Extraordinary Eight: ‘Tournament of Heroines’ Tessa (Seed #3) vs. Isabelle (Seed #6)

Posted on December 30, 2011 by Alyssa Barbieri in Book News, The Infernal Devices, The Mortal Instruments // 0 Comments

Tessa (No. 3) vs. Isabelle (No. 6)

The third round–the Extraordinary Eight– of YA Sisterhood’s ‘Tournament of Heroines’ continues today (Friday, Dec. 30) with a battle between The Infernal Devices and The Mortal Instruments. Our Tessa, the No. 3 seed, of Infernal Devices is going up against our Isabelle, the No. 6 seed, of Mortal Instruments. This is one tough decision for fans of Cassandra Clare's two bestselling series. So who is it going to be, the Downworlder? Or the Shadowhunter? VOTE FOR TESSA OR ISABELLE POLLS WILL BE OPEN FOR 24 HOURS AND WILL CLOSE AT 12:01AM EST ON DECEMBER 31ST. Cassandra Clare provided some motivation when Tessa or Isabelle win this round and if either wins the whole thing:

If Clary wins the tournament, I’ll write the greenhouse scene from Jace’s point of view. The same if it’s Isabelle. For every mini-round that one of the girls wins, I’ll share a spoiler from an upcoming book. If Clary or Iz: ColS, if Tessa, Clockwork Princess.

Also, if Tessa wins the whole thing then Cassie will share the DSBedS from Clockwork Prince in Jem's POV.

Avery’s Book Nook represents Tessa in the ‘Tournament of Heroines.’ Check out what they had to say about our favorite Downworlder girl:

About Her

As mentioned, Tessa is from Cassie Clare’s “Infernal Devices” series which includes “Clockwork Angel” and the recently released “Clockwork Prince”

She is a sixteen-year old American

She has brown hair, grey eyes, and is tall

She moves to Victoria-Era England to live with her brother Nate after her guardian, her Aunt Harriet, passes away

Upon arriving in England she learns that things are not what they seem- her world is turned upside down when she is kidnapped and discovers that she has the ability to shapeshift

Upon being rescued from her kidnappers she befriends the London Institute’s Shadowhunters including, but not limited to, Will, Jem, Charlotte and Henry

Best Attributes:

She is inquisitive and open-minded

She loves to read just as much, if not more, than all of us and she can often be found quoting all of her favourite books

She is by far one of Cassie’s most unique and mysterious characters (In “Clockwork Angel” we are told that she appears to be a warlock, however her true identity- or a better approximation of her identity- is revealed in “Clockwork Prince”)

She can outsnark even the snarkiest of characters, Will Herondale included

Speaking of Will Herondale, she has two of the most swoon-worthy YA male characters vying for her attention (and she never lets that knowledge go to her head)

She takes everything in stride

Her clockwork angel pendant is one of the most kick-butt pieces of jewelry in the world of YA books (see “Clockwork Prince”)

Let’s pretend that the Dirty Sexy Balcony Scene is an attribute

What Makes Tessa a True Heroine?

She is genuine and always remains true to her character

She is kind and has a big heart

She’s still able to love those who aren’t always worthy of being loved

She is selfless beyond belief- she is willing to do the right thing even if it means hurting herself in the process

She doesn’t look down upon anyone (ie. Sophie occupying a lower social status than herself, Jem being ill)- she gives everyone the benefit of the doubt without doing so in a naive way

She is brave and willing to do what she needs to do without complaint

Why should YOU Vote for Tessa instead of Izzy?

While their is no denying that Izzy is kick-butt and that she could most certainly take Tessa down in a fight, I do believe that Tessa is more of a heroine than Izzy for a number of reasons:

Unlike Izzy who looks down upon people (especially Mundanes and Downworlders), Tessa doesn’t look down upon anyone (ie. Sophie occupying a lower social status than herself, Jem being ill)- she gives everyone the benefit of the doubt without doing so in a naive way.

Tessa doesn’t pout when things don’t go the way that she wants to, furthermore, she is willing to do what needs to be done without complaint, unlike Izzy who has a habit of locking herself in her room, throwing temper tantrums, and throwing things at people when things don’t go her way.

Tessa is not dependent upon the males in her life (nor is she careless). She doesn’t play on the boy’s feelings for her- manipulating them to do what she wants, whereas Izzy has been known a time to two to manipulate the males in her life, Simon especially, to do what she wants (which usually has disastrous consequences).

Visit Avery’s Book Nook for more #TeamTessa in the ‘Tournament of Heroines!’

VOTE FOR TESSA

Letters Inside Out represents Izzy in the ‘Tournament of Heroines.’ Check out what they had to say about our butt-kicking Shadowhunter:

1. About Her

Isabelle “Izzy” Lightwood is a 16 year-old Shadowhunter. She is stunningly beautiful, which works to her advantage – afterall who thinks the pretty ones are dangerous? Her weapon of choice is a whip, but she also uses daggers (and her charms). While she’s out defending the world and keeping peace among the downworlders. She is a lover of fashion and is often seen fighting in boots with heels. She is a bit boy-crazy, but has her sights set on one lucky Simon. She’s a bit insecure though, after seeing her brothers get hurt so often.

“Nothing less than seven inches. That’s my motto.” – Isabelle Lightwood (City of Ashes)

2. Best Attributes

For starters, she’s written by Cassandra Clare! How can you not love her characters?

Izzy can kick ass and do it in style.

She has spunk and a fun, snarky sense of humor.

She has a bit of a tough exterior, but also a soft side for those she loves her family and would do anything for them that she only lets those close to her see.

“Isabelle,” she said, lightening her tone with an obvious effort, “your loyalty to your friend is understandable –”
“He’s not my friend.” Isabelle looked over at Jace, who was staring at her in a sort of daze. “He’s my brother.” ― Cassandra Clare, City of Ashes: Deleted Scene

3. What makes your girl a true heroine?

Izzy is a great heroine, she shows teens that even the “pretty” girls have doubts and personalities beyond the stereotype. She is fierce and loyal to those she loves. Like I’ve already hinted at, sometimes she may at times be a bit harsh, she always does what is best for her loved ones. When harm comes to them and she is unable to do anything, she is guilt-ridden. Yet she perseveres and is stronger for it.
4. Why should we vote for Izzy instead of Tessa?

Honestly, I am not going to be like “IZZY IS BETTER”, because uhm…it’s Tessa! Attitude wise they are two completely different characters, but Clare has a knack for writing incredibly strong female characters.

Because of that either way that this match goes, I will feel incredibly good about losing (or defeating) one of my co-Team Cassie characters/advocates.

I will say that, personally, of the two characters I prefer Izzy! She has more spunk and a personality that is a bit more like my own…or at least the type of person I’d prefer to be.

“I’m pure at heart. It repels the dirt.” -Isabelle Lightwood