Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices)

Although I read from several genres (classics, bestselling fiction, mystery, romance, etc.), my favorite genre is typically adult fantasy, usually of the vampire or witch/warlock variety, time-shifters, etc. (one of my favorite writers in this genre is Karen Chance, love her writing style, but also like Kim Harrison and several others). However, having tried and also loved the young adult series of Harry Potter, Hunger Games books, the Rick Riordan demi-gods series Percy Jackson, etc., I thought what the heck, I'd try at least the 1st Mortal Instruments. I had read that one of the books was going to be made into a movie. Once I read somewhat into the 1st book, I was completely and totally hooked, and pretty much devoured the series, and soon moved on to the Infernal Devices trilogy. I did not want to put any of the books from the 2 series down. I enjoyed the Mortal Instruments series, but I have to say my favorite series of the 2 has been the Infernal Devices. What a great bunch of characters, with adventure and a fabulous romance too. There is more action in the Mortal Instruments series, although there is still "some" action in Infernal Devices, as well. I liked the characters of Jace and Simon in Mortal Instruments (Simon not until about the 3rd book of Mortal Instruments when so many changes are taking place), but my favorite character considering both series is Will Herondale (Infernal Devices). (**Spoiler Alert): My favorite line in the book (Clockwork Prince) is when Will says "I have wanted to do this every moment of every hour of every day that I have been with you since the day I met you," sigh......melt, melt. I also loved that the eccentric Magnus also appeared in this trilogy. I did not think Clary (Mortal Instruments) was nearly as likeable a character as Tess (Infernal Devices), but for the most part, I really liked the mix of characters in Mortal Instruments, and also many of the main characters in Infernal Devices. When I shared some information about the books to my co-workers, they started reading them too, and also LOVE them!!! I was sad to say goodbye, even if only temporarily, when I finished what is currently available in both series. Now I just have to wait for the 3rd book in the Infernal Devices trilogy to come out soon, (as well as the next Mortal Instruments book), and of course the 1st Movie (which I hope follows the book). Well done Ms. Clare!

"We live and breathe words." It seems such a cliché manner in opening this, but I think the quote sufficiently sums up how I feel about this book - this series. I do not simply read this series, but live and breathe the words. In my head, the characters exist perfectly, as though they've always been a part of my world. I picture them wholly and imagine them as distant friends of mine, recalled from a memory. I know, I'm being corny. Forgive me; this book has affected me, and I think I'm still under its spell. Despite the mockery poked at Cassandra Clare, despite the way her books are scorned, this is possibly one of my favorite books I've read - and certainly the best book I feel Clare has written. What sets The Infernal Devices apart from The Mortal Instruments is a number of factors, but most notably how the writing seems so different. It's not something I can quite pinpoint, but simply to note she has an eloquence. Certainly, one can credit the Victorian London era for this, as her writing certainly fits in the era in which she writes. And it's something I absolutely love. This simple trick immerses me into this world, set so many years before me. I'm serious. I LOVED this book. From the get-go, readers are thrown into the plot. In the beginning, we learn the overall push of the story. The end of Clockwork Angel was a storm of disaster, with the death of De Quincey, the escape of Mortmain, and the revelation that the Institute housed Nate the traitorous and lead to the betrayal and the deaths of Agatha and Thomas. Because of this, Charlotte has only two weeks to locate Mortmain and prove to the Clave she can successfully run the Institute - or else Bennedict Arnold Lightwood will take control of it. And it is with this daunting task we meet again with Tessa and her makeshift family. Two new characters are introduced, as replacements to the late Agatha and Thomas, though we unfortunately learn very little of them. Knowing Clare, I have a feeling we'll learn more about them in our final book. Something I feel Clare really did well in this book was the way the everyone had their own subplot, in contribution to the overall arc of the book. Poor Tessa, alone in this world and abandoned by her brother, has forged a family with the members of the London. But she still doesn't know who - or what - she is. Mortmain wants her for something and she has no idea what that something is. It's incredibly disconcerting to her and she continues her search to learn what she is. The ending of Clockwork Angel makes more sense as we follow Will around the book. Far more likable in this book than the last, readers learn of the burden he's carried on his shoulders for five years, and we even get a glimpse into his past. Anyone who disliked Will or felt apathetic towards him before now will surely thaw as they get to know him better. I'm standing proof! As someone who liked Will enough, I find myself incredibly drawn to him. Even Sophie has a storyline! A very well deserved one, too, at that. "Trains are great dirty smoky things," said Will. "You won't like it." Tessa was unmoved. "I won't know if I like it until I try it, will I?" One of my favorite parts of the book, though, is where the storyline takes us. Finally, we travel outside of the London Institute. We take a train to Yorkshire, so perfectly described, you really are there. Clare's craft for descriptions creates the world around you. In desperation, we travel to the slums of London. We visit an elaborate, dangerous masquerade. Readers are taken on a ride, and oh, it's a beautiful ride at that. Through our travels, readers finally start to learn more about Mortmain. While little plot seems to take place, a lot of the book is discovery and information, which is important in finding Mortmain in the first place. And in uncovering Mortmain's motives and past is the most painful discovery for the London Institute: that someone of their group has betrayed them. Of course, the main storyline of which everyone speaks is the love triangle. Recall that I'm not a fan of triangles, as I find them overused, sloppily-done, and unnecessary. However, Clare seems to have done the nearly impossible in the creation of this love triangle. It is, to say the very least, the perfect triangle. We don't have two boys fighting over one girl, but a triangle with an important relationship at every point, and it makes me anxious to see how everything will pan out because someone will be hurt. Maybe multiple someones. From the beginning of Clockwork Angel, we have been entertained by the reckless passion of Tessa and Will, and this certainly continues in the second installment. Tessa, to my immense pleasure, deviates from the typical YA heroine, though, and while readers may be upset in her self-preservation, it is something that only makes me love her more. The more we're in Will's head, though, the more we come to understand his actions, and the terrible things he has said and done in the previous book. Less notable to many, but unmissed by this self-professed Jem fangirl, in Clockwork Angel was his subtly growing affections for Tessa, and of course this continues as well. For all who found Jem boring, they'll find a rather entertaining side to him that proves nice boys aren't always droll. In Will's distance to Tessa, Jem keeps her company and helps alleviate her homesickness by showing her around London. "Will has always been the brighter burning star, the one to catch attention -- but Jem is a steady flame, unwavering and honest. He could make you happy." When you think of it that way, I can't blame Tessa for being torn. Two beautiful boys whom each appeal to you in a different way? How does anyone make a choice? "Our souls are knit. We are one person, James." For me, though, the heart of the relationship is the one centered around Jem and Will. Nevermind the parabatais attraction to the same girl. What I love dearly about this story and this triangle, is the way these two love each other. For so long, the only person Will has ever loved is Jem, and despite his moods, despite his "habits", Jem loves Will dearly. They are fiercely dedicated to each other, and their worlds don't just center around the other, but overlap. It's a beautiful relationship, but a rather scary one. As we recall, Jem is dying. He is sustained only by a drug that as well as keeps him alive, kills him. The impending death of Will's parabatai is further explored, in a heart breaking manner. More than I enjoy Will or Jem's affections for Tessa, I love the relationship between these boys, and the beautiful relationship they share. I do, in this moment, declare them my brOTP. It is Jem's practical acceptance of his impending death that really makes me feel for the parabatais relationship, and it makes me fear, for the way Will depends upon him. "Someday, Will, I will go where none can follow me, and I think it will be sooner rather than later. Have you ever asked yourself why I agreed to be your parabatai?" Of course, the triangle is the culmination of these points. It is the web of affections and relationships which threaten to drive the three apart. Beautiful is the three together, and how effectively they work together and with what ease the three of them have struck friendship. The banter is playful, if not competitive at times, and often lends to a laugh. Even better is how they look out for each other and how obvious all three care deeply for the others. "I've never swum naked in the Thames before, but I know I wouldn't like it." "But think how entertaining for sightseers," said Tessa, and she saw Jem duck his head to hide the quick flash of his grin." With this relationship in place, it is easy to love everyone, and it is easy to just want everyone happy - because we all know that in a love triangle, someone will be hurt. Everything about this book is beautiful and so well done. Clare has perfectly created Victorian London around me, in a most vivid way. The dialogue remains witty and delightful, with most of the funniest lines belonging to Will, whose sense of humor seems to shine even more this time around. So much of this book is composed of great character development. Already, Clare had had a cast of fantastic characters, but with this book, we further explore them and learn more about them. More complex layers are revealed, and for me, by the end of the book, it was nearly impossible not to love the cast. I was converted. I went from preferring Jem to Will to loving them dearly in their own way (even if my bias remains with Jem.) And oh, the romantic scenes! For me to say anything of them would not only ruin the book, but the moments and the beauty. Seldom have I read romantic scenes that left me so breathless, gurgling on fractured noises of nonsense, and burying my face to hide squeals as my toes curled and my body crushed in upon itself. The propriety of the era and the manner of speech lends everything to a far more romantic feeling, and only made these moments so much sexier. Do I even dare warn you of the impending emotional crisis? I'll just warn you - some of you may need tissues. Clare plays with your heart like a puppeteer and her puppets and numerous passages broke my heart in some kind of way. Even Clare herSELF cried and SHE wrote this! Clare has absolutely outdone herself with this book. I find it far superior to TMI and encourage anyone who was not entirely sold on Clare's other series to try the prologue, if only for the fantastic setting and the brilliantly complex characters. Though it seems little plot is really accomplished in this book, it feels like so much has happened (and trust that quite a bit of action ensues) by the end of the book. And with the sheer amount of character development accrued on all parts, it more than exceeds the middle book syndrome. Sequels are rarely better than the first, but I am in love with Clockwork Prince. It is, by far, my favorite of Clare's work, and deserves its place amongst my favorite books. All fans of Clare will enjoy this book, and I encourage anyone to try this one. The writing is beautiful, the characters are all so likable and complicated, and despite the romantic tensions, the book fortunately lacks the severe amounts of dramatic angst I'm so wary of from TMI. Go. Go read this!

This is my last 2011 book review -- I finished this just a few days before New Years. I'm happy to say I was extremely happy with my last read of the new year. This book, once again, follows Tessa in not only her quest to figure out who she is, but to also work with the Shadowhunters to find the Magister and figure out what his plans are. I can honestly say that this series, the Clockwork series, is by far one of the best I've ever read (I actually enjoy it a lot more than I have the Mortal Instruments, which is hard to surpass -- but hey, it's the same author, so I figure it's okay). So, since this is a sequel, my review is going to be more plot based, as well as character development -- and boy was there character development (those of you who read my lengthy reviews... you know how much I think characters matter). First, the plot. For the most part I thought this book was pretty good in regards to a plot -- it had an arc that satisfied my curiosity and desire to continue to read. However, I guess I felt that there wasn't that much action. When I say that, I mean there was definitely suspense, danger, and interesting activities/interactions throughout the novel, however the action you wait for is in the last quarter (or less) of the book. I'm not saying that's necessarily a bad thing -- the way the book it written you know you're more or less waiting for this explosion of crazy, and the scene delivers. While the main plot is what drives the novel, I was much more fascinated by the sub-plots, specifically the romantic issues and familial issues that come up. The love triangle of Will - Tess - Jem gets thrown through quite a few loops due to both of these aspects. This is also where we see the most development, not just in our main characters, but what I'd call "rising characters." For me, those would include Sophie and Gideon Lightwood, I don't want to give too much away, but I'd say that they are two characters to watch for the last installment. I think they have a lot to add, and I'd actually love to see more chapters from Sophie's perspective (there were one or two if I remember correctly, and I enjoyed them). As for our main characters, huge twists are thrown our way. I don't want to spoil anything, a lot of these surprises are worth reading on your own, with the respective jaw drops and "ahhhh" moments. Lets just say Will isn't who he wants people to think he is (not too surprising there) and Jem is not the one to stay in Will's shadow much longer. If anyone stayed more or less the same, it was Tessa. She's still confused as to who she is, how she was created, and what her supposed purpose is. If anything? Her main revolution is in regards to her family. (Like I said, romance and family are the main undercurrents of this novel... of course with some other lovely tidbits, but these are some of the main motivators of our characters, and I really liked it.) In the end, a lot of things come together in this novel, lots of surprises and twists with all characters -- main or secondary. Things are so woven together, it's fascinating. If you had any doubt after reading the first novel, I'd say at least give this one a go. When I read these novels... they make me fall into a historical fiction/paranormal funk where that's all I want to read. So, was this a good way to end my year? It totally was. Here's to my last book of 2011 -- all the reviews you'll be seeing will have officially been read in 2012.

A world filled with Nephilim and warlocks and vampires and werewolves and demons may be old hat by now, but one filled with creepy clockwork armies certainly isn't. Cassandra Clare continues her Infernal Devices series, a prequel series to the Mortal Instruments series with the second book, Clockwork Prince. Tessa knows she has lost her brother to the dark side, but she still doesn't know who she is. As the London Clave Institute fights Mortmain, a mundane with ties to black magic, she finds herself constantly confronted with the fact that she truly has no idea who she is- Shadowhunter? Mundane? Downworlder? Tessa is intent upon helping Henry and Charlotte remain in control of the Institute, as they are the only family she has left with her blood family all dead or gone. In their fight to keep the institute, they continue to investigate Mortmain. It leads them to find Will's family being held in one of Mortmain's home. While he knows Clave law prevents him from contacting them, he can't help but worry himself to death about them. It also forces him to acknowledge the curse he is burdened with that foretells everyone he grows to love dying a horrible death. But there is a deeper problem in the London Institute. They have a mole. Someone has been funneling information to Mortmain about the investigation and where they are searching, which gives him the jump on them each and every time. When they find out who has been giving him the information, it is a betrayal like they can't believe. The only thing that may repair their damaged family is that Jem, dying from an addiction to a demonic drug that was forced upon him, finally finds the love he never let himself hope for. Oh. This book ended and I didn't know whether to cry or jump for joy. Talk about bittersweet! It was a typical Clare book full of action and cryptic back story that leaves you satisfied yet still wanting more, but somehow, the way she ended this was just too much! There is this heartbreaking love triangle between Jem, Tessa, and Will that will wrench your heart straight from your chest! It makes you unsure who you want Tessa to finally be with, kind, dying Jem or scampish, brooding Will. I love them both so much! I still can't decide! But the beautiful thing about this story is that the supporting characters are just as lovely as the main characters. You will find yourself loving everyone in the London Institute- even some warlocks and werewolves! This is a very interesting series, but the books are long and dense. I often save them for a holiday when I have the time to sit down and just read the books with no interruptions. I think there are students out there who would love these books, but they look a little intimidating. I wonder how they would be as audiobooks. I imagine the story is even more magical, and that might be the key to sucking a struggling reader into the large but fantastic series.

The clock tolls, marking off the late hour. Sheets of fog roll through the deserted graveyard. Among the crumbling, forgotten headstones, a shadow darts toward unhallowed ground. The clouds part and the moon appears, flashing for a brief moment on the face of the handsome, young Shadowhunter, Will Herondale. What ghastly errand brings him to this haunted, unconsecrated ground? Does he seek the specter of Old Molly, a troubled soul, known to traffic demon paraphernalia? The scene shifts and we are witness to the clandestine chambers of the Clave Council. Treachery and trouble are afoot. Charlotte Branwell stands with her head held high before the Council as she bravely faces the charges and accusations hurled at her, stemming from the recent attack on the Institute by the evil Mortmain and his clockwork army. The malicious Benedict Lightwood is plotting to snatch the control of the mighty, Shadowhunter Institute away from Charlotte and Henry, which in effect would leave Will, Jem and Tessa and the others homeless. In order to prevent the catastrophic removal of the Branwells from the Institute, they must track down Mortmain. Can the trio aid Charlotte in hunting down the villain and save the Institute in time? What I Loved: This book the second installment of The Infernal Devices, has long been atop everyone's must have, most coveted books of 2011. I was thrilled to find that this book filled the bill. I think it far surpassed its predecessor. I love that this book is more grown up than any of Ms. Clare's previous works. Her ability to create and evolve her characters must be applauded. The growth and maturation of all the players in this book is my absolute favorite feature of this novel. While often times the second book falters a bit and on some occasions can be a "filler" book, this is not the case with this issue. I will admit that it is not packed with action and the clockwork army is absent but what this book does is develop and progress relationships. It takes you right into the heart and soul of each of the characters. It was a joy to gain up close access to all my favorite characters. The aside stories regarding Charlotte and Henry and Sophie and Gideon are a delightful and welcome addition. Will's story. At last I understood the reasons for Will's wicked, sometimes spiteful behavior. Once the motives for his actions were laid bare, I fell more in love with his character. He truly is the person that Jem believes him to be and the man Tessa longs to love. His story will break your heart and you can't help but to admire his courage and willingness to sacrifice. If you thought you were a Jem fan, this book will leave you conflicted. If only a girl could give her heart to two boys! (Hey wait, I can! Who says I, the reader, can't love them both wholeheartedly!) Believe it or not I actually enjoyed the love triangle in this book. Tessa finds herself caught between the sweet, tender, frail Jem and the troubled, brave Will. I do not envy her position. Ms. Clare does an excellent job in presenting a believable and mature love conflict. If only all love triangles were this well written. Again huge props to Ms. Clare for writing such passionate and sweet love scenes. They will truly take your breath away (stolen kisses on a balcony, the shedding of hair pins, two souls pressed together, tender brushing of lips...sigh). I know many fans are screaming about the evolution of the love issue ( I seriously thought I was in for a horrific tragedy) but I think she took an amazing and remarkable step with her story. I am excited to see how events will unfold in the next book. Again I was an adamant admirer of the well written Victorian setting. Ms. Clare takes us back to that romantic age and I know even tomboys like myself, can appreciate the fashion of the day. I was charmed by the detailed descriptions of the lovely gowns, gloved hands, buttoned boots and pulled up hair adorned with jewels and pearls. Yet, Ms. Clare doesn't completely woo you with the resplendent finery, she makes it quite clear that dressing in the style of the day was also a big pain in the rear. Imagine needing someone to help you dress and fastening all those tiny buttons! Running in heavy skirts and suffocating stays is darn near impossible. She does not fool us with the backdrop either, she paints a vivid picture of London as it was, the good and the bad. While I was charmed by the beauty, the squalor, stench, poverty and drug dens brought me back to the reality of life in the 19th century. I appreciated the research and care that Ms. Clare took in recreating her London. As an avid book connoisseur, I love the way Ms. Clare incorporates so many of the classics, which were pertinent to the time, into this series. Her little snippets of verse and memorable quotes speak volumes. I wonder how future generations a hundred years from now will view our modern day stories. Tessa and Will's affinity for books is even more apparent in this book. How can you not love characters that are avid readers? And The Not So Much: Honestly, there is nothing that I can truly criticize about this book. Granted there isn't much movement in the plot and most of the mysteries are still unsolved and there is little action, but I was so impressed by the characters that I can't complain. This book will get into your head and you will find yourself completely absorbed into the lives of these individuals. I even felt terribly sorry for Jessamine and I am hoping for her redemption. The character aspect to me, was more important than action and adventure! I guess the one small quibble I have is this series needs more Magnus Bane please! This is a book that you should immediately dash out and buy. It is filled with rich, wonderful, amazing characters. The inclusion of such sweet love scenes will have many hearts fluttering. This is absolutely one of the best reads for 2011. How will I endure the long wait for the release of the third book Clockwork Princess in 2012? (Now a slew of quotes there were just so many good ones! I have to share!) Favorite Quotations: "And as the days went on, Tessa felt herself unfolding slowly out of her quiet, huddled unhappiness over Nate and Will and the loss of her old life, like a flower climbing out of frozen ground." "If no one cares for you at all, do you even really exist?" "Lips. There was something strangely, delicately indelicate about the word, like a kiss itself. It seemed to hover in the air between them while they both hesitated." "Where Will's kisses were all fire, Jem's were like pure air after a long time of being closed up in the airless dark." "We who are immortal, we are chained to this life by a chain of gold, and we dare not sever it for fear of what lies beyond the drop," "Could you really love two different people at once? Could you split your heart in half?" "If he loves you . . . he has no choice. For love means forgiveness." "And if you don't want anyone to know you've been kissing in carriages, you should refrain from wearing a hat with easily crushed flowers on it. People aren't blind, you know." "Lies and secrets, Tessa, they are like a cancer in the soul. They eat away what is good and leave only destruction behind." "I loved you the first moment I saw you, or if it was the second or third or fourth. But I remember the first moment I looked at you walking toward me and realized that somehow the rest of the world seemed to vanish when I was with you. That you were the center of everything I did and felt and thought." "She fell and spun and drowned in the kiss; his lips were soft and his body was hard against her, and he tasted like rain." "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 by anyone 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." "And here he was standing in front of her, telling her he loved the words of her heart, the shape of her soul. Telling her something she had never imagined anyone would ever tell her." "When two souls are as one, they stay together on the Wheel. I was born into this world to love you, and I will love you in the next life, and the one after that."

This book was so amazing and I was surprised by how much more I could fall in love with this series. Sometimes the middle book in a trilogy is lacking but this series is only getting better. It was shrouded in suspense and I could not put this book down until I finished. I am equally torn between Jem and Will. They are both so different but are magnificent male characters, each in their own way. I loved that there was more interaction between Jem and Tessa in this book and I got to see her fall in love with Jem like I got to see her fall in love with Will in Clockwork Angel. Even though Tessa is in love with both men, she is so noble about it and I love that about her. She could never dream of breaking anyone's heart and she is so strong and brave with the decision that she makes. I also truly admire the love that Will and Jem have for each other and the fact that one would sacrifice their own happiness for the other's. The plot in this book is so incredible and I find myself loving this series for it just as much as the characters. It is one of the most intricate plots of any book I have ever read and I feel like I can really imagine the scenes in my head as they play out It is so well written and the mystery surrounding what Tessa really is only continues. We also get to learn more about Will's past and his own personal mystery is finally solved. I loved the addition of the sub-plots involving Sophie and the Lightwood brothers. The way the author writes from multiple POV's allows us the opportunity to see how all of the characters are affected by what is happening. As the plot thickens, more shocking twists are revealed and I think the author does a magnificent job of truly surprising me. I am so glad I started this series after it was completely written and released because I would have gone mad having to wait for Clockwork Princess after the cliffhanger this book left on.

"Tessa’s brother, Nate, had once promised her everything in London—a new beginning, a wonderful place to live, a city of soaring buildings and gorgeous parks. What Tessa had found instead was horror and betrayal, and danger beyond anything she could have imagined." The Shadowhunters of London are still out looking for Mortmain and stop him from achieving his plan with the Internal Devices. However, what they have found is even more betrayal. I love this series, but the love triangle just hurts my soul so much! You all know how much I despise love triangles, they are messy, and the one in this one... I hurt. I just love Jem and Will both for different reasons and... love triangles suck, okay? And what hurts even more is the brotherly love Will and Jem have towards each other. They have these deep, emotional conversations that just make me want to cry, but those conversations show how much love they have for one another. And the thing is, they never really fight over Tessa. Neither one of them would do that. I particularly love how sweet Will is towards Jem because it shows he’s not all bad. Speaking of which, we learn why he’s been such a jerk all these years and keeping everyone who try to care for him at arm’s length... except Jem, that is. It’s all incredibly sad and I felt so awful for him! My poor Will! And as Wills draws farther away from Tessa because of reasons, she and Jem start to grow closer. Jem is the sweetest thing ever and I adore him to pieces! He and Tessa share some intimate moments that just melt your heart! I really do love him, but as much as I do, I actually feel like Tessa belongs with Will. There’s something big that goes down in the book the surprised the hell out of me, and while I wasn’t into it, I’m happy that Jem is happy. As for Tessa, I really like her and totally feel for her and what she’s going through. Being plunged into this whole other world and realizing you’re not even human is not easy for her to grasp. We still don't know exactly what Tessa is. In the last book it was though she might be a warlock, but she doesn’t have a mark, so that’s unlikely. In this book we do get some little hints toward what she could possibly be, but nothing confirmed yet. As for the other characters, I have totally fallen in love with them too! Magnus, of course, is a favorite across all of the series! He is so funny, caring, and just so much fun to be around! Magnus’s friend Scott Woosley is another character I enjoyed getting to know—he is so funny! And Charlotte and Henry have this super cute moment that shows how much they care for one another, and it was just really sweet! The Lightwoods is another story, which is totally shocking because I love the Lightwoods, Alec and Izzy, from TMI. But in this series I can see why Will is not a fan of the Lightwoods. I can see why Gabriel is the way be is. But I like that Gideon is changing and seeing things for what they really are, not seeing them for how his dad is telling him how to see them. Speaking of... Gideon and Sophie... yes please! There is definitely some chemistry there and I am just so happy for Sophie! I really hope something comes out of this chemistry. As for Jessie, she’s a real piece of work. I liked her and enjoyed the bickering between her and everyone else at the institute—I thought it was quite funny, but I also really feel for her because she grew up in the Shadowhunter world without say about her future in it. So I get why she’s so bitter about it, I really do. But she does something so idiotic and selfish—I just couldn’t believe it! And speaking of idiotic, Nate is back and crazier than ever! He is seriously more insane than I thought he was! It wasn’t enough to betray his sister, but then he goes and does something even worse! The worst part is, I can understand why he does some of these things and why he is so mad. But it does not excuse his actions. We also learn a bit more about Will’s family and we find out which of the character’s in this series is an ancestor to Clary from TMI! Clockwork Prince was an amazing, heartbreaking sequel filled with equally amazing characters! Of course, after reading TMI, why am I even surprised that I loved this, lol. How much do I love this book? So much! I am very excited to see how things wrap up for all of these beloved characters.

I think I enjoyed this book even more than the first, Clockwork Angel. Now that we know Tessa, Jem, and Will, their stories are even more poignant and beautiful. We learn so much more about Will and his past that led him to where he is today. We learn much of Tessa's story, too, and we see a new side of Jem. Yet, however much I loved the story arcs of the three of them, in a lot of ways, I feel like the best part of Clockwork Prince was getting to know some of the other characters. Sophie was one of my favorites in the first book, and she is once again a favorite in this book. There is so much to her that makes me glad that she isn't left to languish in the background without her own story. She has her own story to tell, her own history, and I love that we are getting to see it. The other character that I continue to love is Magnus. He is so very different in this prequel series than he was in The Mortal Instruments. He's lived lifetimes between the two and it is just a fascinating comparison. I love that the many supporting characters are brought to the forefront now and then, showing us their own histories and stories. I love that the characters, although from a different generation, show shades of those from The Mortal Instruments. There are moments when Will reminds me so much of Jace, when Jem reminds me of Emma. I love that continuity and connection. The love triangle in this one is both heart wrenching and beautiful. I love Will and Jem so much that it is truly hard for me to root for one over the other. There is so much to love about both of these guys, My Recommendation: This is a great read and I think my favorite thus far of The Infernal Devices. I give it 4.5 mugs!