Chain of Thorns: The Last Hours
#3 of 3 in The Last Hours Series
on Goodreads (55,953)
What’s inside...
James and Cordelia must save London—and their marriage—in this conclusion to the Last Hours series from author Cassandra Clare. Chain of Thorns is a Shadowhunters novel. 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. Cordelia returns to a London riven by chaos and dissent. The long-kept secret that Belial is James and Lucie’s grandfather has been revealed by an unexpected enemy, and the Herondales find themselves under suspicion of dealings with demons. Cordelia longs to protect James but is torn between a love for James she has long believed hopeless, and the possibility of a new life with Matthew. Nor can her friends help—ripped apart by their own secrets, they seem destined to face what is coming alone. For time is short, and Belial’s plan is about to crash into the Shadowhunters of London like a deadly wave, one that will separate Cordelia, Lucie, and the Merry Thieves from help of any kind. Left alone in a shadowy London, they must face Belial’s deadly army. 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.
Character compass
Cordelia Carstairs
Lucie Herondale
James Herondale
Grace Blackthorn
Anna Lightwood
Alastair Carstairs
Jesse Blackthorn
Christopher Lightwood
Thomas Lightwood
Matthew Fairchild
Tessa Gray
Will Herondale
Tatiana Blackthorn
Theresa Gray
William Herondale
Discussion points
How do you think the characters' decisions impacted the story's outcome?
Which character do you relate to the most and why?
What feelings did this book evoke and how did you handle them?
What lessons can we learn from the challenges faced by the characters?
If you could change one part of the book, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to consider the perspectives of different characters.
Facilitate a deeper understanding by discussing how the setting influences the story.
Boost critical thinking by discussing possible alternative endings with your child.
Promote creativity by asking your child to draw a scene they particularly enjoyed or found meaningful.
Reinforce the reading experience by connecting the book’s themes to real-life situations or personal experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of courage and resilience
Explanation: Throughout 'Chain of Thorns: The Last Hours,' characters face various challenges that test their bravery and perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and persist through difficulties, whether in school or in personal situations.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship and trust
Explanation: The story emphasizes strong bonds between characters and shows how trust is crucial in relationships.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of building trust and cooperating with friends and classmates.
Example Lesson: The consequences of choices
Explanation: Characters in the book make decisions that lead to various outcomes, teaching readers that choices have consequences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by thinking through their decisions and considering the potential effects on themselves and others.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding others
Explanation: The book portrays diverse characters with different backgrounds and challenges, promoting empathy.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to empathize with peers who may be different from them, fostering a more inclusive environment at school and in the community.