Book Review: Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices, #2)

by Cassandra Clare 

Genre: Historical/Urban Fantasy/Steampunk

Reading Grade: Young Adult

Publication Date: December 6, 2011

Source: purchased hardcover

Age Rating: 13+

| Amazon |

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? 

 

My Review

Wow... This book is amazing. I was so pulled into this installment of The Infernal Devices series, that all the characters became completely real to me. This doesn't happen that often, but it does when a story is so well-told that I forget I'm just reading a book of total fiction.

The first book (Clockwork Angel) is wonderful and I highly suggest everyone read it who hasn't already [see my review here], but this one (Clockwork Prince) is immaculate. Although, I don't think a reader would think that quite as much if they weren't already invested in the characters prior to reading it. If you haven't already fallen for Tessa, Will and Jem (even Sophie & Magnus), then you might not like this one as much, since its primary focus is on these characters' relationships with each other.

Cassandra Clare is an author who knows how to tell a story the right way. In book 1, we get a very plot-rich story wherein we spend 500 pages learning about the characters and seeing them showing off their true colors as they react to different plot stimuli. The romance is saved for late in the book, and even then, it is still very light. If Clare had decided to ram the romance down our throats from the onset of the story, it would have given us all indigestion, because we need time to get to know who these people are first before we enjoy that kind of intimacy. Who wants to watch strangers making out in public? Anyone? Not me. So, you need to learn to care about the people of that world first, then becoming a romance voyeur is not only acceptable, but highly anticipated.

In book 2, the plot is now able to take a bit of a backseat to the overall narrative (but, not completely), and we can focus on our lovable characters. We can get into all the drama of romance, broken hearts, disappointment, the mania of love and desire, etc., because we love these characters already and we want to see what happens—we want to see what they will do and say to each other. With perfect timing, Clockwork Prince definitely satisfies in that regard.

I personally adored this (that's not even the right word. It's more than that!) because it gave me everything I wanted. Any Jem fan, like me, will be able to dig their own grave and lie down in it, because they can now die happy. Go out on a high note! But, it is not without a semblance of sadness, too, because Tessa experiences her own complications with her brother (and, my heart goes out to her so much over that problem), and Will has a sort of epiphany of his wasted potential, which is tragic in its own right. Like any truly great book, there is a good mixture of happiness and sadness.

I'll just ask now, can I have Jem? He's one of those characters you want to be real so badly, you almost believe you can reach inside the book's pages and pull him out. Ah, if only... I have to add him to the list of fictional 19^th century heroes that make me squee, if only because he is the ideal gentleman. In this volume, we really get to see his true colors, see that he is a human being, flawed in his own beautiful way (different from Will's way), and prone to being overwhelmed by emotion and feeling. You get to see just how fragile his heart is, and how precious he is to his dearest friends.

If you've been harboring doubts about this series, you really shouldn't. I can't imagine anyone being disappointed by it. The world-building is thorough, the characters fully developed, their relationships with each other raw and real, and plenty of interesting things happen all the time. What more do you need? It's nearly perfect.

My score: 5 out of 5 stars. (Totally mesmerizing and amazing...)

P.S. There will be a manga graphic novel adaptation out later this year, starting with book 1, and I'm going to pee myself with joy! You can even pee yourself now if you want to read a new chapter every month over at YenPress.com/YenPlus where the story is already being serialized for $2.99 USD (monthly). Those boys are prett-ay!

Book Recommendations: TGIF at GReads! (1)

TGIF at GReads! is a weekly bookish meme hosted by

GReads!

Every week book blogger participants answer a different book-related question and share in the meme-y fun with other book bloggers.

This Friday's (1/19/2012) Question:

Recommend It: Which book from the last 10 you've read 

would you recommend to a friend?

______________________

Well, I'd have to say that I would rec Hounded [my review] by Kevin Hearne because this entire series of books (Iron Druid Chronicles) is just the most stinkin' funniest I've read probably ever. This book is the first, so people need to start here, but I liked Hexed and Hammered (books 2 & 3) even better.

As I know people who are too sensitive to read a book with a lot of swearing and implied adult situations (like my older sister), I have to rec something suitable for them. Thus, I'd go with the book I'm currently reading, Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare. But, this is book 2 in The Infernal Devices series, so then I'd have to recommend starting with book 1, Clockwork Angel. [my review]

I'm absolutely loving this book, but I know I wouldn't if I didn't already love the characters. You have to love them first, or this book wouldn't be so great.

So there you have it!

Future Reads #13: Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

Here's what I'm really looking forward to reading after it comes out! 

Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices, #2)

by Cassandra Clare

Publication Date: December 6, 2011

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.

I need to read this because I'm a big Jem fangirl, and supposedly Tessa starts getting more interested in him, or maybe he starts getting more interested in her?? Something like that, and I'm sold. The first book was really good and I found a new book boyfriend out of it, so I must see what silver-haired book boyfriend is going to do, particularly in regards to matters of the heart.... 

Anyway, does anybody know who the heck this guy on the cover is? I just can't figure it out. It can't be Will because he's on the cover of the first book, and this model looks nothing like that guy. <is confused>

Review: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices, #1)

by Cassandra Clare

Genre: Urban Fantasy/Steampunk

Reading Grade: Young Adult

Publishing Type: traditional

Publication Date: August 31, 2010

Source: Amazon store (hardcover)

Age Rating: 13+

|Amazon| 

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.

Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by—and torn between—two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length...everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world...and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all. 

My Review

I purchased this book back in September 2010, right after it was released, and I only recently got around to reading it. It was worth the wait. This is a really great story with well-conceived characters. Compared to City of Bones, which I recently read before this book, Clockwork Angel is far superior in every way, especially the technical writing. Gone are the clunky, lazily placed adverbs, which were making my eyes roll every two minutes during City of Bones.

The characters really sold me on this book, in that, Tessa, the main character, is a likeable protagonist. She's not some heroine kicking butt every other minute, but I don't need my heroines like that, anyway. She's smart and uses her cleverness to get herself out of difficult situations. She does require some help from others, but she doesn't seem like a damsel-in-distress, at all.

There are pretty boys, of course, like Will and Jem, and both are interesting and charming in their own respective ways. Will is strong and dashing, very sarcastic and witty (making me laugh out loud A LOT), although he tries to make people hate him for some unknown reason. Jem is a polite, nonjudgmental silver-haired sweetheart, and honestly won me completely over. I'm a huge Jem fan now! I don't even know why Tessa fancies Will more than him. James, honey, you know where you can find me when she refuses you!

What's funny about this novel is that, while reading it, I felt like it followed a sort of set pattern I was already familiar with, so I expected the plot to unfold in a certain way. But, once I got about three-quarters of the way finished, it pulled a very unpredictable plot twist on me. I never saw it coming, and it was shocking! When I discovered who the real villain characters actually were, I was appalled by them. Horrible people, just as villains ought to be. I was immensely impressed.

Obviously, I rate this newer Cassandra Clare series higher than the original for which it is based on. City of Bones is good, but Clockwork Angel has a more clever plot and far more intriguing characters. The indelible Magnus Bane appears in this series, and he's hilarious, even if not integral to the plot. A certain clever gray cat also makes a cameo that existing Clare fans will be delighted to see.

If you didn't like City of Bones, or anything from The Mortal Instruments, I bet you'll actually enjoy this one….

My score: 4.5 out of 5 stars.

 

Review: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments, #1)

by Cassandra Clare 

Genre: Urban Fantasy/Paranormal

Reading Grade: Young Adult

Publishing Type: traditional

Publication Date: March 27, 2007

Source: local library (Audio CD)

Age Rating: 14+ (for some profanity)

Amazon.com

When 15-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder -- much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing -- not even a smear of blood -- to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy? 

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother?And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know...

My Review

I had been meaning to read the first book in this series for quite a while now, but was afraid I wouldn't like it. I finally decided to check it out in Audio CD format from my local public library. That way, there would be no commitment to a bothersome read, nor any money wasted. But, I ended up liking this book, regardless.

The characters (most of them, actually) are very interesting, and I think what makes this book successful has something to do with how the characters interact with each other. Never a dull moment. It's like watching a houseful of people who can't stop being brutally honest every time they open their mouths to speak to one another! That does create plenty of conflict so, as the observer, you just wanna kick back, pop some popcorn, and watch the kiddies have at each other.

Also, the world of The Mortal Instruments is really interesting, if not downright cool. Clare's description is very detailed, making it easy to conjure up images of the New York gothic cathedrals and abandoned buildings bricked up everywhere. Without needing to overdo it, she even manages to get you to see exactly what the paranormal characters are wearing and how different the style is from just normal everyday human attire.

I don't feel the technical writing is very good, though. Too many adverbs that make some passages clunky and lazy, at best. But, everything else about the writing shines, particularly the use of description. Best of all, the young adult voice sings loud and clear. It does seem like something not particularly sophisticated as a piece of literature, but this is part of what makes it work in portraying a proper teen voice. I think this is why actual teen readers are reading these books like they're going out of style (which they are not). They don't have to read something hard for them to mentally process, because most teenagers would rather play video games, or watch YouTube than read a book.

This is great fiction for middle-to-older aged teens who want to read something that, yes, is long, but will immerse them in a fascinating world, and keep them engaged from beginning to end without having to strain their brains for something only meant to be entertaining.

My score: 3.5 stars ouf of 5.

Teaser Tuesdays #5 (8/23/11)

"Teaser Tuedsays" is a weekly bookish meme hosted by

MizB of Should Be Reading.

 

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

1. Grab your current read.

2. Open to a random page.

3. Share two (2) teaser sentences from somewhere on that page.

4. BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away. You don't want to spoil it for others.)
5. Share the title &amp; author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers.

My Teaser 

"Clary glanced at Jace, but he was blinking, clearly confused. Brother Jeremiah must have spoken only inside her head."

- from page 183 of City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments, #1) 

by Cassandra Clare

*****

When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder - much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing - not even a smear of blood - to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know....

Book Haul #8 (7/25/11)

I'd say this was a good week for me and my book hauls! Next week should be, too...

I decided to go back to hitting up my local library for some titles I've yet to read, and feel too anxious about purchasing. I hate buying a book I end up hating after I read it, so the library saves me from that possible commitment. Plus, they have some books on CD and audiobooks rule!

From the Library

City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments, #1)
by Cassandra Clare

Format: audio CD


I know, I know. How could I have NOT read this book already? I must be insane. It's only because I've been afraid I'd not like it, but I knew I'd just have to borrow it from the library one of these days so I could see if I actually would like it, or not. And, I can give my tired eyes a break and just listen to it. Sounds good to me.

Infinity (The Chronicles of Nick, #1)
by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Format: paperback


I've been wanting to read this book for a while now, and I know a little bit about The Dark-Hunter series by the same author. I just hope for some good characters.

Jane Jones: Worst. Vampire. Ever.
by Caissie St. Onge

Format: paperback


I've already starting read this and it is totally funny so far! I like stories like this that poke fun at the current popular perception of vampires and vampire lore.

From The Book Depository

Dead Iron (Age of Steam, #1)

by Devon Monk

Format: paperback


This brand new series looks really, really promising as it has a lot of elements in it that make me want to read it: historical, western, steampunk, paranormal, fantasy, a super hunky male lead as is evidenced by the super hunky male on the cover... I'm not sure it's missing anything from my perspective.

Hounded (The Iron Druid Chronicles, #1)
by Kevin Hearne

Format: mass market paperback


This series has been blasting off into the stratosphere of popularity lately! Before I realized this, I read Kevin Hearne's prequel short story to this book, "Clan Rathskeller", which is free over on Goodreads.com, and it was super funny and awesome. It sold me on the idea of buying the first book, so, naturally, I did. So far, there are three books out in this series. They are getting released like hotcakes!

That's it for me this week. What books did you all haul in?