Chain of Iron

January 29, 2021

Gr 9 Up-In this sequel to Chain of Gold, James, Cordelia, Lucie, Matthew, and the rest of their friends must figure out who is killing Shadowhunters. In the previous novel, Cordelia was able to fatally wound Belial, one of the Princes of Hell and James's maternal grandfather, but James fears they have not seen the last of him. Grace and Lucie are secretly working together to reunite the ghost of Jesse with his body, which had been preserved all these years by Tatiana. Cordelia and James have entered a sham marriage to protect Cordelia's reputation, living together, playing chess, and enjoying one another's company. While Cordelia loves James, the boy's heart is still bound to Grace for as long as he wears her bracelet. The more time he spends with Cordelia, however, the weaker the bracelet becomes. New romances blossom while friendships are tested amidst secrets and murder in Edwardian London. Characters have various skin tones. VERDICT Fans of the "Shadowhunters" novels will not be disappointed with the second installment of Clare's latest trilogy and will eagerly await the concluding novel. Recommended for all young adult collections.-Marissa Lieberman, East Orange P.L., NJ

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March 1, 2021
Both warring hearts and (literally) fiendish schemes keep the upcoming generation of demon-fighting Shadowhunters on their toes in this midtrilogy doorstopper. Set in 1903 and centered on a love triangle involving the well-bred offspring of part-angel Nephilim last met in the Infernal Devices series, this episode carries on from Chain of Gold (2020) as golden-eyed James Herondale and Persian/British Cordelia Carstairs, wielder of the legendary blade Cortana, are wed in what--due to the workings of various spells and ill-concealed feelings--they think will be only a marriage of convenience while third-wheel Grace Blackthorn uses her power to cloud people's minds and further the machinations of her deranged foster mother. Meanwhile, with Nephilim suddenly being slaughtered Jack the Ripper-style and other mysterious doings in the background, friendships are tested amid the efforts of supporting cast members to follow the leads in chaste but steamy couplings, requited and otherwise, same-sex and otherwise, even living and...otherwise. A brief but desperate climactic battle drives off a demonic incursion, but worse is plainly to come. "The gods are walking," a character remarks, "and none of us are prepared." Also, as an emotionally wracked James reflects in the aftermath, "We suffer for love because love is worth it." The wealthy, cosmopolitan cast of Londoners includes some ethnic diversity. Illustrations not seen. Full measures indeed of love and suffering...and bloodshed too: Fans will sail through and clamor for more. (Fantasy. 14-18)

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