Title: Chain of Gold
Author: Cassandra Clare
First published March 3, 2020
582 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781481431873 (ISBN10: 1481431870)
Rating: 4.42
Overview
In Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare, Cordelia Carstairs, a skilled Shadowhunter, finds herself in London with her brother to clear her father’s name. While her mother wants her to marry, Cordelia is more interested in being a hero.
She reunites with childhood friends James and Lucie Herondale and is introduced to a world of supernatural beings. Cordelia must hide her love for James, who is betrothed to another.
Suddenly, London is under attack by new demons that are nearly impossible to kill. Trapped in the city, Cordelia and her friends discover they have incredible powers and must make a difficult decision that reveals the true cost of being a hero.
Editoral Review
Chain of Gold, the latest novel by bestselling author Cassandra Clare, is a spellbinding addition to her already successful Shadowhunters series. Published on March 3, 2020, this book is set in London during the Edwardian era and incorporates elements of fantasy, adventure, and romance.
The novel centers around the Carstairs family, a prominent Shadowhunter clan whose reputation has been tarnished by the criminal actions of one of their own. The story follows the eldest Carstairs sibling, Cordelia, as she attends a Shadowhunter academy and navigates the complex relationships and power struggles between various Shadowhunter families.
Along the way, she becomes entangled in a dangerous mystery involving demon attacks and a mysterious villain with a vendetta against her family. Clares writing style is engaging and immersive, seamlessly blending historical details with fantastical elements.
The vivid descriptions of Edwardian London and the Shadowhunter world create a vivid backdrop for the action-packed plot. The characters are well-developed, and readers will find themselves invested in their individual stories and relationships.
One of the strengths of Chain of Gold is its exploration of complex themes, including familial loyalty, ambition, sacrifice, and the legacies of colonialism and imperialism. Clare does not shy away from tackling difficult topics, and her nuanced approach provides readers with a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant narrative.
Although the novel is predominantly geared towards young adult readers, it has broad appeal and will satisfy readers of all ages. Fans of the Shadowhunters series will enjoy revisiting familiar characters and discovering new ones, while readers new to the franchise will find Chain of Gold to be an excellent introduction.
At 544 pages, the novel may be daunting for some readers. However, Clares deft pacing and well-crafted plot keep the story moving forward and prevent it from feeling overstuffed.
Overall, Chain of Gold is a beautifully written and captivating novel that will satisfy both longtime fans of the Shadowhunters series and newcomers alike. Its exploration of complex themes and compelling characters make it a standout addition to the genre.
The Washington Post gives it an enthusiastic recommendation and a score of 4.5 out of 5.
