Member Reviews

I have always loved reading Cassandra Clare books, so this book is one of my most anticipated releases of 2020. Reading this expert, I have gotten a better idea on a lot of things-the whole weapons and what they were (which I figured out what they are finally!), characters (new and old) and what it's going to be about.

I love these characters so much, and will be enjoying this book when it comes out on March 3rd!

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I have not read any of Cassandra Clare's previous works so this review of Chain of Gold excerpt has no other biases connected to her previous work or familiarity with the author.

I loved the opening quote from Great Expectations. The author delicately weaves the most beautiful descriptive imagery into the story that makes me feel a part of a fairy tale from the start.

I was instantly intrigued with the little boy that Lucie met in the woods, and anxious to see how their paths cross again 6 years later. That was an excellent hook the author provided!

This book seems very interesting to me, and a genre that I typically enjoy. This sneak peek paired with the admired reputation of this author has inspired me to list this book on my TBR shelf!

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Clare continues the Shadowhunters saga by revisiting the London Institute, Although fans will be happy to see appearances from characters of the Infernal Devices series like Will Herondale and Tessa, they will quickly fall in love with our new protagonists--the next generation of Shadowhunters.
The various Shadowhunters books are unique in their accessibility. Readers can come in at to any of the story sets (Mortal Instruments, Infernal Devices, Dark Artifices) and enjoy the story. Clare does this without watering down the story but instead weaving in extra details that, if all the books read together, make for an even more enriched experience.
As a long time reader, I greatly enjoyed the excerpt and am salivating at the mouth for the final product. I cannot wait to see how The Last Hours weaves its way into the overall narrative.

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Chain of Gold – Cassandra Clare (extract only)

I was so excited to get an advanced extract of “Chain of Gold” by Cassandra Clare, I literally squealed and did a happy dance (this can be verified!).
I have literally read every book written by Cassandra Clare in her shadow hunter world.
Strangely I watched the ill-fated movie first and then discovered the books and I have fell in love with it ever since. So, when I heard Cassandra Clare was doing another trilogy in this world, I couldn’t contain my excitement and have marked the release date in all my calendars.
It felt so good to dive back into the world of the shadow hunters, more specifically that of James, Lucie and Cordelia. Set in the magical time of 1897 in London.
Demon activity is low and Lucie made a mysterious night time friend dark, tall and foreboding.
James Herondale is struggling with the demon side he inherited from his mother, being pulled into the demon world at random and having a corporeal form. But Grace is moving from Idris to London, James can’t believe his luck, he’ll get to see her this summer after all.
Unbeknownst to James, poor Cordelia has been secretly pining away for James and moving to London from Idris might just be her chance to have James notice her and fall in love.
I couldn’t wait to get my hands of the book before reading this extract and now, I wish I could run down to the bookstore now and get my hands on it. Reading this was like pulling on your favourite old pyjamas and snuggling in, comforting and familiar.
I can’t wait to settle in and hear what new adventures these young shadow hunters go on now.

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Full confession, I only read the prequel series, not the entire City of Bones saga. I enjoyed the first chapter preview. It was a great reminder of some of the events of the previous series and introduces us to new characters. I wish there was a family tree at the beginning, but maybe it's at the end? All and all it definitely whet my apatite for full book, which i will definitely be reading!

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Thank you NetGalley for providing an excerpt to Cassandra Clare's Chain of Gold. I enjoyed Clare's past literary contributions and can tell that this will be another stellar addition to the Shadowhunter universe. Although the initial chapter offered a small peek into the new Shadowhunter world, it was tantalizing enough to secure my interest. The characters are intensely likable and I look forward to their evolution through the harrowing moments that are guaranteed to ensue this tranquil introduction. I will definitely read this book in its entirety once it graces the shelves of my local bookstore.

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A dazzling, immersive, vibrant introduction! Cassandra Clare demonstrates her renowned prowess as fantasy world builder extraordinaire in this lyrical, resonating adventure. Sure to be an engrossing read for veterans and novices alike! The only word I can use to describe my reaction to this book is hungry - hungry to dive right into Cordelia's journey! And that cover...is phenomenal. Publishers, take notes. This is how you sell a story.

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It's amazing what a name can do. Not just Cassandra Clare's name. Just reading 'Clary' or 'Herondale'. It feels like coming home again! It wasn't hard to get back into this story, because Cassandra's writing style is so open, honest and wonderful. While reading this first part, every sentence, every paragraph came to life before my eyes. Somehow this author is able to do that for me in just a couple of sentences.

Some of the information about parabatai, warlocks, downworlders and shadowhunters themselves, wasn't always necessary because most of the details about the Shadowhunters world for me was still fresh and known. But a little reminder of some of the rules they're bound to wouldn't hurt. This information flew by in a couple of pages and made room for the story of James Herondale.

It feels like it's somehow recognizable, because a few of the characters were already introduced in other books. But while reading it turned out this book will contain a whole new story with known and unknown characters. I loved it when they brought a piano into this story, I really hope there will be some wonderful and romantic scenes with this instrument and two characters for instance. And I already love Lucie's character. She's so sweet, sincere and cute! All together it was amazing to travel back into this world and I can't wait to read what will happen next!

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Very good first chapter, cannot wait to read more! Been a fan of Cassandra Clare since I was 12 years old. The Infernal Devices is still my favorite of her series, but am excited to see what this novel will offer.

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I'm a Cassandra Clare devotee, and I am so excited to delve into the world of The Last Hours! We've met Lucie and James Herondale along with their Edwardian compatriots through a number of short stories in the Shadowhunters world. In this early excerpt, it seems like Chain of Gold will have a large cast of characters, which Cassandra Clare always manages beautifully! One of my favorite parts of her stories! The only negative thing that I could possibly say about this excerpt is that it left me wanting more. Fortunately, Cassandra Clare seems to love her world of Shadowhunters as much as I do, and she always delivers!

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I love Cassandra Clare. She is an author that I read everything released by her. I remember picking up City of Bones when I first started at the library and did not stop until I had finished every book in her series that had been released. I love the world of the Shadowhunters. Her books are always exciting with great characters. I cannot wait to finish this story since it a historical one. I think my favorite series is the Infernal Devices so when I found out that this was a "sequel" series to it I had to have it. Plus the cover is gorgeous!!!

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I reviewed the opening chapter for Netgalley. I was unable to download the excerpt from Netgalley, but I found it on Cassie's website.

I devoured the first chapter and now I just want more. It feels so comforting to be back in the Shadowhunter world, especially that of old England. 'The Infernal Devices' is definitely my favourite Shadowhunter series, but I can see 'The Dark Hours' coming close to it, when I get my hands on it.

James Herondale appears to be the protagonist of this book and he seems to be a chip off the Herondale block - I think I'm going to love him. I also can't wait to meet Lucie and Cordelia...the list goes on.

I love how Cassie (I like to think we're friends, so I can call her Cassie) has left subtle nods to some English writers in her opening chapter. There is the Dickens' quote at the beginning, but also a nod to Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' and Tennyson's poem 'Charge of the Light Brigade' My dreams of Shadowhunters and classic literature combined has been realised. Even though I didn't really know I needed it.

I do know that I need this book!

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Thank you to Netgalley for giving me the chance to read and review an excerpt from "Chain of Gold"by Cassandra Clare. Even though this was only an excerpt, I enjoyed it immensely. The cover art is beautiful. The writing was spot on and left me wanting more. I can't wait to read the rest of it when it comes out!

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Loved this excerpt, can’t wait to get stuck into this book. The infernal Devices series is my favourite shadowhunters series, can’t wait to find out what happens next

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I've been eagerly anticipating The Last Hours for seven years now (since the release of Clockwork Princess), and I'm so happy that Chain of Gold is finally near! This excerpt was a great taste of what's to come, and I can't wait to have the full book in my hands soon.

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I could not download this on Kindle or Android. Very disappointing because I love the series. Please let me know when you correct the problem with the file.

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I am not familiar with Cassandra Clare's previous work, so this is my introduction to the world. I understand I am late for the party, but I was intrigued by the time period.

The excerpt promisses romance, intrigue, secrets and action. I would like to continue reading. I admit I was slightly overwhelmed by the history and characters, but this is not surprising, since I am unfamiliar with previous stories. I am sure Clare fans will not have this problem.

I am interested in finding out what happens next.

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I have loved Cassandra Clare's writing and anything to do with the Shadowhunters for years. I loved this first chapter. Her writing really has a magical feel to it that instantly connects you to the story and the characters.
I am always amazed at how she connects her stories together. This first chapter did exactly what it was meant to, it hooked me from the first page and, even though I was already extremely excited to read Chain of Gold, this chapter has made me even more excited! I can't wait to be able to devour the entire book come its release next month!

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We're immediately introduced to the Herondale mansion, and a young Lucie Herondale who is frolicking around, playing games. Running outside, she falls into a hole where a young boy helps her out of it.

The mood immediately switches to James Herondale, Lucie's brother, and his patrol team: Matthew, Thomas, and Christopher. Set in London, we're immediately thrown into the London setting and the rich time period. Interesting opening, curious to see what happens next!

I feel like I want to reread the Infernal Devices trilogy, because I felt like I was missing osmething, but I really enjoyed what I read so far!

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I'm already in love! The Infernal Devices is my favourite Cassandra Clare series and I loved being taken back to that period. All the characters seem amazing and I can't wait to live new adventures with them. Why can't it be March 3rd already!

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