Clockwork Prince (Infernal Devices #2)

In magical Victorian London, orphan Tessa found safety with the Shadowhunters, until traitors betray her to the Magister. He wants to marry her, but so do self-destructive Will and fiercely devoted Jem. Mage Magnus Bane returns to help them. Secrets to her parentage lie with the mist-shrouded Yorkshire Institute's aged manager Alyosius Starkweather.

*May Contain Spoilers*

The Infernal Devices trilogy by Cassandra Clare continues with Clockwork Prince. Picking up right where Clockwork Angel left off, the Shadowhunters and the Clave are looking for the Magister. But someone in the Clave might be under his mechanical eye, helping him at every turn. And what of the Institute? Could their be another traitor among them? 

Tessa is still the main focus in this novel, as the Magister is still after her and the reason still a mystery, though the Shadowhunters seem to be making progress on this front. Readers solidify the initial connection made in Clockwork Angel. More of her heart is exposed as she falls in love with both Will and Jem for many different reasons. Readers come to understand more of what makes her tick (pun intended) when she agrees to marry Jem. Her friendship blossoms with Sophie, revealing just how loyal Tessa can be. Throughout the story, she still struggles to discover where she came from and what she is exactly. 

Readers also get a deeper look into Will's character in this novel. It's revealed that he was cursed as a young child with the understanding that anyone who comes to love him will die. In the background, Will and Magnus Bane try to uncover the demon who cursed Will in effort to reverse the evil affliction. Readers are more able to connect with Will when this is discovered because they now understand his reasoning behind pushing people away and playing a villainous role. 

The plot of the novel is played out under a restraint from the Shadowhunter Clave: Charlotte and Henry have two weeks to track down the Magister or they forfeit their ruling positions at the London Institute. This ultimatum for the characters will undoubtedly hook the readers, as they continue in their Magister Mystery. Clare's wonderful storytelling and writing style make this book one of pure enjoyment, even if Tessa doesn't end up with the reader's hero of choice. 

Rating: 4/5 Cups

Clockwork Angel (Infernal Devices #1)

In a time when Shadowhunters are barely winning the fight against the forces of darkness, one battle will change the course of history forever. Welcome to the Infernal Devices trilogy, a stunning and dangerous prequel to the New York Times bestselling Mortal Instruments series.

The year is 1878. Tessa Gray descends into London’s dark supernatural underworld in search of her missing brother. She soon discovers that her only allies are the demon-slaying Shadowhunters—including Will and Jem, the mysterious boys she is attracted to. Soon they find themselves up against the Pandemonium Club, a secret organization of vampires, demons, warlocks, and humans. Equipped with a magical army of unstoppable clockwork creatures, the Club is out to rule the British Empire, and only Tessa and her allies can stop them...

*May Contain Spoilers*

Cassandra Clare introduces the world of Shadowhunters with her novel, Clockwork Angel. When one woman is kidnapped and introduced to her ability to Change into other people, she discovers there is much more darkness to the world than she could have ever imagined. 

Tessa Gray is the main character of this historically supernatural novel. Readers will enjoy her taking the lead to save her brother and help the Shadowhunters in any way she can to keep the people of London safe. Though she isn't a fighter, Tessa is courageous, brave, and focused. She is loyal to her brother and tries to ensure that she pulls her weight in this Institute against evil. Readers will connect with Tessa through her journey to discover herself. With this new knowledge that she is supernatural, Tessa struggles to define who she is, a universal plight. 

The plot follows Tessa's arrival in London to the finding of her brother. Along the way, she learns of her ability, is tortured, rescued, introduced to the underworld of London, and helps fight off the Pandemonium Club. The story is created with a blunt writing style and wonderfully sarcastic dialogue. Readers will definitely enjoy the action, the mystery, and the sword-sharp wit of the character cast. 

Rating: 4.5/5 Cups

WWW Wednesday (78)

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?

• What did you recently finish reading?

• What do you think you’ll read next?

          

01. Currently Reading:
Platform 21 by T.R. Patrick. A futuristic novel in which the main character dies only to wake up in a version of his life he never lived with more than one mystery to unravel.

02. Recently Finished:
Vuto by A.J. Walkley. A story about two young girls from different parts of the world and how their actions go against tradition.

03. Reading Next:
Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare. The first book in the Infernal Devices series where the main character must face the supernatural creatures of historic London to find her brother.