Book Review: Chain of Iron (The Last Hours, #2) by Cassandra Clare
Ah, Chain of Iron. Just when I thought I was ready for the emotional rollercoaster that is Cassandra Clare’s writing, she serves up yet another heart-wrenching journey through the lives of our beloved Shadowhunters. This second installment in The Last Hours series had me almost flinging the book across the room at times—thankfully, it didn’t come to that. Because let’s be real: when you’ve invested so much time in a world filled with intricate lore, fascinating characters, and what can only be described as a Shakespearean level of drama, you also find yourself pretty much living in the pages.
Set in a lush, early 1900s London, Chain of Iron brings the complexity of relationships to the forefront. Cordelia and James, our central couple, find themselves tangled in a web of expectations, secrets, and unresolved feelings. Their engagement, intended as a shield for Cordelia’s reputation, is fraught with unspoken truths—particularly James’s lingering feelings for Grace Blackthorn. You can practically feel the tension as new backstories and deadly threats emerge, keeping readers on their toes while uncovering the darker sides of love, loss, and betrayal.
One quote that kept echoing in my mind was, “Sometimes you cannot reconcile with someone else. Sometimes you have to find that reconciliation on your own.” This sentiment resonated deeply as I watched Cordelia navigate her own complex feelings while grappling with the weight of her decisions. The struggle of loving complicated characters made me reflect on my relationships, finding some painful truth mirrored in their actions. As we dive into the depths of their struggles, Clare’s use of character development shines—each flawed and layered.
Now, let’s talk about pacing. I devoured this 600-page tome in just two days. Yes, you read that right. The suspense was utterly gripping, especially with a murderer on the loose targeting Shadowhunters. Each chapter pulled me deeper into the story, and Clare’s signature witty dialogue lightened the dim moments just enough to keep the reading experience enjoyable. My personal favorite scenes involved the witty banter during chess matches, but oh, the heartbreak when everything came crashing down at the end!
However, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t prefer Chain of Gold over this one. The miscommunication between characters drove me up the wall at times. Such avoidable angst! My impatience hit an all-time high as I found myself yelling at Cordelia and Matthew—“Just talk it out!”—in the comfort of my living room. I still believe, though, that this is one of the most compelling installments in Clare’s extensive catalog. The layers of foreshadowing had me reeling, and the revelations were intricately woven into the narrative, demanding a second read.
To those who savor richly developed characters and intricate stories filled with twists, Chain of Iron is for you. This book expertly explores themes of love, loyalty, and the painful choices that come with them—all under the banner of a spectacular fantasy world. Trust me, after that cliffhanger, you’ll want to jump straight into Chain of Thorns. Prepare yourself, because you’re in for quite the ride—and maybe a good cry or two.
Honestly, if you’re not left gasping for answers and unable to sleep until you get the next book, did you even read it? As for me, I’m just here, bursting with theories and anxiously awaiting the next chapter in these characters’ lives. Now, if only I could get my hands on a time machine to skip ahead to that release date!
Discover more about Chain of Iron (The Last Hours, #2) on GoodReads >>