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A Review: Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare
Synopsis from Goodreads.com:
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, though 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.
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I wanted to start this blog of with one of my favourite books of all time Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare (book two in the 1# New York Times Best Selling series The Infernal Devices). This book is a wonderful YA read filled with lots of action, twists, adventure, and romance. In fact this is probably one of the best (if not only) romance novels I have ever read. I can’t wait for book three (Clockwork Princess) to come out next year!
Plot:
My Rating: 7.5/10
The plot is very well written and thought out, though it takes a while for it to get started. I was, however, expecting more villain/hero action throughout the book. In fact the “main” villain doesn’t even make an appearance. This book seemed more focused on character development and romance. Especially on the romance! I love it when a book has loads of action in it, and that was one thing that I thought this book was lacking. Though, most of the time sequels are the bridges that lead you to the big finale action scene in the end of the third book. I definitely got that sense from this sequel. However, I do think that character development in VERY important, so with that in mind, I think Cassandra Clare checked this box of nicely.
Characters and their Development:
My Rating: 9/10
I loved how the characters in this book left you confused, broken-hearted, and excited all at the same time! For once I had no idea whose side I should be on. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or not, but I enjoyed it none the less!
Though Jem is on the front cover, I found this book to be more about Will. There is A LOT of Will in this book. In fact, some parts throughout Clockwork Prince are told from his perspective. We find out more about his life in Wales before he came to the London institute and how his past affects him now. We also get his take on the whole Will/Jem parapatai brotherly relationship. I would have liked to learn more about Jem’s past as well (since he is my favourite character). I found that by the end of the book I learned so much about Will, but nothing about Jem.
The romance in this book is very complicated with lots of secrets which do get revealed throughout the book. It is (dare I say) a love triangle, which are usually not my taste. But this one was not your average “high school jock vs. nerd” love triangle. It had a ring of mystery; whether it was Will’s insane curse or Jem’s deadly illness they both kept you on your toes and wondering what plot twist would come next. My only complaint is that I have no idea who I want Tessa to end up with! One moment, I think Tessa should choose Will, then I read a little more and then I want her to end up with Jem, then I want her to forget those two boys and run off with Gabriel or Magnus or no one at all! I was left so utterly confused (in a good way)!
There is also more about the supporting cast. The Lightwood brothers have a bigger role this time around, which is great! Lots of action from Charlotte, Jessamine, Sophie and Henry too. Magnus shows up quite a few times throughout the book (witty, smart and hilarious as always). Even Camille has a little cameo!
Overall, I thought the characters were brilliant. You think you know them, and then BAM something happens that makes you realise you didn’t know them at all! I loved that! Well done Cassandra Clare for creating such dynamic and intriguing characters!!
Setting:
My Rating: 9/10
This book is set in London 1878. I love reading new books based around that time period, because the etiquette, style, and manner of speaking was so different and intriguing. The way that the characters communicated was superb. Just the right amount of witty sarcasm, supportive lines, clever plans, and heartbreaking dialogue. The clothing was amazing as well. Especially the beautifully extravagant gowns that the women wore to go to balls, dinners and social events.
Tessa, Will, and Jem also spend some time visiting the institute located in Wales. I liked this new venue, though the characters didn’t stay long. I would have liked it if they spent a little more time there because it sounded so beautiful! There was also so much potential for more detail. Especially since Will is from Wales, I thought there would be more scenes with him remembering his childhood. Other that him seeing a certain new character, that didn't really happen.
On a whole, I just loved the setting in this book. I loved how Clare sent the characters to more well-known places like Whitechapel Highstreet, Westminster Abbey, and even Kings Cross! That was a lot of fun! I can`t wait for the next book (Clockwork Princess), because Clare says that the Shadowhunters travel all over the world. I wonder where they will go exactly...
Ending:
My Rating: 6.5/10
I was missing the big grand never-saw-coming ending that the first book had, but it was still a decent ending that left me wondering what was in store for the next book. We get a surprise visit from another new character, which was great! And we also learn some exciting news from one of the main characters. I thought It was, however, a little bit rushed. Without giving too much away, It would have been nice to see a certain problem get more resolved.
Overall:
My Rating: 8.5/10
Overall, I loved this book. It had the most amazing characters, the dialogue was so detailed it felt liked you really there, and the initial storyline was incredible. I loved how the line between this magical world and the reality of London was blurred. I could totally picture Tessa admiring poets’ corner or Jem walking down Blackfriers Bridge. Really cool!
If you have read book one (Clockwork Angel) or any other Cassandra Clare novel then I would highly recommend reading Clockwork Prince. If you haven’t, then what are waiting for? I would also recommend waiting until book three (Clockwork Princess) comes out so you won't be left waiting and counting the days! I can’t wait to find out what happens to that crazy love triangle and what will happen when the “big battle scene” Clare promised occurs. March 19, 2013 can’t come any sooner!
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