Chain of Gold
#1 of 3 in The Last Hours Series
on Goodreads (114,466)
What’s inside...
An inheritance of shadows. A love in chains. An unconquerable foe. Cordelia Carstairs is a Shadowhunter, a warrior trained since childhood to battle demons. When her father is accused of a terrible crime, she and her brother travel to London in hopes of preventing the family’s ruin. Cordelia’s mother wants to marry her off, but Cordelia is determined to be a hero rather than a bride. Soon Cordelia encounters childhood friends James and Lucie Herondale and is drawn into their world of glittering ballrooms, secret assignations, and supernatural salons, where vampires and warlocks mingle with mermaids and magicians. All the while, she must hide her secret love for James, who is sworn to marry someone else. But Cordelia’s new life is blown apart when a shocking series of demon attacks devastate London. These monsters are nothing like those Shadowhunters have fought before—these demons walk in daylight, strike down the unwary with incurable poison, and seem impossible to kill. London is immediately quarantined. Trapped in the city, Cordelia's friends discover that a dark legacy has gifted them with incredible powers—and forced a brutal choice that will reveal the true cruel price of being a hero.
Character compass
Cordelia Carstairs
James Herondale
Lucy Herondale
Alastair Carstairs
Christopher Lightwood
Thomas Lightwood
Matthew Fairchild
Anna Lightwood
Will Herondale
Tessa Gray Herondale
Charles Fairchild
Grace Blackthorn
Grace Cartwright
Jesse Blackthorn
Charles Buford Fairchild
James "Jem" Carstairs
Theresa "Tessa" Gray
Lucie Herondale
William Herondale
Discussion points
How do you think Cordelia feels when she moves to London, and how would you feel in her situation?
What do you think the 'chain of gold' symbolizes in the story?
If you had to face a challenge like the characters in the book, who among your friends or family would you want by your side?
How do the characters change throughout the story, and what do you think causes these changes?
What lessons do you think the story teaches about friendship and bravery?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your thoughts on a specific character or event to make your child feel comfortable expressing their opinions. Use open-ended questions to encourage critical thinking and personal connections to the story's themes. Highlight aspects of bravery, loyalty, and friendship showcased in the book to relate them to the child's experiences. Discuss the historical setting and how the characters' experiences might be different or similar to today's world. Encourage your child to imagine alternative scenarios or endings to deepen their engagement.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and loyalty
Explanation: In 'Chain of Gold,' characters demonstrate deep bonds of friendship and stand by each other in the midst of supernatural challenges, showcasing the strength and support that friends can provide.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and nurture their friendships, understanding that true friends stand by each other during difficult times.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonists face fearsome adversaries and unknown dangers bravely, demonstrating courage and determination.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their own fears and challenges with bravery, whether it be standing up against bullying or trying new activities.
Example Lesson: The significance of family ties
Explanation: Family relationships play a critical role in the storyline, offering both support and complex challenges, which highlights the influence and importance of family bonds.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of family and the importance of maintaining relationships with family members, even when situations are complicated.
Example Lesson: Self-sacrifice for the greater good
Explanation: Characters in the book often put others' needs and safety above their own, demonstrating acts of selflessness and sacrifice.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the virtue of self-sacrifice and thinking about the well-being of others before themselves, promoting empathy and altruism.
Example Lesson: Resilience in overcoming personal struggles
Explanation: Despite personal grief and losses, characters in the book grow and find strength, showing resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persevere through their own struggles and understand that overcoming obstacles is part of personal growth and development.