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67 pages 2 hours read

Chain of Gold

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2020

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Book Brief

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Cassandra Clare

Chain of Gold

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2020
Book Details
Pages

672

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

London • Early 1900s

Publication Year

2020

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

HL770L

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Super Short Summary

Set in London in 1903, Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare follows young Shadowhunters James and Lucie Herondale and their friend Cordelia Carstairs as they navigate love, loyalty, and duty amidst demon attacks. The novel blends historical accuracy with fantasy elements and features diverse characters, strong heroines, and themes of true love and free will. The story explores demon blood inheritance and forbidden magic within a Victorian-era backdrop.

Mysterious

Adventurous

Romantic

Fantastical

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.5

122,246 ratings

88%

Loved it

10%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare has garnered positive feedback for its rich character development, intricate world-building, and engaging plot. Readers praised the blend of action, romance, and suspense. Some noted a slow pacing in parts and felt overwhelmed by the large ensemble cast. Overall, it’s a captivating addition to Clare's Shadowhunter series.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Chain of Gold?

Fans of Harry Potter and Twilight who crave a mix of magic, romance, and intricate world-building will enjoy Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare. This young adult fantasy novel appeals to readers who appreciate complex characters, historical settings, and supernatural adventures, akin to Clare's own The Mortal Instruments series.

4.5

122,246 ratings

88%

Loved it

10%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Character List

James Herondale

The eldest child of Will and Tessa Herondale, James is a tall, dark-haired Shadowhunter with gold eyes who navigates the challenges of familial legacy and personal relationships while being one of the novel's main protagonists.

A red-haired Shadowhunter with Persian roots, Cordelia is fiercely brave in battle and struggles with societal expectations while finding connection and purpose among her new friends in London.

The creative and adventurous younger sister of James, Lucie is kind-hearted and discovers a unique power, striving to prove her worth within her family and friends circle.

A fashionable and witty Shadowhunter with a taste for the good life, Matthew, James's parabatai, hides deeper secrets and is drawn to a world full of magic and Downworlders.

An ethereal-looking young woman, Grace is the adoptive daughter of Tatiana Blackthorn, who plays a mysterious role in the story yet holds a significant connection with James Herondale.

Cordelia's older brother, Alastair initially comes across as cold and arrogant but gradually reveals deeper layers driven by personal challenges and past experiences.

A striking and independent Shadowhunter known for her fashionable men's attire and wit, Anna challenges societal norms and has connections in both Shadowhunter and Downworlder societies.

The pale, dark-haired ghost of Tatiana's son, Jesse maintains a secret existence known by few and forms an important friendship with Lucie Herondale.

A smart and inventive Shadowhunter with a passion for science, Christopher is part of the Merry Thieves and plays a key role in battling the demon threat.

A tall, muscular Shadowhunter known for his gentle nature, Thomas is a member of the Merry Thieves and faces emotional struggles while showing great bravery.

A reclusive and bitter figure in Shadowhunter society, Tatiana harbors a deep grudge against prominent families and plays a pivotal antagonist role in the story.

A Prince of Hell and the major antagonist, Belial's ultimate goal involves manipulating events in London to his advantage while hiding in a human guise.

Book Details
Pages

672

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

London • Early 1900s

Publication Year

2020

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

HL770L

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