Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices #2)

 
5.0 (2)
 
4.8 (17)
612 0
Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices #2)
Genre(s)
Age Range
12+
Release Date
December 06, 2011
ISBN
1416975888
Buy This Book
      

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.

Editor reviews

4 reviews
Overall rating
 
5.0
Plot
 
5.0(2)
Characters
 
5.0(2)
Writing Style
 
5.0(2)
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
N/A(0)
Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices Book 2)
Overall rating
 
5.0
Plot
 
5.0
Characters
 
5.0
Writing Style
 
5.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
N/A
Let's take a moment to drool over, I mean, appreciate the pretty cover, shall we? *sighs*

Once again, Cassandra Clare has managed to suck me into her colorful story of adventure, intrigue, love, romance and excruciating heartbreak. *clutches chest* Normally, I blast through books in a few hours, but I purposely took my time with this one because I wanted to savor every minute with Will, Jem and Tessa but HOLY CUPCAKE!! Could you find another way to rip my heart out, do a "stomp the yard" dance on it and throw it back at me with demon pox all over it?! *clutches chest* How anyone with a heart can NOT be "Team Will" after this book, I'll never understand but if they aren't, then I say, in the words of giddy Will, "A demonpox on all your houses!" OK, so that's a tad harsh but still.

"Clockwork Prince" picks up right where "Clockwork Angel" leaves off, with Tessa still trying to discover who she is and what Mortmain wants with her. She's no longer the naive girl who first arrived in London but has grown into a strong, brave young woman whose learning to hold her own among the Shadowhunters. She seeks solace from her broken heart in her friendship with Jem only to discover that her feelings for him may be developing into something stronger. Will continues to battle his inner demons while struggling with his feelings for Tessa. He's doing his best to push her away but he finds the more he does the more he feels drawn to her. Jessamine is still as self centered as ever, Sophie, just as loyal and Charlotte and Henry are forced to deal with pressure from the Clave that brings Gideon and Gabriel Lightwood to their door. (Hellew Gideon!)

There were a lot less of those creepy metal automatons which was a good thing because they gave me nightmares while reading "Clock Angel" (no offense to Ms. Clare). I'm sure they'll make their return and in full force in "Clockwork Princess" but for now, it's all about the humans. (so to speak) Gabriel and Gideon add a spark to the mix as do the new servants who are assigned to take Agatha and Thomas' places while Sophie proves again that she's not your average housemaid.

I was not expecting this to be as gut wrenching as it was and I was following the Twitter threads which I thought would've prepared me some - #sillyme. Will's story, his family and the letter he writes them will rip your heart out. *clutches chest* When he realizes he's been misled and he attempts to undo all that's happened, you'll be shouting "TEAM WILL!" from the rooftops, or at least from wherever you're reading. Don't get me wrong, I like Jem, I really, really like him but I *HEARTS* Will! (There is just something about those tortured Herondale boys.) There's still plenty of adventure and a lot of heart racing passion. (A LOT!) The end is a roller coaster ride of emotions (*CLUTCHES CHEST*) leaving you wishing it wasn't such a long wait for "Clockwork Princess" to be released.
Good Points
Tessa is coming into her own as a character. She's strong, brave and holds her own, determined to find out who she is. Will, upon discovering the truth, attempts to make amends.
Report this review Comments (0) | Was this review helpful? 0 0
Clare's Best Work Yet
(Updated: November 30, 2011)
Overall rating
 
5.0
Plot
 
5.0
Characters
 
5.0
Writing Style
 
5.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
N/A
This series is beyond brilliant. Clockwork Angel started out good, but not amazing for me. That shortly turned around, and the amazingness I found in Clockwork Angel was simply multiplied in Clockwork Prince and was a just brilliant read that I was blown away by.

Cassandra Clare picks right up where Clockwork Angel left off, and dives right into a brilliant story that is fast paced and doesn't let up for a minute. Clockwork Prince has it all: curses, betrayals, love, etc. It was brilliant. I had no idea where the plot was going, and it twisted and turned and then I would end up somewhere completely different. There was a perfect balance between everything that went on that worked perfectly. I loved that the story become more and more heightened until the books end, and I am very curious where to see Cassandra Clare will take readers in the next book. Though, there were also several scenes towards the books end that I was not as keen on, and that also has me curious where certain aspects will go in Clockwork Princess.

The characters are just marvelous. I first need to declare that within the first chapters of Clockwork Prince my slight lean towards Team Will became 100%, as much as I love Jem, I am definitely Team Will. And as the book went on that only further solidified my choice. Tessa grew so much in this book from the character she was in Clockwork Angel. I was happy to see a lot more of Sophie in this one as she was such a great character.Charlotte and Henry are just too great, and there definitely was a lot more of the both of them in Clockwork Prince, which was something else I was happy about.

I am angry with Cassandra Clare right now. The ending of Clockwork Prince was so mean, yet so good. I thought the ending of Clockwork Angel was bad, and then I read this one. There is so much going on and I am dying to know what is going to happen or where the story will go. I am officially counting down until Clockwork Princess's release next year.

I may be a late comer to this series, but it is definitely a new favorite of mine. Cassandra Clare has just mastered this world and has delivered a brilliant story. I loved the characters, the world, and basically everything about it. The wait until next fall will a long wait indeed.
Report this review Comments (0) | Was this review helpful? 0 0

User reviews

17 reviews
 
88%
 
6%
 
6%
2 stars
 
0%
1 star
 
0%
Overall rating
 
4.8
Plot
 
4.7(17)
Characters
 
4.9(17)
Writing Style
 
4.8(17)
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
N/A(0)
Already have an account? or Create an account
View all user reviews View most helpful
Twists, Turns & Humour
Overall rating
 
5.0
Plot
 
5.0
Characters
 
5.0
Writing Style
 
5.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
N/A
The second instalment in The Infernal Devices series is even better than the first. Tessa and the Shadowhunters of London must pursue Mortmain and Tessa’s brother Nate whilst struggling against traitorous sources from within the Clave. Tessa grows closer to Jem though she still retains conflicted feeling for Will who broke her heart at the end of the first novel. The Branwells’ control of the London Institute is under threat if they cannot find Mortmain in a two week period. Filled with exciting twists and unexpected turns this book had me on the edge of my seat from the very beginning.

Tessa develops a great deal in the second book, becoming stronger, more confident whilst dealing with her feelings of betrayal over her brother. The mystery of her powers is a source of intrigue. Thought to be a warlock however she does not display any marks. Her powers are also extremely rare in the Shadow World. Though the mystery is partially revealed, it raising more questions than answers.

Jem and Tessa become closer in this book, developing a supportive and close relationship which is lovely to read about. I prefer their relationship to that of Tessa and Will as they are more supportive and kind to one another. Will was always on the brink of being cruel and insensitive to Tessa while being selfish and self-centred. I believe that Jem is better for Tessa than Will.

Jem’s illness is explained more in this book. The drug he is addicted to is explained more and we see the booming industry of demon drugs in the Shadow World.

The other characters are also developed further. Charlotte and Henry’s relationship is examined more and we see that they actually really love one another. Jessamine’s hatred of being a Shadowhunter grows while she tries to find a way out of her current life. Sophie takes on a larger role as we see how she tries to deal the death of her two closest friends, Agatha and Thomas, while she develops feelings for a handsome gentleman suitor.

The period setting didn’t bother me this time round as I got completely absorbed into the story. This book helped to expand the Shadowhunter world which I am really falling in love with.

I loved this book and simply can’t wait for the next.
Report this review Comments (0) | Was this review helpful? 0 0
Woot!
Overall rating
 
5.0
Plot
 
5.0
Characters
 
5.0
Writing Style
 
5.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
N/A
Love the boys!
Good Points
Loved it!!!!! Left me wanting more...

We got to see Will in a whole new light! Finally got to know why he pushed Tessa away. Yes my heart broke towards the end, for both boys.
Report this review Comments (0) | Was this review helpful? 0 0
Favorite
Overall rating
 
5.0
Plot
 
5.0
Characters
 
5.0
Writing Style
 
5.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
N/A
This book is my favorite of all the Cassandra Clare books. In general I like this series better than the Mortal Instruments.
Report this review Comments (0) | Was this review helpful? 0 0
My Clockwork Prince Review
Overall rating
 
3.0
Plot
 
3.0
Characters
 
3.0
Writing Style
 
3.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
N/A
The first book left me with so many questions. To me, this series has gone no where. Between reading book one and two, I still have most of the same questions. There just seems to be no tie in to The Mortal Instruments other than the races and some characters. I feel like the odd man out since so many other people enjoyed this series. It is just not clicking for me. I have sadly not enjoyed this series up to this point.

The main thing that is bothering me is the love triangle going on. I just cannot get over the fact that Tessa seems to skip from one guy to the other. This is even more frustrating since this same event happened in The Mortal Instruments between Simon, Clary, and Jace. What is it about this series and awkward relationships!? At this point, I am not sure who I want Tessa to be with.

Jessamine’s character has been an issue for me since the first book. I found myself wishing someone would just slap the shit out of her! Her true colors are revealed in this book. I guess the saying “love is blind” shines through in her case. Sadly, I was overjoyed with the hand she was dealt. I am a personal believer that karma is a bitch and karma definitely sunk her claws into Jess.

Well I wish there was something interesting to add to this review, but literally NOTHING has happened. Other than Will finding out about his “curse”, the death of one of the characters, and blackmail there has been no new events. I guess there is the relationships in the book heating up. Yet, who is Tessa, what is up with this clockwork angel, why does Mortmain and Valentine so closely resemble each other, and WHAT is this series about?!

I know, I know, why read the rest of the series? Well I have this horrible issue of not finishing what I start. I feel this strong responsibility to complete this series since I have all three books. There is one thing, well person, in this book that I love! That is Henry. He lightens this series for me. I definitely have my fingers crossed for him. Well for the Branwells in general.

What are some of your thoughts on this series? What did you like/dislike about it? Please share your thoughts in my comments.
Report this review Comments (0) | Was this review helpful? 0 0
Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare
Overall rating
 
3.7
Plot
 
3.0
Characters
 
5.0
Writing Style
 
3.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
N/A
I took my time on getting around to this one because there were so many rumors as to when the final installment would come out. Now that its available, I'm trying to hurry and play catch up.
This book brought up so many questions. Such as "What is Tessa?" and "What is the Magister REALLY up to?" It was the perfect setup for the last book. Had I not waited to read it, I would have been very upset at having to wait so long to finally get the answers to these questions.
The best part of this book has to be the emotion surrounding it. With Clare's writing, the grief that Tessa, Will, and Jem face, is not only read, but FELT by the reader. I honestly felt my heart breaking many times for Will throughout the entire novel. Gah, Will is such a misunderstood character!
I saw that many people were also afraid of the love triangle in this series. Although it is a big part in the story, it is not overwhemling. I enjoyed it, (#TeamWill) besides the times when she was with the "wrong person." lol The triangle is well written and as I said before, sets up for the last installment to the series where Tessa will hopefully pick.
Lastly, something that I enjoyed from the first book to this series, is the characters. They are explained more in depth in this novel. We learned so much more about Will, Jem, Tessa, her brother, Mortmain, and even Jessamine. Although we learned about them in the first one, I feel that they were explained more and the reasoning for their actions is explained. Hence the reason I said Will is misunderstood.
This book will give you some answers and will give you even more questions. It was the perfect sequel novel, and I don't say that often. I am definitely looking forward to reading the last installment to the Infernal Devices series to answer all my questions, such as who will Tessa pick, what is she, and how does the actual Mortal Instruments come in to play at the very end of the story.
Report this review Comments (0) | Was this review helpful? 0 0
Everything I hoped for!
(Updated: November 30, 2012)
Overall rating
 
5.0
Plot
 
5.0
Characters
 
5.0
Writing Style
 
5.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
N/A
This book was just as good as the standards set by Clockwork Angel. It was everything I wanted, and a little more.

This book focuses a good amount on betrayal, and immerses you more in the romance between characters. You have to choose a side in this book—do you like William or do you like Jem? Now, we all remember what Will did at the end of the first book that made him look like a douche, yes? Based on that it may seem like an obvious choice, but not once you learn more about Will. Will’s past is unraveled and revealed showing you who he is, and why he does what he does. The complexity of his character is pretty
amazing—there’s who he is, and who he pretends to be.

The questions that were raised in the first book about who Tessie is, and what the Magister wanted her for are answered in this one—for the most part. There are always a few loose ends left hanging, to make you want more.

This book was very good with the plot but the character building was impressive. Every action they take, and every little adventure they go on reveals more about Jem, Will, Tessie, Tessie’s brother—all the main players.

I can’t wait for more.
Report this review Comments (0) | Was this review helpful? 0 0
Love!
Overall rating
 
5.0
Plot
 
5.0
Characters
 
5.0
Writing Style
 
5.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
N/A
The second installment in The Infernal Devices series is a MUST READ!

I didn't know it was possible, but I love Jace even more than I did after reading Clockwork Angel. In this book, you really get to see his character develop--and you learn so much about him!!! I love that you actually get questions answered (of course, more are brought up, but hey, I'll take what I can get).

This is brilliantly written and Cassandra Clare really sheds some light on the characters. I love her third person style because you really get to see how each character reacts in each situation. You get to see how they feel and it makes the book so much more personal.

Now let's talk love triangle! Tessa, Will, Jem--who will she choose? This book is definitely going to get a lively Team Will vs. Team Jem debate brewing. As for me, I will always remain Team Will--I like the bad boys!

If you haven't read this yet, you are totally missing out! I demand you run to the bookstore and purchase it now! Why are you still sitting there? Now!
Report this review Comments (0) | Was this review helpful? 0 0
Clockwork prince
Overall rating
 
5.0
Plot
 
5.0
Characters
 
5.0
Writing Style
 
5.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
N/A
Do you ever get that feeling where you want to finish something as quickly as you can, and you want to know the end of the story, yet it is SO good that you want it to just keep going forever? Well, that's exactly what happened to me when I was reading the Clockwork Prince.

This book, quite unlike the first one (Clockwork Angel) is action-packed and fast-moving, and will keep you hooked! But its also fabulous and not too fast when it comes to Will, Jem and Tessa.

Tessa is a fabulous protagonist, courageous, determined, but not totally without feelings (when a character is too strong and courageous and doesn't feel anything, I find that really annoying). You can understand exactly what she's feeling and it's impossible not to empathise with her. She's not afraid of putting herself in danger (okay, maybe a little afraid sometimes but that's natural). But she's still so understandable when it comes to this like insecurities about Downworlders, Shadowhunters in general, and in particular Will and Jem.

Sometimes I get frustrated with love triangles, because I know exactly who I want someone to be with, and they keep wavering. That was not at all what happened in Clockwork Prince. When she was with Jem, she was so light and happy, and I was fine with it. It seemed like the right choice. And then she was with Will, and he let his true feelings slip through, and she would forget about Jem. And then I thought as well that it was the right choice!

I won't start yammering on about what exactly happens in the plot, because for one thing, who wants to read everything that happens in the book when you can read the fabulous book itself (hint, hint), and besides, I wouldn't want to be a spoiler. The cliffhanger at the end is how you should create a proper cliffhanger, and I can't believe that we have to wait a year before it is resolved (which it hopefully will be, otherwise I will surely die). I think that Clare is trying to kill us all with suspense. I must say, that is a very effective way of torture (haha).

FABULOUS BOOK, READ IT EVERYONE!!!
Report this review Comments (0) | Was this review helpful? 0 0
Clare Has Completely Outdone Herself!
Overall rating
 
5.0
Plot
 
5.0
Characters
 
5.0
Writing Style
 
5.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
N/A
There are books that leave you heart-warmed, books that leave you weeping, and books that leave you speechless. Clockwork Prince manages to leave you feeling all three.

Clare has completely outdone herself. The plot is fast-moving and action-packed, leaving you unable to put the book down, as each chapter leaves you wanting more. But it's also deliciously slow and deliberate when it comes to developing Tessa's feelings for both Will and Jem. There are twists and turns that leave your head spinning, and characters that begin to feel more like friends and family, then just words on paper.

Tessa is a shining beacon of hope for YA heroines, and what they should strive to be. She is independent and strong and courageous - but she also shows how that doesn't mean she has to be without feelings. She feels everything with such intensity that it's impossible not to feel the same things with her. She's not afraid to speak up, whether on behalf of her own heart or on behalf of those she cares about. She enters dangerous situations without fear or hesitation, as she knows she is needed and that to do anything less would be cowardly. Yet she's still relatable, as she shares with us her insecurities about her status as a Downworlder and her confused feelings for Will who can be so tenderly cruel, and her confused feelings for her good friend, Jem.

The ease with which Clare is able to write Tessa, Will and Jem's love triangle is awe-inspiring. There was never a moment where I felt that Tessa was making the wrong decision, as my heart ached with her over her feelings for both boys. When she was with Jem, I could feel her spirit lighten and feel her blush as though it was my own. The comfort they received from each other's presence warmed my heart, and gave me hope that Tessa's love was enough to help keep Jem healthy and strong. But then Will would let his guard down, and show Tessa his true feelings, and she was able to forget about her feelings for Jem in the heat of the passion she feels for Will. And I was ok with it! I understood exactly how she might want to continue to give Will another chance, as his moments of sincerity were so heartfelt that I was left breathless.

I won't get in to the details of the plot, as I don't want inadvertently ruin anything. I will say that this is how you write a love triangle, and this is how a cliffhanger ending is properly created and that Clare must be trying to kill us all. I don't know if I will be able to handle the suspense and agony of waiting for a resolution in Clockwork Princess (there will be resolution, right?!)
Report this review Comments (0) | Was this review helpful? 0 0
Clockwork Prince Review
Overall rating
 
5.0
Plot
 
5.0
Characters
 
5.0
Writing Style
 
5.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
N/A
I was a little bit worried when I started to read "The Infernal Devices", I was fearing that I will be disappointed by the similarity with "The Mortal Instruments". Actually I wasn't really caught by Clockwork Angel at first and I really could see lots of things in common with the first Shadowhunters saga.

Going ahead with the story made me change my mind. The entire framework was incredible and original as I used to imagine Shadowhunters fighting in the modern America; The idea of set the story in the Victorian London characterized all the characters and their manners, making them uniques.

I really enjoyed this book, even more than the first one. I was disappointed by the end of the first one so I was interested in knowing how the story went on. For the first 150 pages I was not so focused on the book, actually, because the story doesn't seem to get to a point but, when for the first time appears Will's family, I was so interested in the book that I could not be able to put it down. I love Will! I still try to convince myself that Jem and Tessa will be perfect together but it's just not fair!

I loved the way Cassandra described Will emotions and I couldn't stop following what was his curse until the end, when the secret is revealed. The last 100 pages were so moving that I couldn't stop crying until the end that left me really depressed.

It was amazing seeing how every little details on the book then became something absolutely important which influenced the course of events. The most exciting part was when Will finally "got free" from his curse and finally decided to speaking of his feelings with Tessa and, at the same time, Jem was proposing her.

Moreover, even if the end broke my heart, I was amazed by the incredible importance that Cassandra gave to friendship: the love between parabatai had won against the love for one girl. Will had given up on the only girl who have ever loved for making is friend happy. For the first time he had seen Jem happy and strong and he couldn't stand the thought of taking from him the only person who had this effect on him. The final toast was really to much to bear for me and I couldn't avoid bursting into tears.

The clockwork Prince was really amazing, Cassandra Clare, as always has done a wonderful job. The world that she has created since "City of Bones" is simply unique and so engaging. In the deepest part of my heart I have always wanted to live like a Shadowhunter and among Shadowhunters and I wish that series like this never ends.
Good Points
Touching. Unexpected. I love Cassandra Clare's writing stle.
SV
Report this review Comments (0) | Was this review helpful? 0 0
View all user reviews