Title: Chain of Iron
Author: Cassandra Clare
First published March 2, 2021
591 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781406358100 (ISBN10: 140635810X)
Rating: 4.46
Overview
In the realm of the Shadowdwellers, order is everything and sin must be punished. But for the head priest of Sanctuary, Magnus, salvation lies with the one woman who can make him break all the rules.
He’s a man of contradictions, a spiritual leader with the body of a warrior. To Magnus, laws are meant to be enforced and visions must be followed, even if that means freeing a beautiful slave and making her his reluctant handmaiden.
But Daenaira is not just any slave, her fiery innocence is drawing them both into a reckless inferno of desire. Magnus has been betrayed before and can barely bring himself to trust another woman, but Daenaira is different.
As they dive deeper into their passion, they discover treachery lurking beneath the calm surface of Sanctuary. An enemy is scheming to unleash havoc on the Shadowdwellers, and only Magnus can stop them.
Fate has ordained a union between Magnus and Daenaira, and it’s sealed by unending bliss. Will they trust in it and save their people from destruction?
Editoral Review
In her latest novel, “Chain of Iron,” Cassandra Clare takes readers back to the Shadowhunter world that has captivated millions of readers. Clares works have been celebrated for their imaginative world-building, complex characters, and action-packed plots.
This book, which was first published on March 2, 2021, is no exception to the standard that the author has set. The novel is a young adult, fantasy, and dystopian fiction work that takes place in Edwardian England, where magic and monsters are hidden behind the veil of normalcy.
As the story begins, the city is plagued by a series of gruesome murders. It is up to the Shadowhunters and their allies to stop the demonic powers responsible for the crimes.
The stakes are higher than ever, as the lives of the characters we have come to love hang in the balance. The main characters in the novel are James, Cordelia, and Lucie, who are all grappling with their own personal demons while trying to save their world.
James is haunted by the sins of his past, Cordelia is torn between her love for James and her duty to her family, and Lucie is determined to solve the mystery of her father’s death. The setting of the novel is in London, and the detailed descriptions of the streets and buildings evoke nostalgia for the era and make the setting feel tangible.
Clare’s writing style immerses the reader in her world, as the story progresses at a fast pace, keeping the reader on edge. The book is part of the series, The Last Hours, and readers might appreciate reading the previous installment to fully understand the characters and the world they inhabit.
As expected, the book is filled with gripping action scenes, offbeat humor, and witty dialogues between characters. While the book maintains the distinctive elements of the Shadowhunter world, it also touches on issues such as love, sacrifice, and betrayal.
There are also more themes that the reader can relate to, such as mental health, social justice, and discrimination. One of the strengths of the novel is the well-thought-out characterization that makes each character unique and memorable.
However, the sheer number of characters in the book can be overwhelming, making it hard to keep track of who is who. In conclusion, “Chain of Iron” is another outstanding addition to the Shadowhunter universe that will keep readers invested until the very end.
Clares writing style continues to shine as she explores dark themes without losing her trademark humor. Although the book may have some flaws such as the number of characters, it is still a highly recommended read, especially for fans of the author and the genre.
Overall, “Chain of Iron” receives a rating of 4.5 out of 5, reflecting the excitement and satisfaction the book can bring to the reader.
