A review by thebalancedbookshelf
Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

emotional

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I thoroughly enjoyed this sequel. This book was more focused on the romance which I did not mind at all. I knew a love triangle was bound to happen so I liked all the back and forth between the three of them. The masquerade scene was a highlight for me. I will say towards the end Tessa was starting to grate on me a little but her choices make sense overall for her character and her age (I always forget they’re so young!) 

I love Will and I am so glad we finally got his backstory and more of his point of view. It was great seeing the depth of his emotions and how much he cares for people. The fact that he had and then quoted Tessa’s letters was heartbreaking. This whole book you see him slowly unraveling and he finally thinks everything will be okay and realizes he’s too late. I know Tessa will go back in her choice of Jem I’m just so curious as to how they will handle that in the next book. Also poor sweet baby Jem. 

The action and plot definitely take the back seat for this but as a second book to a series I normally expect that. I did enjoy the little scenes we did had with the animatronics and especially loved seeing Tessa use her powers more. I liked how we got insight to the inner workings of the Shadowhunters and was able to see the consequences of their actions with the council. The addition of the wolves was an interesting one and I like how we were introduced to other Downworlders. One of my favorite side characters was Mangus. His role is this was so fun and I grew to love his character so much. His relationship with Will was so sweet even though they were mutually benefitting off one another. 

I think the romance really pushed this book forward and that’s not a complaint at all. I loved all the tension and yearning we get from all characters. I am interested to see how the romantic aspects will play out along with the action that is bound to come in the finale of this series.