The Infernal Devices
4 out of 5 stars ⭐️
The Review - 4/5 stars
For years I have heard so many good things about this trilogy. I read Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instruments series a long time ago and loved it. The way her series and characters connect is pretty brilliant.
Clockwork Angel was a sloooow start for me. I wasn’t even sold on finishing this trilogy until the last fourth of the book. At first, I found Tessa’s character a bit immature but I had to keep reminding myself that she is a young character so that is to be expected. However, around the last fourth of the book, things got very interesting to me. Clare is smart in that way. Once I realized there was a bigger issue going on that had some mystery, I was hooked. Every time I thought I was getting a little bored a new aspect or fact was revealed. This is also when the characters began to grow on me.
Clockwork Prince really picked up the pace in my opinion. I adore Jem. I think his character has depth and is incredibly endearing. I love the new characters, like Starkweather, and getting to see more of Magnus Bane. The development with the Lightwood brothers was so well done. The love “triangle” didn’t feel redundant or annoying. Will and Jem’s relationship is so sweet and pure. I LOVE that we got a backstory for this. Will’s curse is nothing short of devastating and I think something that so many people struggle with - believing you are unlovable. This one kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next.
Clockwork Princess was nothing short of a grand finale. I love how Clare brought all the characters full circle. I did not understand, nor enjoy, the random *scene* between Tessa and Will. It felt really out of place for me, especially considering the time period, their age, and the current circumstances (iykyk). Charlotte’s development throughout was so much fun and I cheered her on every step of the way (as I did for Sophie). I was NOT expecting was how the story ended or Jem’s character arc. The epilogue left me in tears. Happy, happy tears.
Overall, I highly recommend this series. It is a wonderful story with endearing, flawed characters.
Favorite Quotes
“Anger, Tessa thought, was satisfying in its own way, when you gave in to it.” Clockwork Angel, page 306
“If no one cares for you at all, do you even really exist?” Clockwork Prince, page 152
“It is always better to live the truth than to live a lie.” Clockwork Prince, page 413
“Our hearts, they need a mirror, Tessa. We see our better selves in the eyes of those who love us. And there is a beauty that brevity alone provides.” Clockwork Angel, page 233
“I can tell you that the end of a life is the sum of the love that was lived in it…” Clockwork Angel, page 294
“Is loyalty still a commendable quality when it is misdirected?” Clockwork Angel, page 377
Will gave a short, disbelieving laugh. “It’s true,” he said. “I am no hero.” “No,” Tessa said. “You are a person, just like me.” Clockwork Angel, page 518
“Will you come with me? For I cannot wait to share the world with you, Jem. There is so much to see.” Clockwork Angel, page 712