Clockwork Prince is the second book in The Infernal Devices trilogy by Cassandra Clare. This is the prequel to Shadowhunter series (The Mortal Instruments), set in 19th Century England. Clockwork Prince follows our main characters – Tessa, Will, & Jem, trying to unfold the mysteries that follow the first book (Clockwork Angel). This book, just like the first one, focuses on the romance and relationship between the 3 main characters and dives deeper into their life. I would say this book thickens in terms of plot, as compared to book one.
Synopsis
Clockwork Prince delves deeper into the chemistry between Will, Tessa and Jem, and how their relationships evolve. We can also see some new love interest building up in this book. The book starts with Benedict Lightwood, focused on removing Charlotte from the London Institute, so he could be appointed as the head. She is given an ultimatum to find the whereabouts of mortmain within a fortnight. The complete book covers all the events within this timeline. The Shadowhunters are focused on finding Mortmain’s location, to not only save Tessa but also help Charlotte save her position as the head at London Institute. Along with this quest, Will, with the help of Magnus Bane, is trying a way to end the reason behind his suffering which made him detached with the people around him.
Characters
Now, to start with the characters, we will first talk about Tessa Gray. I can safely say that her character is much better and improved from the first book. I was hoping she would evolve from this annoying melodramatic teen, which she did. In this book, she was portrayed as a stronger woman who knows how to take charge and doesn’t swoon over the bad boy who broke her heart. Instead, she takes the charge and focuses on the problem at hand. I was hoping she would not be all tears and heartbroken over her brother’s betrayal, and thankfully she didn’t. A perfect mix of emotion and strength.
Next, we have Will, who is somewhat similar as in the first book, apart from the fact that now we can see his walls tumbling down a bit and he has shown more empathy and feelings compared to the first book. He is a passionate guy who knows what he wants, which is kind of what I love about him.
Talking about Jem, I have mixed feelings about him. To not give away any spoilers for people who haven’t yet read the book, I would just say that I found Jem to be a bit selfish (I know.!! A lot of people wouldn’t agree with me, and it’s not a popular opinion about this sweet guy, but still I feel so). The thing about Jem is that he is the good guy who can look through the hatred of his parabatai, and yet he fails to identify Will’s feelings for Tessa(which practically everyone, including Jessamine, can see.!) I felt Jem is a traditional definition of a nice guy, and yet he was selfish (in multiple cases). That kind of annoyed me and I kind of felt sorry for Will.
The story beautifully describes the powerful character of Mortmain and demonstrates how easily he could manipulate people. He is undeniably a cunning person, who can play his bluff on people’s thought process. Basically, you know he would do that, but what if he did that so we could behave this way, and if we didn’t, what if he wanted us to not believe him (Confusing....I know..!!). Also, we see a lot of improvements in the automatons, indicating they will be destructive and powerful in the last book in the series.
The character of Sophie is really developing in this book. I could predict (and hope), her character will become more important in the upcoming book.
Even the character of Jessamine has evolved in this book. From this boring side character, who just wants to have a mundane life (by marrying one), she turns into something much more. Her desperation for this life is what will destroy her. To be honest, I can’t help but feel sorry for her. She is this beautifully designed annoying character who doesn’t really annoy you. Even the character of Nate develops in this book and he is more important for the story plot.
We have more focus on Lightwoods’ as well. Apart from Benedict Lightwood, we can see his 2 (very different) sons, Gabriel and Gideon Lightwood. Honestly, throughout the book, I was skeptical about Gideon’s character (in a good way of course). The Characters of Charlotte and Henry Branwell has not evolved much. Though their relationship does. There’s a new character Aloysius Starkweather who is a ruthless Shadowhunter, who despises downworlders, but somehow like Tessa. This character is secretive, and I feel he would be more prominent in the story in the upcoming book.
We see a new character emerge at the very end (no spoilers!), which I am hoping to see more in the next and the last book in the series.
Plot
Discussing the Story Plot next, the Clockwork Prince has a better plot as compared to the Clockwork Angel. Apart from the rollercoaster ride in the romantic life of the 3 main characters (which did end surprisingly in this book), we can see a lot of mysteries unfolding slowly throughout the book.
The book starts with Will, disclosing the reason behind his cold and distant nature, and taking Magnus’s help to end this torment and misery so he can be with Tessa. Will’s past surfaces up in the book and we can see some characters from his past.
Talking about the blast from the past, we can see the story of Tessa and Nate and the reason behind Nate’s hatred and betrayal towards his own sister. The mystery behind Tessa’s pendant (her clockwork angel) also unfolds a little. Although none of these secrets are revealed completely in this book, a little information is revealed regarding Tessa’s Mother and the reason behind her being different.
The storyline also follows the past of Mortmain and how he got those automatons. We see his family and understand his loathing towards Shadowhunters and their law.
Mr. Lightwood’s involvement with the downworlders is also highlighted in the book.
Conclusion
I must admit, the story grew up on me and I can’t wait to get started with the final book in the series. Clockwork Prince has been a tremendous read and I did find some ‘Oh God.!’ Moments in between. I wouldn’t say the book made me emotional anywhere but was surprising and that’s what I would expect from Shadowhunter series.