I LOVED Cassandra Clare's latest in The Infernal Devices series, Clockwork Princess. I do not remember liking the other two, Clockwork Angel and Clockwork Prince as much. I really loved her other series Mortal Instruments until I got to the 4th in the trilogy (Yep, that's what I meant, 4th in the trilogy.) City of Fallen Angels which I did not like at all. As much as I loved this latest installment, I hope it will not be continued in a 4th book. I'd like to see Clare write the story of the characters in between the generations presented in the two series.
The reason I have loved these books is because Clare has done a wonderful job of world building. In the shadows of the world, live the Nephilim or Shadowhunters, placed here on Earth to protect us all from Darkworlders. Living in this different world separates the Shadowhunters from mortals (generally), but brings them in contact with warlocks, werewolves, vampires, and demons. This is a completely original world that did not remind me of anything else. I give high praise to a book that does that.
I just read on Clare's website that there will be a 3rd series, but it will take place in the world of today rather than bridging the gap between the first two series....oh well, maybe someday.
In Clockwork Princess I really could not pick a favorite character. I like Will for his chilly exterior that covers deep and passionate feelings of love, friendship, and duty. I love Tessa because she is a bold woman who has suffered greatly making her compassionate and strong. Sophie, while a servant at the Institute, is humorous, and kind, and fiesty. Then there is Jem, the heart of the story and the Institute. I just really like them all.
Clare has a great way with the love stories, making each different, but there is still little mystery how they will all turn out. The family tree on the inside of the dust jacket was a give-away, but I really appreciated knowing how all the names I know from the Mortal Instruments series link to the people in the Victorian series. You see how intricately she has woven her stories. Brilliant! Despite the age of the characters, these just do not feel like YA novels. They are simply tales of adventure, heroism in the face of evil, and love for any reader.
