Book Review | Chain of Iron by Cassandra Clare

I did not expect this book to affect me the way it did! I adore this motley crew of characters who stand by one another no matter what.

Chain of Iron is an installment of the Shadowhunters series and is the second book in The Last Hours Trilogy, which most closely follows James Herondale and Cordelia Carstairs as they face the dangers that come with being a Shadowhunter, or demon killer. Chain of Iron takes place in the late 1800s and early 1900s in London, where the Shadowhunters are sworn to protect the world from the evil influence of the Princes of Hell and their demon legions. James and Cordelia are young and find themselves cornered into marriage. They must keep up the pretense of a happy marriage in order to restore Cordelia's reputation. But it isn't as easy as it seems.

Together with their friends, James and Cordelia must face a danger they thought was long gone all while a series of mysterious murders plague the Shadowhunter community.

With a flare of historical fiction mixed with fantasy, I loved how Clare juxtaposes these genres to make something new and exciting. She skillfully builds each character, and even though there is a host of main personalities and perspectives to follow, I never felt lost or disengaged from any of them. Each one has their personal strengths and struggles, and though James and Cordelia take center stage, you'll fall in love with their friends, too.

This novel was also part mystery and romance, too. With just the right amount of mild spiciness, I found myself rooting for each of the characters relationships and wanting to learn more. The story stole my heart numerous times and even ripped it out once or twice! But I loved every second.

Chain of Iron is a solid follow-up to Chain of Gold, with an adventure and peril unfolding in every direction. Cassandra Clare has me hooked, and I can't wait to read the next book in the series, Chain of Thorns.