Cover via Goodreads.
Rating: 5/5 stars.
In 23 days I’ll be 18. That’s part of the reason why I’m giving Clockwork Princess five stars, even if it may not deserve all of them.
There were definite imperfections within the finale of the Infernal Devices trilogy. Some of the plot twists could have been easily predicted ahead of time. The characters leaped out of their personalities for the sake of the plot, and there was a repetitiveness to the story structure I found irksome (how many times can you end a chapter with someone screaming?) Also, that epilogue was pure fan service – I almost found it insulting that Cassandra Clare chose to include it.
But, through pathos, the book hit all the right points. For the most part the characters stayed true to themselves and grew stronger throughout the book; there were exactly two scenes in which I cried, and those of you who know my favorite character can probably discern which ones. Clare included her characters’ trademark humor and a multitude of literary references that I loved, especially the Jane Eyre ones. Her writing did not blow me away though it did flow well in terms of plot progression.
As I get older, I’m starting to see more of the “weaknesses” in the books I’ve come to know and love – and I’m not referring to any specific genre here. Maybe when I was 14 I wouldn’t have noticed how Clare repeated quite a few phrases in Clockwork Princess or how Will blatantly broke character a couple of times. But, deep down, this entire trilogy and its characters resonated with me emotionally. It made me empathize with the injustices suffered by the characters, the relationships that were cut away and kindled, and the new abilities attained by each protagonist. Not my favorite series, but one I would highly recommend regardless.
I read this while sitting in my Comparative Government class – needless to say I had a fanboy moment.
What did you guys think of Clockwork Princess? If you haven’t tried out the series yet I would recommend it. Also, I posted a mini-review (more like, a status update) about my completion of The Aeneid on Goodreads. My AP Latin exam is a week, and I face many others in the upcoming two weeks too – wish me luck! Hope you’re all doing well.
the quiet voice 
Good luck on the AP Latin test! //I take Latin but I’m sooo bad at it… I probably won’t take it as an AP\\. Anyways.
I haven’t read Clockwork Princess, mostly because I felt as if Clockwork Angel was just a total rehashing of City of Bones.
Haha I read the first sentence the passage you photographed from the book, and my first thought was “this is so Jane Eyre!”
And then it mentioned Jane and Rochester and I actually read the blog post (in which you mentioned Jane Eyre as well), and I was just so proud of myself for actually getting the reference. -_-
You never know, you may find that the upper levels of Latin get easier for you once you get all the basic grammar! But, yeah, the Infernal Devices series isn’t for everyone, just like all other books. Congrats on getting the reference. (: Thanks for reading and commenting!
I have read Clockwork Princess and loved it! I agree with what your saying regarding the epilogue but being the girl I am, I quite liked it! I loved this series more than Mortal Instruments, I felt I connected better with the characters in this series than MI, but I still love the MI series.
I guess the epilogue did please some fans! And I see what you mean, I know others who feel that way too. Either way, it’s fantastic that you’re a fan of both of Cassandra Clare’s fantastic series. Thank you for reading and commenting!
I’d enjoyed the previous installments but I didn’t exactly love them and I’m afraid seeing as I’ve never read Jane Eyre, the references would have less the impact on me than those who had. Let me be frank, I just really want to know what becomes of Jem and Tessa and Will, the suspense if what Mortiman does now is still of interest but my heart aches for Tessa’s predicament. I’m not sure as to when I can get my hands on a copy as yet.
Good luck on your exams!
There are other allusions to literature in the book as well, I’m sure you will recognize at least a couple of them. Also, yes, I understand what you’re saying about not exactly loving the series but still wanting to know what happens. I hope you do eventually satiate your desire for resolution – please let me know when you get your hands on it! And thank you for the good luck wish.
I enjoyed the book, especially the setting and the literary references, but it could not compare to the Mortal Instruments series for me. I don’t know if it’s simply sentimental value or just that I felt more connected to the characters in the Mortal Instruments series, but nevertheless, I did enjoy both series thoroughly 🙂
It’s great that you enjoyed both series even if you didn’t love this one as much! I think the Mortal Instruments still wins in my heart as well, though the characters are different and it’s alright to gravitate one cast more than the other. Anyway, thank you for reading and commenting as always. (:
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I gave it 4 stars, though I also thought it was a pretty good end to the series. I was frustrated with lack of kisses in this book (she is so good at writing them – you almost get shivers when you’re reading about them). I was surprised by the ending though in a good way, though it was definitely a “have your cake and eat it too” finish. I like all of her literary references too, esp to “A Tale of Two Cities”.
That’s true, she did end this series on a happier note, which I suppose is satisfying for some. Perhaps I’ll reread the series after reading A Tale of Two Cities, though her literary references throughout all of the books have been appreciated by many. You’re right about the kissing – I’d name a few from this series and TMI to substantiate your point but I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone who might be reading this. Thanks for reading and commenting!
I love this book. I actually just finished it 2 days ago. I’m not much of a Paranormal Romance fan but I have to admit I actually enjoyed reading it! I love how it takes place in the 1870’s. And I have to admit I hated Will at first but when I learned that He was protecting people from getting killed like his sister from the “curse” he had, I seriously didn’t expect that. So now as you may imagine I cried at the end of the book, cried a lot actually. Will Herondale is my hero. ❤ (I also love Jem!.)
I’m glad you loved this book so much! I agree that the setting is a unique one and that Will’s character arc was well-done. It’s great to know I’m not the only one who cried at the end of the book… thank you for reading and commenting!