Book Review: Clockwork Prince

Clockwork Prince Review

Rating: ✭✭✭✭

Title: Clockwork Prince

Author: Cassandra Clare

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, YA, Romance

Format: Paperback, 496 pages

Publication: 2011

Source: Personal Copy

"If no one cares for you at all, do you even really exist?" 

 - Will, Chapter 7, 156

*Note: This review does not contain spoilers unless you have read the previous novel.

Clockwork Prince is the second novel in The Infernal Devices trilogy by Cassandra Clare. The Magister has escaped the Shadowhunter's and is threatening to destroy everyone they love if Tessa is not handed over to him. The London Institute has the task of tracking him down and they struggle to do so as Will's mysterious past come to a forefront, Jem continues to battle his afflictions and Tessa is still trying to figure out her powers and why they're so important to the Magister.

Clockwork Prince is the perfect bridge between Clockwork Angel and the last book of the trilogy. The Shadow and Victorian world blended together makes for a riveting page turning read and Cassandra has yet to disappoint me. World development is important in all fantasy novels and Clockwork Prince is an example of how worlds should be written. The Shadow world development amazing and even better than Clockwork Angel. 

Lies and deception are the cause of corruption in the London Institute - and the success of this novel. Jem and Will's parabatai relationship, Charlotte's disputes with the Clave and Tessa's struggle with identity all help the Shadow world develop in the story and make the novel insanely interesting. Romantic entanglements don't overpower the plot, but they kept it interesting in times of drought. The romantic aspect is so well constructed. I too often become frustrated with love triangles but this one has made me feel every emotion other than frustration. The scenes were perfectly placed and balanced with occasional twists that offered surprising, new and genius revelations.

The book is written in multiple character perspectives so as a reader it was easy to see the motives behind each character. This leads me to the amazing development of each character. Reading about and understanding each character in this novel has helped me relate with them more. I have become absolutely obsessed mesmerised with these characters because of their unique and realistic personalities. Cassandra has written each of them remarkably well and gives each one a real place in this book.

Clockwork Prince is an amazing addition to Clockwork Angel and it has earned a 4-star rating fro me. I highly recommend this book for everyone who loves angel-lit, romantic, demon-slaying and dangerous YA. I'm looking forward to seeing how Cassandra Clare continues her streak with the next book in this trilogy; Clockwork Princess.

View all my reviews // Goodreads // Amazon // Booktopia // Book Depository