Hi all!
Welcome back to The Ultimate Reading Challenge! I outlined in 2022 how the new series will work here, so check that out before progressing further. For my third challenge, I read current bestseller: Chain of Thorns by Cassandra Clare. You know I absolutely adore her Shadowhunter universe. If you wish to see my ranking of her works from this world, click here. Today I want to discuss my thoughts on it and what my prize was for completing the prompt. Without further ado, let’s get into it!
Spoilers Ahead!
Plot: ‘Chain of Thorns’ by Cassandra Clare:
Cordelia Carstairs has lost everything that matters to her. In only a few short weeks, she has seen her father murdered, her plans to become parabatai with her best friend, Lucie, destroyed, and her marriage to James Herondale crumble before her eyes. Even worse, she is now bound to an ancient demon, Lilith, stripping her of her power as a Shadowhunter.
After fleeing to Paris with Matthew Fairchild, Cordelia hopes to forget her sorrows in the city’s glittering nightlife. But reality intrudes when shocking news comes from home: Tatiana Blackthorn has escaped the Adamant Citadel, and London is under new threat by the Prince of Hell, Belial.
If Cordelia and her friends are going to save their city – and their families – they will have to muster their courage, swallow their pride, and trust one another again. For if they fail, they may lose everything – even their souls.
Review: ‘Chain of Thorns’ by Cassandra Clare:
I always have a book hangover after finishing a Shadowhunter story. It has a very specific formula it follows: a shocking death, a journey to another realm, a plan that saves the universe and love ultimately overcoming all obstacles. Despite the patterns I’ve come to know from this series, I still enjoy every moment. The Last Hours was such a strong trilogy, and the ending was no exception. There was a solid emphasis placed on female friendships in Chain of Thorns, which I appreciated. Not to mention, the romance was perfection. I’m really looking forward to the Wicked Powers, hopefully coming in 2024.
I gave it 4.5/5 stars.
By the way, I received this beautiful enamel pin (see image below) for pre-ordering the book. I love it!
Prize For Completing The Challenge:
As you can see below, my prize for completing the prompt was a pencil with an eraser at one end. It reads: “Brevity is the soul of wit – William Shakespeare.” I love it!
Thank you so much for reading! I will see you next month for a new bookish challenge!
Peace & Love xoxo