Review: Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare
Book Two of The Infernal Devices
Published December 6, 2011
ISBN-10: 1416975888
ISBN-13: 978-1416975885

Review: 5/5

Cross reviewed on Goodreads

SPOILER FREE: Spoilers have been blocked out.

Clockwork Prince is the second volume in The Infernal Devices series by Cassandra Clare, a prelude series to her sensational Mortal Instruments series. What I need to say right now is that beyond any other talent that Clare has as a writer -- her story is amazing, the worlds she creates are dark and gritty (especially this version of Victorian London) -- her true talent is in her characters. One hundred percent, hands down: Cassandra Clare knows how to create characters unlike any one else.

Unlike Clockwork Angel (CA), where we were first being introduced into the Victorian London era of Shadowhunters, Downworlders and demons, Clockwork Prince (CP) is more dedicated to building character relationships as they fall into place around the plot. CA was just like City of Bones. We needed to learn about everything first; namely, what exactly was possible and impossible in this world. While the plot in CP is more moving along at a sluggish pace at times, it's only because Clare is making us see what happens to the characters and how they react when, well, they are running dry on leads on how to find Mortmain, or The Magister.

Then the truth is revealed. We learn that Jessamine, a prim and well-educated Shadowhunter who doesn't do much hunting at all, is a spy not only for Mortmain, but her lover, Nate Gray, Tessa's brother who we meet in CA. That then breaks open the damn that there are things happening around them that they haven't thought possible. Combine all this with love interests between Jem and Tessa and Tessa and Will, and then the Institute under attack by the Clave, the plot thickens and you're sucked back in when it just seemed to be dragging.

The monstrous event that gave me my, "OH MY GOD," moment was in the second to the last chapter. I won't even list it here because it is that sweet and that tender of a plot element, it's best left to read it yourself. It alone changes the course of the characters relationships and who may or may not be friends any more. You never know what will happen in Clare's world.

All in all, Clockwork Prince started slow (for me), but picked up quickly. We see more of this automaton army from Clockwork Angel and a few other strange mechanical creations that are unlike the others. It's just wonderful. I eagerly await Clockwork Princess, but more soon, in the newly expanded Mortal Instruments series, City of Lost Souls.

Peace and Writing Love

JWP