A list of all thomastair interaction/related content in chain of thorns (Obviously this have cot spoilers)
P40-42 (the fire message)
P91-95 (continuation of the fire message)
P120-122 (hiding the sword + scarf scene)
P164 (cordelia mentioning Thomas lightwood and Alastair promptly changing the topic)
P175-176 (thomas telling Matthew)
P178 (cordelia mentioning Thomas again)
P180 (merry thieves meeting (super short interaction between them)
P231-237 (library)
P280-282 (Alastair telling Thomas he’s going to leave)
P284 (cordelia asking Alastair about Thomas)
P316-320 (fruit basket)
P340-342 (mistletoe)
P356-357 (“you keep me human, Tom”)
P370 (“Alastair went to say something quick and quiet to Thomas”)
P377 (Alastair looking at thomas in the meeting instead of at Charles)
P383-389 (thomas and Alastair racing after Matthew after the meeting)
P414-415 (Alastair going to stay in the institute (convo with cordelia)) (later pages also have super tiny thomastair content that you have to squint but it’s there)
P426-427 (confrontation with Charles)
P437-441 (carriage scene)
P471-472 (Alastair comforting thomas after the death)
P537-543 (out on patrol for the watchers)
P548-550 (Alastair insisting Thomas to rest)
P576-579 (infirmary scene)
P597-599 (after infirmary scene)
P619 (during the battle)
P622 (gentle touch during the battle)
P651 (“Alastair and Thomas, hand in hand before the fire”)
P655-657 (epilogue brief description “they were always touching”)
i’m still pissed we didn’t get to see the conversation between charlotte, henry and matthew.
something i noticed the other day just to put things into perspective: the miscarriage happened in early 1901, and matthew tells them in late 1903, so about 2 to 3 year lie between these events. for us as the reader the miscarriage happened in mid 2019 when gotsm came out, and math tells them in early 2023, so for us it is 3 1/2 years we actually waited for the resolve even longer than the characters did just to get no satasfying end to that arc. wow.
I finished the book a couple hours ago and needed to take a bit of time to formulate my thoughts. I’m a fast reader and admittedly, this can mean I skim in some places / go over some details so doubtless I’ll pick up on more when I do my reread.
They got long so underneath the cut… but here are my first impressions of Chain of Thorns:
I liked it a lot. I didn’t love it. It suffered from many of the same issues that plagued Queen of Air and Darkness and maybe even a bit more in this book. Namely, too big of a cast, too much plot to explore decently but more importantly - lack of follow-through/consequences for characters’ actions or events in the book.
Some initial points:
SOMEONE ELSE SHOULD’VE DIED/BEEN EXILED/BEEN LOST IN ANOTHER REALM. I like the happy endings they got (I have much love for these characters). But it didn’t feel earned. :/
Also the pacing throughout much of the book was breakneck, bar a few quiet interludes. Some storylines - Lucie, Jesse and Malcolm’s visit to Cornwall and Matthew and Cordelia’s Paris interlude could’ve used a few more pages to really allow the characters to develop/explore why they were really there before pulling them back in service of the main plot.
Let’s start off with what I did love:
My love for Matthew, Cordelia and James’ characters was maintained and possibly even grew during this final book. I just - *BITES FIST* Honestly, I’m pretty damn happy where things ended up when it comes to the interpersonal relationships and dynamics between the three of them.
I loved that we got Fairstairs in Paris, though I will pout (and almost certainly finish that one fanfic for…) it was so little. Just- James could’ve arrived later on? Not been waiting in their room? *forever mourns the lost opportunity*
I especially appreciated the brokenness of the three of them as they returned to London. The time it took them to muddle through, process and re-discover their true feelings post-Gracelet revelation and how it shaped the course. But how they all still desperately cared about one another and it never wavered even when they were furious with each other.
Controversial opinion - though I know Bry will back me up on this - but James and Matthew’s parabatai relationship is the best one out of all the TSC parabatai - yes, even Will and Jem, who were idealised. Matthew and James’ relationship is that perfect mix of love, frustration, co-dependency that you need for a parabatai relationship.
It rose to new heights in Chain of Thorns, as James was finally able to break down Matthew’s walls and help him begin to heal, not only with his drinking but also his self-loathing. And Matthew finally gets his friend back who has been suppressed emotionally for three years (!!!) and you can just feel the intensity and pull of the relationship between the two of them, for good or bad, throughout the book. The scenes in Edom just killed me.
And Cordelia is - maybe not glue but it’s just - something separate but essential between the three of them. The mirror, perhaps? Reflecting their best selves upon her. And Matthew and James’ unconditional love heals the part of her that feels she has to be useful or heroic to be loved
Look romantic or platonic, you cannot convince me otherwise that they weren’t all meant to be together in some fashion, even if it’s not a classic OT3, but maybe more V-triad? <brb just thinking about a heronfairstairs fic set in the 1910s>
UGH. I AM EMOTIONAL JUST THINKING ABOUT IT. It’s a messier, truer to life version of the Jem-Tessa-Will situation (especially if Jem hadn’t become a Silent Brother) and you won’t be able to convince me otherwise.
Cordelia, she broke my heart with Matthew but I accept it. I knew she was going to end up with James. But I do think- much like Tessa was with Jem, Matthew and Cordelia’s love for each other is a quieter flame than the ones they have for their respective Herondales, and it’s a shame it wasn’t explored more.
I think the one sticking point for Cordelia and Matthew in terms of romance is Matthew’s drinking. Cordelia has trauma around her father’s drinking and to see it reflected in Matthew (even if he is successful in his sobriety) means there’s that extra hurdle if they were to enter a romantic relationship. Cordelia is pragmatic enough that she knows she does not want the same type of relationship her mother and father had.
James and Cordelia- I did enjoy their ups and downs. I do enjoy them together. I think I am always going to be slightly put out that it didn’t end more tragically. Herondales always win in love- and the way that James’ story and history has been framed and referenced in SO MANY OTHER Shadowhunter books made me think possibly there would be something different this time- that he’d lose one of his loves, either Cordelia or Matthew.
Quick points individually:
Cordelia - My girl remains the best- she is the best combo of heroine - kind but proud, reckless but also caring and straightforward in her dealings. She can’t abide to be cruel but she can be ruthless (her cutting Tatiana’s throat- dammmmmnnnnn)
James - *checks* Not feral enough, lol. Yes, we did get many moments… especially post-Paris and ummm, that scene where he and Cordelia consummated their marriage but could’ve used more. Will come back with more coherent thoughts later.
Matthew… oh my darling Matthew. I’m going to have to come back to him in a separate post, I think. Having just read his arc in this book- I get why Cassie didn’t kill him off or separate him from his friends. There was already so much hopelessness woven into his storyline and a lot of uncertainty if he’s even going to succeed in remaining sober, any tragic ending would’ve felt pointlessly cruel, I think.
Ultimately, his journey isn’t over but I appreciate the steps he took during this book. At the same time, it feels so strange we ended the book with Matthew’s future still a large question mark. Still time for him to get lost in Faerie!! I ultimately believe he has a promising yet tragic life to lead, and I want to know what it is…
Other things I loved:
The Merry Thieves relationship in Chain of Thorns >>>>>>
Especially the scenes where they all go to help Matthew get through his first couple days of non-drinking. And of Thomas and Christopher each going to respectively check on James and Matthew. I loved their dynamic during this book, which I think we saw in Chain of Gold but less so in CHain of Iron so was happy to see its return.
Thomas and Alastair - were perfection. No notes.
I have to admit I might’ve skimmed over a few of their scenes that were cute but were interludes during other tense moments, when I was dying to know what happened to other characters we had just cut away from… but I am going to savour their interactions on my reread.
Alastair and Cordelia’s sibling relationship also remains amazing. As admitted before, I am a Carstairs family fan and this book definitely helped cement that.
After a few Christopher POVs, I definitely got the sinking feeling he was a goner. And yep- I was correct- as were quite a few others in fandom. He wasn’t one of my favourites but his development in the first half of Chain of Thorns before his death- his expanded interactions with the other Merry Thieves and his growing relationship with Grace were a delight to read and I am sad he didn’t make it. Also, I am such a sucker for an Orpheus and Eurydice callback so I absolutely adored the moment in the laboratory.
I think I’ll need to reread before I can fully opine on Grace’s arc in Chain of Thorns but my first impressions were favourable. I like that she didn’t get the full redemption arc right away. I appreciated she told Cordelia what had happened with her and James but it was strange we didn’t get that scene but were told it? Hmm, this was something that bothered me a few times- there were some important conversations between characters which should’ve happened ‘on page’ but didn’t.
Things I was relatively meh about:
Anna and Ariadne - they were… fine? I absolutely get they are some people’s fav characters but I think out of all of the characters, many of their scenes would’ve been the easiest to cut, and it might’ve made a more cohesive, tightly-plotted story.
Jesse and Lucie - honestly, I think the plot with Belial overshadowed the consequences of Lucie bringing Jesse back to life. No, he wasn’t just half alive, he WAS DEAD. You did necromancy, Lucie- accept it! I hate that it all seemingly was swept under the rug. :/
And sadly, Jesse as a character in Chain of Thorns was… boring. I’m sad to say it but it’s true! I appreciated him so much more as a sarky ghost.
Lucie’s plotlines… I need to reread but I think it’s a combo of Lucie’s storylines not getting a proper chance to breathe, like- what she and Malcolm were going to do to raise Annabel in Cornwall, or being too tied to what she can do with her ghost powers to help against Belial. She felt more like a plot device in this book than the others, and I disliked that for her. Maybe that will change upon reread but ehh. Wasted potential overall on both Jesse and Lucie.
Overall plotline with Belial - less interesting this time around? Hmm. Need to pay more attention to it on reread but first views were less than favourable. That being said, I guess he and Tatiana were quite clever with the Watchers and the plotline with the Cornwall Institute.
I enjoyed all of the Lilith-Cordelia interactions though - super fun to watch them spar verbally, and loved that Lilith kept implying that if Cordelia fullfilled her oath as paladin, she could have BOTH Matthew and James. Lilith isn’t shocked by that sorta thing, lol.
Lastly, the inherent bigotry and cruelty of the Enclave was used more as a plot device to get the adults out of the way for the big showdown and I hated that immensely- especially as all the fuss about Tessa and Lucie and James’ bloodline was again, all resolved by the end of the book. Booo, no lasting consequences.
This is very long for first impressions but anyway… I’m glad I’ve written it all down. Happy to engage in comments/reblogs but let’s discuss civilly, and of course - tag all your spoilers!
My chain of thorn thoughts (obviously cot spoilery)
Okay first of all: it was disappointing. Tlh was so hyped up I don’t think it could have ever lived up to its expectations. And the biggest problem is it huge cast of main characters that cassie couldn’t really develop and focus on everyone. And the fact that it’s set in the past, she is very limited by what she can do with it so that’s already all not of to a good start.
Now cot. I know she changed it to make it happier but honestly I’d much rather a realistic heartbreaking cot than this.
I’m not saying it’s very bad. The writing is still the same cassie writing. It’s the plot. The way everything shifts too fast or is dragged on too long.
Okay now let’s actually discuss cot:
Cordelia, James and Matthew:
The beginning of cordelia and Matthew in Paris was so good. I wanted and dreaded them kissing. And the most unexpected part for me in the entire cot is James in the room just when they were making out (I kind of what to find out what would have happened if James wasn’t there but then I feel like cordelia would have regretted it so much so I’m glad it didn’t go on)
And then James not telling cordelia is dumb as fuck. But then in my opinion it was in character? (But also it’s dragged on for too long that it just makes it frustrating. But i guess the theme in tlh is miscommunication so what did we expect) And lucie was right. But cordelia and James are too proud and they both could not see it and refused to be seen as weak
Proud of cordelia for having the conversation with Matthew no matter how hard it was (“am I hard to love?” Broke me made me feel as bad as cordelia felt)
Matthew FINALLY addressing his alcoholism and Alastair helping and it being realistic and all his friends there to help makes me so damn happy
I’m glad cassie didn’t shove a love interest at Matthew
I like how James and Matthew friendship have the time to mend (and cordelia and Lucie friendship too)
Lucie and Jesse:
Can’t think of anything bad about them to say
Cassie did give them many scenes so that’s a win for luciejesse fans
(Not really a ship I care about so idk what else to say about it except I can’t find a problem or anything especially good to say about so)
Oh I like their subplot like the problem with Lucie touching him and stuff and the way their relationship are honestly they are just very good
Grace:
Favourite Grace in tlh so far
You can see how much she has grew and changed as a character and honestly I feel so bad for her but I do not blame anyone’s reaction towards her at all
So proud of the tlh characters for treating her accordingly
I just like her in cot lol
Proud of her for having the guts to tell Jesse knowing he will hate her forever
Christopher:
Let me be brutally honest
I’m glad it was Christopher (as I only care about Alastair)
Because all the other characters are fan favourites or not that important
Think about it. Cassie cant kill Matthew James or cordelia, she cant kill tid characters. She absolutely cannot kill thomastairs. She cannot kill lucie and Jesse as well. I guess she could have killed Charles but then the impact will be nothing. Or Anna and Ariadne but I don’t think she will kill off a lesbian couple and Anna is an icon so. So of course it will be christopher
but honestly I feel so bad for Christopher stans
Like boy he is given dogshit
Literally he wasn’t even mention that much after the grief part and he was like briefly mentioned in epilogue but not really
We didn’t see his parents reaction to his death
And cordelia was way too focus on Matthew and James (understandable for her) then Christopher in the grief part, taking away most of the focus
I get how the book is already way too long (even tho I feel like it’s dragged on I feel like so many more things should have been included but at the same time idk what could have been cut) but Christopher does deserve better (even from a person that does not care about him I just feel bad)
Anyways rip to Christopher and his fans. Thoughts and prayers with you😔
Thomastairs:
Literally perfection
Cassie saw how mad we were about the lack of thomastairs in coi and apologised to us LMAO
We got everything we wanted and everything we could ever need (I mean Obv I wouldn’t mind more thomastairs scenes BUT I understand how she already gave us so much and we cannot be too greedy now can we)
I love Thomas lightwood so fucking much (before I only care about him for Alastair but he is so goddam cute)
Thomas lightwood is literally the only character that did not hide his feelings at all throughout cot (even in coi he didn’t hide it from Alastair (he just didn’t tell the others but he aren’t obliged to so)
He keeps confessing and reassuring Alastair no matter how many times Alastair makes excuses and doubts them
He spoke Farsi to Alastair. Thomas lightwood spoke Alastair’s mother tongue to him.
All the kisses and dialogues and scenes with them is just perfection
Alastair is as witty and useful as ever and Thomas is so nervous and cute and not him being one of the only ones grieving for Christopher
Anyways can you tell how much I just love them
Now the fucking plot:
It’s such a typical cliche ya plot that yeah it make sense for a ya book and i guess in some ways it is fathomable but at the same time it’s cheap it’s predictable it’s nothing unusual or exciting
It’s like the book cannot decide between being an action focus and character focus so it’s just a weird uncomfortable mixture between the two
And because readers have so much expectations because it’s about characters we already know and love and that’s why cassie had to be so careful
Ngl, I feel like she did her best with the limits she have (that she sets for herself in her previous books and shit)
But I just want the sadder version (unless it’s sad for thomastairs then im glad it’s this version)
(I didn’t mention ari and Anna because idk what else to say for them except same as how I feel about Lucie and Jesse)
I cannot say im satisfied but I also cant say im disappointed. More like I expected this and it’s just what I expected and it’s disappointing that it didn’t surprise or exceed my expectations
So yeah this is my cot thoughts.
Am I happy with cot? Not really? Am I disappointed? Maybe? Am I glad/relieved about the ending? Yeah
