Clockwork Prince [Hardcover]

 

 

Create your own review

The Infernal Devices is the Shadowhunter series that has really captured my attention and held it; there are so many things to appreciate in this fascinating story, and I find that the world Cassandra has created in it blends very well with the elements she includes.

Clockwork Prince is an excellent follow up to Clockwork Angel, provided some much needed back story and focuses on developing the relationships between the characters making a very enjoyable story. And as always, some shocking twists.

Reasons to Read:

1.A more in depth understanding of character relationships:

One of my favourite things about Cassandra's writing and her books is how well she fleshes out the relationships between her characters; they're fully three dimensional and each is unique in its own way (much like relationships in real life). The Infernal Devices, in my opinion, is where this is best scene in her stories, particularly the deep friendship and bond between Will and Jem. She is able to include subtle intricacies that are so hard to include in books, but they're plentiful in Clockwork Prince and really allow you to pick up on exactly how each character stands in relation to the others.

2.Flawless character development:

First of all, you need to understand that I'm a Will fan. Don't get me wrong, I love Jem as well, but I have a soft spot for desperately broken boys like Will. But I also wasn't overly impressed with his actions in Clockwork Angel, so I was curious to see where he'd end up in the sequel. And I was positively thrilled to get to see some of the layers lurking beneath his cold and hard heart. Will is such a fascinating and complex character because there's so much hidden inside him from his past and I loved getting to learn more about that aspect of him.

3.There isn't a perfectly happy ending:

It really should be considered torture having us read these books, get close to the characters and then watch as these terrible things happen to them. It's heartbreaking, and makes everyone I know in real life wonder if I'm crazy for caring about fictional characters so much (possibly). But I appreciate that Cassandra incorporates a sense of realisim into her stories, and that is especially clear in Clockwork Prince. People die. People get hurt. Not everyone is happy. But this gives us a chance to see their inner strength and get to know them even better. I wouldn't trade that for anything. The reality is that bad things happen, and you either learn to survive or give up.

The one thing I didn't love about Clockwork Prince is that it didn't seem as if the overall plot really moved along. Maybe it's because I listened to the audio over a long period of time that it felt so slow, and while I enjoyed it, by the end of the book I didn't really feel like too much had been accomplished towards the ultimate goal.

Thoughts on the audio:

Ed Wistwick and Heather Lind do a wonderful job for the audio. Both had excellent voices, and Ed in particular was superb. The one thing I really liked about him is that he was able to capture the different voices and make them sound effortless, but without doing any funny voices or accents. Ed clearly stole the show, and while Heather was good her voice could come across as a bit bored and emotionless. It's a long audiobook, and it took me a while to get through, but definitely worth buying.

What can I say about Clockwork Prince? I loved Clockwork Angel but it had nothing on Clockwork Prince which I adored. The book went in so many different directions with the plot, the romance, the revelations and basically anything you can think of.

I was left wanting more after each chapter and kept wondering where it was going next. The book also goes well into the romance between Tessa and Jem which was only hinted in Clockwork Angel so if you love Jem and Tessa then this is the book for you. Of course there was plenty of Will too, which leaves me wondering if Clare is going to go for the obvious and make Tessa end up with Will (which I'm about 95% sure she will) or pull the unexpected on us.

Many things were revealed about both Tessa and Will, quite a few of my questions from the last book were answered in Clockwork Prince. And like all of Clare's books she gives us plenty of time with all the characters. I've always believed that was the best of Clare's work: her well-developed and humorous characters.

I'm obviously excited to see where this series will end off in the last book, Clockwork Princess, which is due to be released at the end of this year. And I'm sure no matter how it goes Clare will gives one heck of a book.

CLOCKWORK PRINCE a review by Sandy

Clockwork Prince is the second installment in The Infernal Devices series by Cassandra Clare. Written as a prequel to Clare's popular and continuing YA (Young Adult) series- The Mortal Instruments , Clockwork Prince once again takes place in Victorian England, following closely, on the heals of Clockwork Angel. Tessa Gray, Jem Carstairs and Will Herondale return to heat up their relationship triangle, as well as the introduction of a few new characters.

16 year old Tessa's ongoing presence at the Institute has placed Charlotte and the other Shadowhunters in a precarious position. Benedict Lightwood, aiming to replace Charlotte as head of the Institute issues an ultimatum- they have 2 weeks to find the notorious Mortmain (aka Magister) or face eviction. Not willing to fall victim to the Magister's attempts at kidnapping Tessa, she volunteers to help Will and Jem locate the mysterious Ravenscar Manor, the last know address for Mortmain. But Tessa's abilities as a shifter are not the only thing that drives the Magister. He blames the Shadowhunters for a tragedy that all but destroyed his life.

Upon arrival at Ravenscar, Will's life takes an abrupt turn, when he spies his younger sister entering the Manor-his sister, long thought dead. To complicate matters, the trio is attacked by an automaton, who warns Will and the others, not to proceed further with their search for the Magister, or fear repercussions against Will's family. Upon their return to London, Will makes a quick exit followed by a drug induced foray into the world of self-pity and humiliation, only to be rescued by his best friend and addict Jem.

Meanwhile, Tessa and Sophie must be tutored in the fighting ways of the Shadowhunter, so Benedict Lightwood volunteers his sons Gideon and Gabriel. Realizing the young men are probably spies for their father, Tessa soon discovers that Gabriel's attitude towards her, is in direct response to his hatred for Will and a long-ago encounter between the two, and Gideon's handling of Sophie soon develops into something more than friendship.

Over a period of several nights, Tessa spies Jessamine Lovelace leaving and returning to the Institute, disguised as a young boy. Tessa's warning to the others regarding Jessie's behavior and the discovery of an invitation, from Tessa's estranged brother Nathaniel to Jessie, finds Tessa 'shifting' into the persona of Jessamine, to attend a masquerade affair. Dancing with his sister, Nate reveals to Tessa (Jessie) his alliance with the Magister, but not before Will and Tessa witness Benedict Lightwood and his sons in attendance. Back at the Institute, Jessamine is handed the 'Sword of Truth' and confesses to her relationship with Nate and her betrayal of the Shadowhunters. She is taken into custody by the Silent Brothers.

A message from Nate to Jessie, soon has the Shadowhunters, on a mission. Jessie is to meet Nathaniel at a pre-determined destination to discuss their relationship, but Tessa will be the one to meet her brother. The Shadowhunters agree to trail Tessa on her mission to the warehouse, only to find out it was a trap. Nathaniel had known that is was Tessa all along, and not Jessamine, who attended the ball. The Shadowhunters are stalled by a werewolf in the throws of an overdose, but are soon overpowered by a rather large prototype automaton. Will and Tessa are seriously injured, but not before Nathaniel reveals a startling truth and succumbs to his own injuries.

Following a lengthy period of healing and adjustment for both Tessa and Will, Jem surprises Tessa with his own declaration of love, asking for her hand in marriage. But her heart is torn between her love for Jem and the love she has for Will. But Will has a few secrets himself, that he reveals to Tessa, including his reasons for so often pushing her away. But it may be too late for everyone.

When Benedict declares that the Shadowhunters have not honored their end of the bargain to find Mortmain, the Clave calls a hearing to determine whether Charlotte should remain in the position as head of the Shadowhunter Institute. But a surprise visit, by the Shadowhunters to Benedict, results in his 'renouncing' his claims of poor leadership against Charlotte, and the Clave finds for the defendant. Charlotte will maintain her position at the Institute, but only so long as they continue to search for the elusive Magister.

Clockwork Prince is a very detailed storyline. We are introduced to Woolsey Scott (werewolf) and Ragnor Fell, as well as Gideon and Gabriel Lightwood. Magnus Bane is not without his usual comedic retorts and many of the Shadowhunter surnames are recognizable from The Mortal Instruments series.

The love triangle between Tessa, Jem and Will passes smoldering into blatant declarations of love from both young men, but in the end, only one will win the girl. Jem's declining health due to addiction only fuels the fires of love or guilt (whichever you choose to believe), and Tessa must chose to which man her heart belongs. She loves both men equally, but differently. And in the end, only Cassandra Clare knows in which direction her heart will follow.

The fight to keep the Institute out of the hands of Benedict Lightwood, will continue into Clockwork Princess. And there appears to be a developing storyline between Sophie and Gideon Lightwood. It is hoped that whatever happened between Will and Gabriel, all those years ago, will finally be revealed in the next book.

As for the Young Adult Storyline'I am not a big fan of the teen angst drama. I found myself anxious and not extremely pleased with the many directions of the love triangle between the 3 young characters, knowing where Tessa's heart really belonged. But all YA storylines follow a particular outline, and Clockwork Prince did not fail. I look forward to Clockwork Princess, it only to read how it all will end.

Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review

› See all 8 customer reviews on Amazon.ca

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Pure Perfection!
Oh my gosh, this book was PURE PERFECTION! Cassandra Clare has long since earned her place as one of my favourite authors ever (with The Mortal Instruments series and the first... Read more

Published 4 months ago by Mimi Valentine

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow!
Cassandra Clare is an amazing novelist. She has two series in which she is currently writing alternating books. Read more

Published 4 months ago by Steven R. McEvoy

5.0 out of 5 stars Heartbreaking, Beautiful, and a Sequel that Delivers!
I loved Clockwork Angel, and I have been waiting anxiously for Clockwork Prince, so when an ARC of CP turned up in my mailbox, I literally screamed and jumped for joy.... Read more

Published 5 months ago by Ambur (Burning.x.Impossibly.x....

5.0 out of 5 stars Certain re-read
I always wonder with Cassandra Clare's books being so brilliant when my expectations won't be met. She builts them up with all the teasers she posts online so they are quite high... Read more

Published 5 months ago by Melfwain

5.0 out of 5 stars Speechless
I must admit that while Cassie Clare's "Mortal Instruments" series has been my most favourite book series for a number of years her "Clockwork Angel" didn't do much for me- Not... Read more

Published 5 months ago by Avery Greaves

Search Customer Reviews
Only search this product's reviews

› See all 8 customer reviews on Amazon.ca

Search Listmania!