Just finished reading Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare which is the 2^nd in the Infernal Devices series of books.  The second book picks up immediately where No.1 left off.  It’s quite possible that this review will include spoilers and although I usually try my best to avoid these I don’t think I’ve succeeded this time!  So be warned…

I don’t want to go into great detail about the plot but this particular books focuses on the trouble faced by those at the Institute for what is seen as their error in the whole ‘Mortmain’ affair and his subsequent disappearance – and more importantly the lack of confidence that the other Shadowhunters/Clave now have in Charlotte’s ability to continue running the Institute – as such she is given an ultimatum which if she doesn’t fulfill will have severe consequences.

Strangely enough I hadn’t really fancied becoming involved in this series.  I’m not overly fond of going back in time and reading about earlier events once I already know what’s going to happen in the future.   Plus I wasn’t sure how Victorian England would lend itself to shadow hunters, particularly from the female’s point of view – couldn’t imagine all the bustles, long skirts and stays and corsets being terribly helpful when you’re fighting a demon (or more to the point trying to run away from one!)  However, I was very pleasantly surprised with the first novel – it had a steampunk feel and Victorian London really lent itself to the story with it’s foggy streets and dark alleys, it was packed with action, demons and mechanical objects with automatons playing a very large role and I enjoyed it.

The second book I didn’t enjoy as much.  I know I’ll probably be beaten with a big stick now by all of CC’s massive fan base but before you all rush out with your pitchforks baying for blood let me just qualify that remark.  I don’t think it’s a bad book but it certainly wasn’t as good as No.1.  It didn’t really seem to have much action, there was no real shadowhunter business, it had a definite ‘middle book syndrome’ feel and I felt it was all more about setting up this whole love triangle thing between Will, Tessa and Jem.   I suppose bluntly put it wasn’t what I was expecting and so whilst it’s not a bad book, and I have to hand it to CC because she can certainly crank up the tension between these players, she knows how to create a drama and she can write a bit of a steamy scene between two people (within the constraints of YA that is!).  But, personally, I was hoping for more of the action, chasing bad guys, demons popping up and waving tentacles, automatons chasing people, gadgets, fog, you get the picture – that I enjoyed in the first!  Plus, I’m not overly fond of this whole love triangle thing that is so popular at the moment.  It made me feel bad for Jem.  And it made me lose some respect for Tessa.  I didn’t think she treated Jem very well.  He’s a great guy, he’s really lovely and I don’t think he should be treated as second best – come on girl, stop acting like a two faced mare!  Just because you don’t think one relationship is working doesn’t mean you just accept the next thing that comes along – her heart isn’t really in it and I just don’t think it’s fair on Jem who seems to have no idea of the real feelings that Will and Tessa have for each other.  Enough said!  Mini rant over.

So, on the whole, whilst I think the majority of CC fans will  not be disappointed and I think the romance elements will be eagerly read I was hoping for a little more along the lines of the first novel and I felt a little disappointed that it was less about the action and more about the emotional web.  Just not what I was expecting I guess.  I imagine No.3 may throw us back into the thick of things (or at least I hope so).  I wouldn’t like to think that the Shadowhunter series is simply going to become about Jem loves Tessa, Tessa loves Will, Tessa likes Jem, Will loves Tessa, etc, etc.

Forgot to mention that Magnus makes his appearance again in this story – I love that guy – he is a real character and enjoyable to read.  I certainly would not object to him being given more air time!

Not a bad read, quite enjoyable, not what I was hoping for though and hoping that No.3 gets back on track.

Clockwork Prince