Title: Clockwork Prince
(The Infernal Devices Trilogy #2)
Author: Cassandra Clare
Genre: YA, Steampunk, Fantasy, Paranormal
First published: December 1st 2011
Finished reading: January 2nd 2015
Pages: 528
“We live and breathe words. It was books that kept me from taking my own life after I thought I could never love anyone, never be loved again. It was books that made me feel that perhaps I was not completely alone. They could be honest with me, and I with them.”
After a very disappointing last read of 2014, I needed a book that would guarantee at least a few hours of reading pleasure to make up for it. One of my goals for 2015 is to finally finish some of the series I’ve already started, so I decided to start the year trying to make a dent into the very long list of unfinished series. I really enjoyed the first book of The Infernal Devices trilogy, and since I had book two and three already waiting for my on my TBR pile, I decided to read Clockwork Prince next. The steampunk Victorian world Cassandra Clare sets her story in is without doubt interesting and I love the main characters. Tess, Will, Jem, Sophie, Magnus Bane… It’s hard to pick just one favorite character. The only thing I couldn’t really appreciate is the love triangle between Tess, Will and Jem; I don’t like cheesy romance and their relationship is on the border of becoming just that. But I will forgive Clare because the rest of the sequel is awesome… With some mayor twists in the last few pages that makes you want to read the third and final book straight away. Without doubt recommended to those who enjoy YA fantasy!
I don’t want to spoil the fun for those who haven’t read the trilogy yet… So I strongly suggest not reading this summary unless you did, since it’s almost impossible to write a spoiler free summary of this sequel.
Tessa Gray is still living with the Shadowhunters in the London Institute, but her safety is in the line when some key members are plotting against Charlotte (the head of the Institute). If they succeed in replacing her, Tessa will be homeless again and an easy prey for the Magister. The Magister is desperate to get Tessa in order to use her powers to finish his dark plans; his powers are increasing and various important characters are following his orders. The clockwork army he is building is becoming stronger by the day and soon will be almost impossible to destroy…
Charlotte is set with an ultimatum in order to keep the Institute; find the exact location of the Magister and she can keep her post. It seems like the Magister started the war with the Shadowhunters seeking revenge, and slowly the members of the London Institute gather more information about his past. But not only information about the Magister is revealed; Tessa and Will also learn more about their past… And Jem is still fighting the disease that will kill him one day. They all have to make some difficult decisions during the search for Mortmain; decisions that will affect and endanger others. Will they find the Magister on time?
I’ve said it before with Clockwork Angel, but I’m enjoying the prequel trilogy way better than the actual The Mortal Instruments series. I’m not sure if it is because of the setting, the steampunk elements, the book quotes or the characters, but The Infernal Devices trilogy just works. The amount of romance is on the border of being too much for my taste, but the rest of the story makes up for it. Warning: Clockwork Prince ends with some mayor announcements that will make you want to pick up the last book Clockwork Princess straight away. I know I did! I’m glad I didn’t start reading this series when it was first published… Because if I would have had to wait for more than a year to know what would happen next, it would have driven me crazy for sure.
I totally agree with your review. I read this about a year and a half ago, and although there were a few things that I didn’t quite like, the author did a great job holding my attention. Great post!
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Thanks! Cassandra Clare without doubt wrote Clockwork Prince with a fast pace and interesting prose, so it is easy to continue reading even if there are some things you don’t like. I enjoyed this prequel series way better than City Of Bones though.
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Again, you are spot on. What a slick, easy read Clockwork Prince is. Clare definitely has talent, and is an author to keep on the radar. Great things are coming.
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I completely agree!
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I really have to read these !! – Maria
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This trilogy is definitely worth reading if you like YA fantasy!
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I loved the first two! I still haven’t finished the third. I just couldn’t get into it. I’m not sure why. I truly loved the first two and I agree with you. It is a definite improvement over mortal instruments.
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I’ve finished the third a few days ago and it did have too much romance in it for me… The first two were definitely better.
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Ooh Clockwork Princess is so good! If you want to see someone suffering the year long wait, watch Polandbananasbooks “Mourning Period” video on YouTube. Great review, by the way 🙂
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I finished Clockwork Princess a few days ago and didn’t like it as much as the others… Probably because I don’t really like romance and there’s a lot of it in the final book. (Jem, Will, Jem, Will, Jem… it just get’s a bit boring after a while) 😉
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Yeah, I guess. I quite enjoyed the romance but I’m a bit of a sucker for a good romance
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This is one of the series I really want to start this year!
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It’s a great trilogy to read! I finished the last book a few days ago, and although I didn’t like the amount of romance involved, the Victorian London setting, steampunk influences and poetry and literature quotes definitely make up for it. 😀
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