mine too! There's just one thing that bothered me a little, which includes a spoilery paragraph from The Midnight Heir—a short story in the bane chronicles.
He had promised Tessa that he would return, but now he found all he wanted to do was escape. He did not want to care what Shadowhunters thought of him. He did not want to care what would become of them or their children.
He had offered help to three Shadowhunters this night. One of them had replied that he was beyond help, one had asked him to commit murder, and one had pointed a blade at him.
After this, Magnus left London. And by the end of this book, he told in the meeting that Tatiana had asked him for that help in January. I was confused in my reading vlog but while writing this review, I just remembered that in The Penultimate Hours, Ragnor wrote Magnus a letter about what was happening among these shadowhunters, and I think that's what made Magnus come back to London again and I'm so happy that no matter how hurt Magnus gets, he selflessly gets ready to help anybody he can.
Magnus. Is. Precision. ❤️✨
by @adamar.art
I am not going to talk about Anna, Ariadne or anyone else I'm missing because they just didn't have enough part in this book to talk about individually.
All the rest of fanart is by @charliebowater.
RELATIONSHIPS/FRIENDSHIPS
I'll link it here—scroll a little, as the page count is almost over and I can't write more here.
DAYS PAST CHAPTERS
My absolute Favourites! I enjoyed reading about these glimpses from the past, so so much.
° Lucie meeting Jesse for the first time? Not knowing he was Jesse, I had already been so curious to know the boy, and oh! The way he laughed? He just, I knew he was gonna be a favourite and so he is. When he again met Lucie at the ball, told her he is Jesse Blackthorn, oh my! I was just wishing Cassie gave us Jesse's pov. That boy deserves it! I WANT an extra scene written by Cassie in Jesse's pov!
° James meeting the oh-so-graceful, Grace. The way she approached him by calling him "Herondale boy". I was like, are you even real? I see, she isn't the real evil bitch here, Tatiana is. But she sure is her mother's blade and has learned a great deal of manipulation.
° Grace put the Gracelet on James. I was so relieved when she finally took it back. It clearly showed she was tired of playing Tatiana's games and the first chance she got (when Tatiana was attacked), Grace took the Gracelet back from James. We didn't get any single scene from her pov but I'm assuming she cared enough about James to want to free him from that enchantment. The only thing that makes me sad and mad at her is that she confessed almost everything to James before putting the enchantment back where that Demon asked her to. My only wish for now, is that Lucie keep the words that demon said to Grace, in her mind and put the pieces together when she sees James is wearing the bracelet and acting unlike him. But I guess no one would pay that much attention. Alas! I'm so deeply sad.
° When Thomas met Alastair on his holiday from his travel year? All I want to say is I ship them hard and I really appreciate Alastair's initiative towards Thomas, showing he's not the same academy bully, and making things as better as he could by having as much of a quality time, he could have with Thomas. Also, I'm glad Thomas sincerely gave Alastair a chance to prove he's become better than he was, even if it was because he was having butterflies, lol. 🤭
° Matthew's memory of the crime he commited? It Seriously hurts me. Idk why some people think it's not much and he should get over it. In fact, I think if only Math shared it with someone, he even would have gotten over it. But something THAT big done for a rumour, that surely can't be easy when you keep it to yourself. Not just because you killed someone in your family, but because you didn't trust them enough to have so easily believed a rumour, and it sure can't be easy to forgive when: 1) that rumour was so sick, and 2) that rumour was reason you went that far, anyway.
° Cordelia and Alastair's chapter? My favourite!
To sum up, this book was a mess and it a mess of me too.
Chain of Gold—Reading Vlog
Stories connecting to TLH Characters:
Nothing But Shadows 5★
Cast Long Shadows 5★
Every Exquisite Thing 5★
The Midnight Heir 4★
Prequel:
The Penultimate Hours 4★
Sequels:
Chain of Iron
Chain of Thorns
______
I cannot wait to reread this! Cassie writes the best historical/Victorian set up in books! ❤️
December 30, 2020
UPDATE: $3.99 on Kindle US 12/30/20
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
Want to read
July 12, 2013
Here We Go Again.
First, I want to make clear to everyone that I Looooove TMI and TID, Loved them. But there's already The Dark Artifices coming and now this?
The thing about lots of books in a series is that, for them to work well, the author has to built this whole excellent world that is just so well written and so thought of that you can't help but want continue to be in it - for example Harry Potter. The Nephilim world is amazing and I've loved learning more and more about it and I can't seem to get enough of CC's books but.... no more.
Let's think about TMI and TID for a minute.... they are different periods of time and yada yada... but what are the similar things??? ....Oh Hell, I'll just say it: Characters. Now please don't hate me for this, but Will is Jace, Jem is Simon, Jessamine is/was Isabel just as Tessa was Clary. Of course there were differences, like how Clary was more... feisty? not sure if that's the word I want to use, but whatever. While Tessa has a more quiet strength in her. Still, they are very similar.
The same theory that applies to the story applies to the characters: Jace for example, was an Amazing character to read, he was refreshing, funny, charming, EVERYTHING. Which is why it did not bother me at all to see the same qualities in Will, but... but.... no more.
CC is an amazing writer, but I would just love to see something new from her. She seems to have so much potential and I really think she has the talent to create a whole other new world, with more new and refreshing characters, I would just really like to see her explore that side.
That being said... maybe I'll read her new Nephilim books. I did not continue reading the second part of TMI, but I did love the whole TID series... I just think that too much of something can really be a turnoff. Personal opinions people, I just felt like ranting.
Want to read
July 31, 2017See's William Herondale in the synopsis. *Screams*
Shelved as 'never-ever-ever-reading-this'
July 23, 2014Dear lord, will someone take this woman's pen away!?
February 23, 2021
The Written Review
Just released my Worst 2020 Books Video - now that you know this one made the list, click the link to find the rest!
So...it was alright.
I feel like I'm missing a lot, since it's in the world of Shadow Hunters and I'm literally at book 2 of the main series.
But at the end of the day, it was an interesting story.
But probably not as interesting as it would be to someone who knows the background and can follow who was who.
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