12/8: Day 38: My Spoiler Free Review of "Clockwork Prince"

Wow. That's all I can say. Just wow. Ms. Cassandra Clare, you have truly outdone yourself in another fabulous installment in one of the best series that I have ever read. My heart is still aching upon completing this, and I think I have finally gathered my thoughts to write a review.

Now first, I must start with the setting. I think the main reason why the Infernal Devices series is so appealing is because of the time period – we’re so used to living in our modern times that it’s nice to escape that through this fantasy realm. And Ms. Clare’s writing exemplifies this by making Victorian London come alive through the pages. I literally felt like I was with the characters in every scene and could easily picture everything.

Next, the plot line. If you thought the teasers were overwhelming, wait until the plot. It was so hard to see where Ms. Clare would take us. After one problem would be solved, another would arise. We follow the twisting paths through the book and find answers to the hidden secrets.

And that leads me to Will. I heard that this was Jem’s book, but honestly, I felt it was more of Will. He definitely experiences the greatest character progression – the Will in the beginning is nowhere near the Will in the end. After his secret is revealed, I felt that I should pour my heart and soul into him and help us release this heavy burden. Although Will’s storyline covers a lot of the plot, it is also Jem’s turn to shine. He’s so kind to Tessa and acts as her personal guide through London. However, a darker side to Jem is also revealed, which took me utterly by surprise.

Now for the love triangle. This is the BEST love triangle I have ever read. I’ve always seen love triangles in which the girl is the damsel in distress while two men who despise each other fight over her. However, in Clockwork Prince, this is not the case. The two boys, Will and Jem, are so close; they are parabatai, but they are something more than that. Although they may be polar opposites, their brotherly bond runs deeper through their veins and makes them more like one person. One is mentally broken, while the other is physically so. And Tessa has to be one of my favorite heroines. I generally dislike the main character, but Tessa is an exception to that. She’s so strong-willed, despite everything that she has endured upon arriving in London. No wonder the two boys are smitten by her…

I loved all the other characters, new and old. Charlotte and Henry’s relationship is further explored, and they are soon becoming the sweetest couple. Sophie takes us by surprise in many ways. And Jessamine… oh Jessie… she is pretty much the same old, same old, but is also hiding some sort of secret. That’s all I’m going to say about her. The new characters were very entertaining – I couldn’t get enough of Woolsey Scott. His ephemeral appearance was enough to get me laughing out loud. Oh and Magnus! How could I forget him? Magnus in this book is very different from him in Mortal Instruments. He definitely plays a bigger role, and I was glad to see him appear pretty often.

So, for those of you who haven’t read Clockwork Prince, be prepared for a thrill ride. This is such a page turner that it was so hard to put down. Whenever I couldn’t read it, I couldn’t help thinking about it. I’m still in shock by the ending, especially the last paragraph. There were times when I would be tempted to laugh out loud in public, and I had to control myself. There were other times when I would feel a piece of my heart break. This book actually made me cry, and this never happens. I cannot wait until Clockwork Princess. The wait seems too long that I don’t know how I am going to entertain myself! As for those of you who are wondering what team I’m on, I have to say I hate playing teams. After Clockwork Angel, I was split down the middle. However, after reading CP, I really don’t want to admit that I have chosen a side, but I have. And that is Will. After all he goes through, it’s so hard to not love him, and he has now become my most favorite character in both the series. So far, this has got to be the best Cassandra Clare book out. And for that I give it a five stars!!! And glittery ones of that… Magnus would love that ;)


Love always,
The Red Queen