Review of 'Chain of Gold'

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 and her friends discover that their own connection to 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.

Review

Chain of Gold follows a range of casts, beginning with the children of Will and Tessa Herondale, exploring new characters and new magic.

Excellent Storytelling

I absolutely loved this book. One of the things I can say is that Clare’s writing has grown since City of Bones. Her storytelling has improved and flows effortlessly from the beginning.

In the Victorian Era, in the early 1900s, we follow the ever-brilliant Cordelia Carstairs and the famed blade Cortana as she navigates London. Her family is on the brink of ruins, her brother is a bit of a prick, and her love for James Herondale goes unrequited.

Or so she thinks.

Many masterful elements are at play here, layers to the story that keeps the reader guessing. Who is the villain? What is the magic behind Lucie and James’s individual gifts? One can turn to shadow and enter another realm, while the other can communicate and control ghosts? And what exactly is Grace Blackthorn up to? Is she a victim of circumstance or a villain?

The way Clare builds up the story’s momentum while keeping the reader guessing makes Chain of Gold so interesting.

Love the Characters

But, of course, the characters are unforgettable.

Each character is flawed so perfectly. They all have to contend with different secrets that they don’t share with anyone else. For example, Cordelia is of Persian descent, so her darker skin makes her a bit of an outcast in Victorian Society. The same with her brother. The way the LGBTQ characters are built up is done so wonderfully. They have to challenge society or live in the shadows. But what good is love if it’s hidden?

They deal with grief, anger, alcoholism, and many other elements that give the characters so much depth.

Then there are those romance scenes.

Those scenes, the tension, the steamy aspect of them, because the characters are so realistic and multifaceted, the reader becomes invested, even a little frustrated when things don’t go according to plan.

Final Thoughts

Chain of Gold is captivating from beginning to end, full of action, romance, and strong character development. This book is a star.

• Writing Quality : 9/10
• Character Development :9/10
• "Couldn't Put It Down"-ness : 9/10
• Intellectual Depth: 9/10
• Originality: 9/10
• Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

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About the Author

Cynthia Bujnicki graduated from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature and Publishing. She has always loved to read since she was a child. A contributing writer for YA Fantasy Addicts, she is also the Editor-in-Chief for Cyn's Workshop. She lives in sunny South Florida with her husband, son and daughter and their two cats.