Clockwork Princess (The Infernal Devices #3)
By: Cassandra Clare
Release Date: March 19, 2013
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
My Rating:
Note: this is less a review and more a love letter
The Summary (via Goodreads):
Danger and betrayal, secrets and enchantment in the breathtaking conclusion to the Infernal Devices trilogy
Tessa Gray should be happy – aren’t all brides happy?
Yet as she prepares for her wedding, a net of shadows begins to tighten around the Shadowhunters of the London Institute. A new demon appears, one linked by blood and secrecy to Mortmain, the man who plans to use his army of pitiless automatons, the Infernal Devices, to destroy the Shadowhunters. Mortmain needs only one last item to complete his plan. He needs Tessa. And Jem and Will, the boys who lay equal claim to Tessa’s heart, will do anything to save her.
The Story:
It’s so difficult to write a review for the end of a series and for one you love very deeply. I have been waiting in timid anticipation for this book since I finished Clockwork Prince, my heart still raw after Clare ripped it from me with Will’s tale. I felt terrified about what she had planned for this last book, would it live up to the prior two? Would it have enough closure? Would it hurt to read and would the outcome crush me? I am happy to report that I loved every word of Clockwork Princess. I tried to read slowly because I wanted to savor every single word, every sentence. But, once I started to read it just sucked me in and I didn’t want to, nor could I stop. I had to know where Clare was going to take Tessa, Will and Jem.
I was given the closure I desired but it wasn’t a slow read that only focused on tying up loose ends, it was the completion of a journey. It was a full story in and of itself yet wrapped up everything from the prior books. I was swept away from beginning to end. I found myself misty eyed from the first chapter just because I knew it was the last of the series. I didn’t want to have to say goodbye to this world and these characters I’d come to love greatly. I’ve seen that some readers have been iffy about the epilogue but after digesting what I read I am happy with where Clare took the story.
The Characters:
From the moment Clare introduced me to the characters of Clockwork Angel I fell in love; I became entranced with each of their stories. In Clockwork Princess I felt that the women had the most growth, especially Tessa and Charlotte. I loved watching them stand up to extreme obstacles and fight their own fears. The mysteries surrounding Tessa were answered and I was pleased where Clare took her character.
Jem was as wonderful as ever and parts of his story surprised me, Clare has guts and such an over arcing plan for each of her characters. Will, oh Will. He is on my top five favorite characters ever list. The completion of his story left nothing for me to desire, it was done perfectly. Clare had me loving Magnus even more which I didn’t think was possible. Not much can be written about the characters without going into spoiler territory but I felt Clare stayed true to the characters she created and really I loved every minute.
Final Thoughts:
By the Angel, if you have not read this series what are you waiting for? It is a must read.
Buy this book:
Blue Willow Bookshop
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Where I recommend The Infernal Devices
I preordered a copy and didn’t arrive soon enough so I had to buy a copy on release day. So I’m giving away my extra copy!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I loved Magnus and Charlotte here, too. I completely agree that this was the completion of a journey. Honestly, even just reading your review has me wanting to sob a little more! I haven’t felt so emotionally attached to a series and its characters since Harry Potter, and that’s saying something. Sigh… This strange mix of happiness and sadness will be haunting me for days, I’m sure.
Brilliant review, Kristen! You said it all perfectly.
Thank you Sam. I honestly can not recall the last book series I was so invested in. I seriously fell in love with everyone in it and I’m so sad to say good bye. My husband was laughing at me because I was getting all misty eyed writing the review. I just love it all so very much. Now if I can only manage to meet Cassandra Clare and get my books signed I’ll be a happy, happy blogger.
Thanks for the giveaway! I would like to see a novella of maybe Charlotte and her husband.
I would love to see more about them…how they met, etc.
I would like to read more about Charlotte 😀
Charlotte before and after the series would be awesome
That’s easy! Charlotte all the way!
Love all the Charlotte love 😀
Amazing review, sweetie. <3 🙂 I'm so so glad you loved this book. I did too. It was just so perfect. Sigh, Will. <3 Yeah, I didn't fully love the epilogue, but I didn't hate it either, so it wasn't that bad 😀
Days later and I’m still have all these feelings and stuff 🙂
Great review! I thought it was a wonderful end to the series, but I am sad to say goodbye 🙁
I seriously hate goodbyes! Can we hope for novellas?
Fantastic review. I love this series and can’t wait to read this final novel in the series! For a novella, Will all the way – I love him!
Couldn’t agree more 🙂
Camille OR Gabriel Lightwood.. I guess even a novella about Charlotte and Henry would be cool.
I love the idea of Camille…there could be lots of novellas for her. The LIghtwoods too..great suggestions.
Honestly, I am not sure. Any of the secondary characters would make great novellas. Although I think I would like to see one about Thomas and how he came to live and work with the Shadowhunters.
That’s a great one! And Sophie too
Wellll…I can’t answer the question properly because I have not yet read the series! O_0 If it’s any consolation, I have Clockwork Angel checked out from the library right now. 🙂
I must say, it’s a sign of a great series that you had to go out to buy the book because you couldn’t wait for the pre-order! Side note – I hate when that happens! My UPS guy sometimes doesn’t get here until 8 PM, so it;s always a tense waiting game.
I know! My UPS guy runs late too, tortures me. Stephanie I can’t wait until you read these to see what you think!
I’ve been so nervous about how this series ends, and I know there have been mixed reactions. It’s horrible trying to stay away from any potential spoilers lol. I’m so happy this offered you the closure you needed, and that it ended the right way for you. Stunning review, Kristen! 🙂
Thank you Aa’Ishah…I can’t wait until you get the time to read it. I was terrified of where Cassie was going to take the story.
I would love to see a novella about Charlotte and Henry when they first met, that would be great.
I haven’t read any of the Infernal Devices series but it is on my to be read list. I’ll answer from the Mortal Instruments series. I would like to read a novella about Simon.
I would love to see more about Henry & Charlotte.
I really liked Charlotte and Henry, especially their scenes in The Clockwork Prince. I think they’re the characters I’d like to see more of. Thanks for this giveaway! : )
I have yet to read this series but I’ve heard so much about it, I’, looking forward to it. I have the City of Bones collection already.
Charlotte for sure thanks
I’m pumped can’t wait for this! Hopefully I win!