YA, Why Not?: Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare (Infernal Devices, Book 2)

June is Summer Sequels

I'm playing catchup to all the series I never get to read! Here are some great follow up titles, including some much anticipated sequels. I've got fantasy, romance, mythology, action, and more!

SPOILER ALERT: This is the second book in a series!

Tessa, Jem and Will are back. After their narrow escape from the clockwork army of the Magister, whom they now know is Mortmain, they hope for some recognition, and maybe some rest. But the Clave wants to strip Charlotte of her position as Head of the London Institute for her role in the disaster.

After tireless efforts to locate him, Mortmain is no where to be found. The Clave is backed into a corner by Benedict Lightwood's influence. They give her two weeks to locate him, before they remove her from her post. This is especially troubling to Tessa, as she has no where to go. Her family is dead, except for Nate, and they all know him to have been essential in Mortmain's plan. If the Institute were to be handed over to the Lightwoods' there is little chance that she would either want to, or be able to, stay.

In hot pursuit of any leads, they make their way down to Mormain's childhood home. They find more than they bargained for, as Will's family seems to be staying there. They are met by a mechanical man who warns them that his family's safety is in peril, especially if Will tries to contact them or warn them in any way. Furious and beside himself, Will flees to Magnus. His desperation is apparent, and Magnus is finally able to get the story of why finding this demon is so important.

Meanwhile, Jem and Tessa grow ever more intimate, even sharing a moment Tessa considers highly improper for a lady. Confused at her own feelings, she throws herself into their next assignment. She and Will undertake crashing a party at the Lightwoods'. It is there that they learn the true level of involvment Benedict and his family have with the darker elements. It is an eye opening experience to be sure, as even Nate Grey (Tessa's brother) is there. Having unknowingly drunk spiked punch, Tessa and Will share their own inappropriate moment. Her feelings toward Will are still in a very confused place, but he has made it clear in the past that there can be nothing between them. It was only the drink that influenced them...right?

In the middle of both a love triangle, and a deadly plot, Tessa hardly knows which way is up. As they uncover more and more of the endlessly tangled web of Mortmain, they begin to despair that the Institute is lost. His plans are rooted in revenge. Their research uncovers the origin of his anger: his adoptive parents were killed by the Clave for illegal magic. The exact circumstances seem suspect, and (despite his actions being heinous in every way) may actually point to abuses by the Clave.

What is to become of Will, Tessa, and Jem? Can they find the Magister and put a stop to his plans before he destroys the Clave? Can Tessa chose between the two boys that she loves? A compelling story, and one that will have readers desperate for more. Personally, the romance got a little ridiculous. Call me cold hearted. Fans of the Mortal Instruments series will enjoy this as well.

“Will’s voice dropped. “Everyone makes mistakes, Jem.”
“Yes,” said Jem. “You just make more of them than most people.”
“I —”
“You hurt everyone,” said Jem. “Everyone whose life you touch.”
“Not you,” Will whispered. “I hurt everyone but you. I never meant to
hurt you.”
Jem put his hands up, pressing his palms against his eyes. “Will —”
“You can’t never forgive me,” Will said in disbelief, hearing the
panic tinging his own voice. “I’d be —”
“Alone?” Jem lowered his hand, but he was smiling now, crookedly. “And
whose fault is that?” (Clare, 2012).