Title: Chain of Gold (The Last Hours, #1)
Author: Cassandra Clare
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Published On: 3/3/20
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Source: Physical
Pages: 624

Synopsis: Welcome to Edwardian London, a time of electric lights and long shadows, the celebration of artistic beauty and the wild pursuit of pleasure, with demons waiting in the dark. For years there has been peace in the Shadowhunter world. James and Lucie Herondale, children of the famous Will and Tessa, have grown up in an idyll with their loving friends and family, listening to stories of good defeating evil and love conquering all. But everything changes when the Blackthorn and Carstairs families come to London…and so does a remorseless and inescapable plague.

James Herondale longs for a great love, and thinks he has found it in the beautiful, mysterious Grace Blackthorn. Cordelia Carstairs is desperate to become a hero, save her family from ruin, and keep her secret love for James hidden. When disaster strikes the Shadowhunters, James, Cordelia and their friends are plunged into a wild adventure which will reveal dark and incredible powers, and the true cruel price of being a hero…and falling in love. 

My Thoughts

It took me so much longer to finish Chain of Gold than I’d planned. But life became a bit distracting while I was reading it. However, I’m already looking forward to a reread sometime down the road when I can devote the attention it deserves. 

“There is no better distraction in this world than losing oneself in books for awhile.”

-Cassandra Clare, Chain of Gold

While I was reading the latest Shadowhunter novel, a pandemic spread across the world, and for the first time in my lifetime, I truly felt like I was living in a fantasy novel. Especially when the characters in the book were under quarantine and suddenly we were being told to practice social distancing. I’m not sure I can recall another time when fiction mirrored reality so much for me.

But on to my review of the book! Thankfully before I started CoG, I read every short story and novella that included the characters leading up to CoG. (My Chain of Gold TBR) I even reread The Infernal Devices. So, when I started CoG I knew the characters and a bit of their back story. It was so nice to return to the Shadowhunter world, but instead of Victorian London, this time we get to experience Edwardian London. The Infernal Devices will always be my favorite Shadowhunter series, and The Last Hours, which focuses on their offspring, will probably become my second favorite.

For me, Cassandra Clare’s books are about the characters more than anything. She creates such a unique and memorable cast, and she’s done it again with CoG. I’m still not sure which ones are my favorites. It usually takes the second book to cement them for me. But, Cordelia was such a pleasant surprise. She was exceptionally brave, confident, and her fearlessness even surprised herself. Every time I think Clare will not be able to create another completely different and special character, she does it again. Now the long wait begins. 

My Rating:

#ASongForABook

{On Bookstagram I created a hashtag for when I include a song that reminds me of the book I’m sharing, #ASongForABook. I’ve decided to use it here, as well.}

I’ve chosen Stand by You by Rachel Platten. The lyrics are perfect for Chain of Gold.

Hands, put your empty hands in mine
And scars, show me all the scars you hide
And hey, if your wings are broken
Please take mine so yours can open too
‘Cause I’m gonna stand by you
Oh, tears make kaleidoscopes in your eyes
And hurt, I know you’re hurting, but so am I
And love, if your wings are broken
Borrow mine so yours can open too
‘Cause I’m gonna stand by you
Even if we’re breaking down, we can find a way to break through
Even if we can’t find heaven, I’ll walk through hell with you
Love, you’re not alone, ’cause I’m gonna stand by you
Even if we can’t find heaven, I’m gonna stand by you
Even if we can’t find heaven, I’ll walk through hell with you
Love, you’re not alone, ’cause I’m gonna stand by you
Yeah, you’re all I never knew I needed
And the heart, sometimes it’s unclear why it’s beating
And love, if your wings are broken
We can brave through those emotions too
‘Cause I’m gonna stand by you
Oh, truth, I guess truth is what you believe in
And faith, I think faith is helping to reason
No, no, no, love, if your wings are broken
Borrow mine so yours can open too
‘Cause I’m gonna stand by you
Even if we’re breaking down, we can find a way to break through
Even if we can’t find heaven, I’ll walk through hell with you
Love, you’re not alone, ’cause I’m gonna stand by you
Even if we can’t find heaven, I’m gonna stand by you
Even if we can’t find heaven, I’ll walk through hell with you
Love, you’re not alone, ’cause I’m gonna stand by you
I’ll be your eyes when yours can’t shine
I’ll be your arms, I’ll be your steady satellite
And when you can’t rise, well, I’ll cry with you on hands and knees
‘Cause I
(I’m gonna stand by you)
Even if we’re breaking down, we can find a way to break through (come on)
Even if we can’t find heaven, I’ll walk through hell with you
Love, you’re not alone, ’cause I’m gonna stand by you
Even if we can’t find heaven, I’m gonna stand by you
Even if we can’t find heaven, I’ll walk through hell with you
Love, you’re not alone, ’cause I’m gonna stand by you
Love, you’re not alone
No, I’m gonna stand by you
(Even if we can’t find heaven, heaven, heaven)
I’m gonna stand by you

Because I couldn’t resist, I also ordered a special Chain of Gold Sips by box that included some different delicious teas and these beautiful character cards!

Have you read Chain of Gold? Or is it on your tbr? Let me know in the comments!

Happy Wandering!