‘Clockwork Prince’ spoiler-free review: ‘CP’ is as good as Cassandra Clare has ever been

I was very lucky to receive an Advanced Reader Copy of Clockwork Prince, the second installment in Cassandra Clare’s bestselling series The Infernal Devices, and words cannot describe just how amazing and breathtaking this book was.

But that’s what I’m going to try to do–put into words (spoiler-free words!)–why I believe this is Clare’s best writing to date.

One of the things that Clare is best at is making not only her characters feel but her readers feel, as well. And there is a lot of feeling going on in Clockwork Prince.

There were so many emotions that I felt while reading; I would be laughing one moment, crying the next and then laughing again. It was an emotional roller coaster that was so addicting that I wouldn’t have stopped if I could have.

I have a soft spot for Victorian England and the world that these characters interact in. It gives it a more mature feel than Mortal Instruments because of the time difference and how people behave towards each other in this world.

Every time you read a Cassandra Clare book you know you are going to get compelling characters. In Clockwork Angel she created these complex characters that were shrouded in mystery and in Clockwork Prince you learn more about them and why they are the way they are, especially Will.

It was really satisfying to learn why Will is the way he is and if you weren’t a fan of Will before (how could you not?!), trust me your heart will break for him at times.

It wasn’t just the characters alone that was compelling, it was their relationships with others in the story. I absolutely adored the bantering between Tessa, Will and Jem, which was immediate, and it was interesting to see this love triangle play out.

I have never read a love triangle between two friends–blood brothers is a better term–and been so torn. It was great to see both Will and Jem have their moments with Tessa and to see Tessa bring out sides of Will and Jem that we have never seen before.

Plus, there was plenty of smut from both boys to make any girl swoon. Lucky Tessa.

I could not get enough of Will and Jem’s bromance. When those two are together they a killer combination of wit, looks and sex appeal. Their relationship goes through a lot in Clockwork Prince and we see just how close they are–and just how far they would go for the other’s happiness even if it means the other’s unhappiness.

I really honor their nobility and loyalty toward each other, as well as their sacrifice.

Clare pointed out  how one is emotionally damaged (Will) and one is physically damaged (Jem) and it was heartbreaking to watch these two go through this in Clockwork Prince.

There were some new characters we are introduced to in Clockwork Prince, including the Lightwood brothers and Woosley Scott (who I just could not get enough of). They were each welcomed additions to the Infernal Devices world and I cannot wait to see where Clockwork Princess takes them.

I could not get enough of Will and Magnus’ relationship in Clockwork Prince. It was entertaining, heartbreaking and revealing.

There were a lot of revelations in Clockwork Prince, dealing with Will, Tessa, Magnus, Jem, Mortmain, everyone. But there were also things that we learn about parabatai and Shadowhunter weddings that we had not known previously.

Clockwork Prince was enticing the entire way through; there was never a dull moment. The only thing that stopped me from reading was class and work–you know, things not as important as Clockwork Prince 😉

I love both The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices so very much, but Clockwork Prince is by far the best writing that Clare has done and my favorite book of both series. One can only believe that each book will be better than the previous.

Get ready to embark on a thrilling and emotional journey that will leave you both satisfied and begging for more.

Clockwork Prince hits bookshelves on Dec. 6, 2011.

Check out the teaser trailer below: