The Sobbing Continues ~ Clockwork Prince Review

Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices #2)
By Cassandra Clare

Rating: 5+


“We live and breathe words. .... It was books that made me feel that perhaps I was not completely alone. They could be honest with me, and I with them. Reading your words, what you wrote, how you were lonely sometimes and afraid, but always brave; the way you saw the world, its colors and textures and sounds, I felt--I felt the way you thought, hoped, felt, dreamt. I felt I was dreaming and thinking and feeling with you. I dreamed what you dreamed, wanted what you wanted--and then I realized that truly I just wanted you.” 


As it is with all of Cassie's books, the wait for the next instalment in the Infernal Devices series was excruciating to say the least! Mulling over the previous book, wondering over the loose threads and still holding that dim hope that Will may change...when I picked it up (finally!) I was not disappointed.  
Clockwork Prince dives straight into the Victorian setting all females secretly adore. The ever-present-staring-contest tension between Will and Tessa is formidable, to say the least. Jem becomes close friends with Tessa - her shoulder to cry on and a steadfast companion, whereas Will begins to sink deeper and deeper into the quagmire of his secrets...secrets that could well be his undoing.  
Betrayal, love, heartbreak, friendship and Cassie's signature humour make this book one that should be on every fantasy-lover's bookshelf (or bookshelves, as the case may be).  


Things I loved:

#1: Will Herondale (Composer of the Demon Pox Song) 

He's so...handsome. And poetic, and so Darcy/brooding/Victorian...it's not fair! 

I mean, obviously readers' feelings towards him after his "Tessa I think you're a...*cough* lady of low moral standing" stunt were hostile indeed.

But for those who switched to Jem at the end of Clockwork Angel, be ready to switch back, or even ship both ships, in Clockwork Prince!

#2: Tessa (The Brave Bookworm)

I love how Tessa isn't like Clary...no offence to any Clary fans. 

Tessa at age 16 is resolute in her beliefs, virtuous (to a degree), sensible and a delight to read about. Her suffering, strength of character and her bravery all combine to create a heroine who isn't afraid to question not only those she loves, but also herself.  

#3: The humour

This included:

• The Demon Pox Song (Which I learnt off my heart and like to sing to torment my friends...!) 
• Will's line: "License my roving hands and let them go?" (Gees, Will. Way to make an impression) 
• Will being snarky to Henry: "And sometimes, they're even supposed to blow up!" (Poor Henry) 
• Will's ego: "Is it because I'm better looking than you?" (Which certainly hasn't deflated) 
• Magnus' "rather apt since we're on a balcony" comment. (Priceless)
• Every other line from Will.  

I loved it to bits and am now waiting, thoughts running rampant through my head, for book 3. Clockwork Princess, here we come!!