Review: Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices #2) by Cassandra Clare

SUMMARY FROM GOODREADS:

In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street—and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa’s powers for his own dark ends.
With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister’s war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move—and that one of their own has betrayed them.
Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, but her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will—the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do?
As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart.

MY TAKE:
As this series continues, things get more and more interesting.

In Clockwork Prince, more and more of the Magister's plan is revealed. Along the way, Tessa and the others see just how far his reach is and what it means for them and the other Shadowhunters.

This series is only the second book so while some questions from the first book are answered, a few more questions and mysteries are introduced here. I thought that the idea of including Aloysius Starkweather's family was a good call, and I'm curious to see the connection. The introduction of Will's sister was less welcome for me, although part of me does understand that this could potentially have a good payoff.

What I'm most thrilled about this book is the development between Tessa, Jem and Will's love triangle. Sophie used to be somewhere in there, but thankfully, she's moved on and things are slightly less complicated.

I've noticed that with a lot of the more recent books I've read that had love triangles, the choice is usually between an arrogant, sometimes rude, I-have-a-deep-reason-for-the-way-I-am guy and a nice, caring friendzone-material guy. Majority of the time, the leading lady goes for the first guy. Here, Tessa is a little more confused because while she feels passion for Will, she also cares for Jem and there's also sparks there. I can say that I am Team Jem, without a doubt. I'm tired of guys like Will always getting the girl. On occasion, I've cheered for guys like that, but here, I think that Jem is the best guy for Tessa. Will doesn't feel like he's at that place mentally and emotionally to be able to handle a mature relationship. There are still some things he needs to take care of, especially with his family, before he can focus on Tessa and think about settling down or being in a relationship.

THE GOOD:

1. The love triangle isn't too over-the-top.
2. More interesting details are revealed.
3. Intriguing mysteries abound. 

THE BAD:

1. The whole automaton army doesn't feel as scary as it should right now. 

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

“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.” 

READ IT IF:

1. You're Team Jem.
2. You enjoyed the first book.
3. You want to learn more about the universe of The Infernal Devices. 

RATING:


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