A review by clingingontobooks
Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

4.0

The story was so-so for the majority of the book, the last 100 or so pages saved it. The entire book was Tessa going back and forth between Will and Jem and it was making me dizzy. Tessa didn't use her powers for most of the book. The clockwork army was barely there, the creepy and dark parts about the first book was rarely featured so the book felt bland. It was mostly about character development and not all the characters, which was sad because the best part about this series is the cast. This probably has the best cast out of all the Shadowhunter series, they've very entertaining. Except this book didn't really feature Charlotte, Henry, Jessamine and Sophie till the end. The character development was about Tessa, Will and Jem. Mostly Will and Jem. I'm not too sure what developed about Tessa? She finally made her choice? She did self reflect about what she was and tried to find herself, sadly (sad for her, but at least she found a home) the answers about her origins weren't really given in this book. Will was downright horrible in the start he really did pull the last straw and I almost completely hated him. But he ended up being so pitiful with Magnus and turned himself around in the end. He finally became the Will I've read about later and that Will has an infectious good mood. Best page I've ever read in this chronicles is the one with his pox song. Jem showed that he wasn't just a very kind person, he showed his flaws and weaknesses so he became a well-rounded and even more lovable character.

Spoiler

I'm really glad that Tessa ends up with Will at the end of this series and for the next few decades after it and that Jem was the one she spends over a century with. It really fits their relationships because Will is very energetic and passionate and what he and Tessa share is love of reading, whereas Jem is very calm and devoted and what he and Tessa share is a really great friendship. Will and Tessa handled Tessa marrying Jem so maturely. Will and Jem are truly the best parabati in the chronicles. Not fighting wise, I think that might be Emma and Julian? Some might argue Jace and Alec, but I think that's probably because Jace has an unfair advantage. Emma and Julian are a well oiled machine. They're in sync when they fight. But in terms of unwavering support and lending strength in all aspects of life not just fighting I think it's hands down Will and Jem.

I really did not like Tessa before this series from what I've seen of her in the future, the last book made me understand her more but I think by the end of this book (even though I wasn't expecting it given how the book was going) I've moved past my anger with her

Spoiler

(I thought she loved Will and Jem so much she didn't have any love left for anyone else, unless they were a Herondale that acted like Will)

. Not much happened in this book, they truly barely made progress with finding and fighting the villain, most of it like I said was dedicated to character development. However, the character development in Lord of Shadows was better so that's probably Cassandra Clare's best 2nd book for now. I loved the Lightwood brothers they were honestly great. I really appreciate how they actually trained Tessa and Sophie, I feel like nobody really trains anyone in these books, the trainers usually get sidetracked. Gideon was not what I expected, he was so unfazed by everything and very rational. I'm also so excited for Cecily in the next book!