I’ve been absolutely loving this series, and the books just keep getting better. I was so excited to dive into this book but waited until Monday as according to my reading schedule.

Read: June 10 – July 14, 2023

Genre: Fantasy, Supernatural
Audience: Young Adult
Book contains: foul language, referenced torture, dark elements/themes, demons and monsters

Purchase a copy from Amazon.ca

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A Melancholy but Satisfying Ending

Mortmain’s Infernal Devices just keep getting stronger, but Charlotte’s position as Head of the London Institute remains strong, and they are more determined than ever to put an end to Mortmain’s plans. In the midst of all this, Tessa and Jem are now engaged and Charlotte and Henry are expecting a baby.

Since I was able to finish the previous book according to my schedule, I waited until Monday to begin this book, and once again turned to KasFire on Youtube, who is an absolutely AMAZING narrator. Unfortunately, she only got through the first 10 chapters of Clockwork Princess as of me reading the book, so I read the remainder on my own.

There was no change in the POV and tense; of course, as this is the third of the trilogy, it wasn’t likely to be any different. We’re still focusing on Tessa, but there is a lot more focus on the other characters as well. Will, Jem, Charlotte, Sophie, the Lightwood brothers, and even the Consul (who is sending letters back and forth with the Council). It’s quite interesting, in fact, because the letters show a sort of power struggle within the Shadowhunter world that’s explored within the book that we haven’t been privy to before.

I am so in love with Tessa as a character. She’s been such a delight of an MC. It’s strange, though, as I often forget that she is anything but human. They are slowly unravelling the mystery of what, precisely, she is, but unlike with Clary, who was raised Mundane and easily slid into the life of a Shadowhunter, Tessa is not a Shadowhunter and though she can fight, there is still that thin veil between her and them. She is also not a warlock—not in the way that Magnus is.

Furthermore, the love triangle between her, Jem, and Will is even more intense now, as poor Will has finally realized the truth about his curse and gone to confess his love to Tessa, only to find out that she is engaged to Jem. She loves them both, which is confusing to her, and none of them want to hurt each other, so secrets are kept. It’s sweet and tragic at the same time, as they all love each other dearly—both boys for Tessa and vice versa, and each boy for one another as closer than brothers.

Another thing I loved about this book is that even though Charlotte is pregnant, it changes nothing about her character. She is still clear-minded, strong, and even still goes into battle. There are those within the book that claim her pregnancy makes her rash and emotional, but they are quickly shot down by others. (I hate when books undermine strong female characters by rendering them “invalid” just because they’re pregnant. This book does none of that.)

Magnus, of course, remains a treasured character in my heart. I’ve loved getting to know more of him and his background. It was also insanely cool to see how he and Henry invent the Portal together—how Henry’s inventions will eventually become famous despite the constant mockery against him from other Shadowhunters.

The book feels less like a Classic and more like a Shadowhunters novel to me now, mostly because the Victorian drama has taken a bit of a backseat to the imminent Shadowhunter drama, but the syntax and style remains consistent. I had fewer moments of Editor Brain in this book as well, which eased the reading for me.

As I have now finished the series, I can confidently say that I loved it more than The Mortal Instruments. I will probably also love it more than the Dark Artifices trilogy as well, though I can’t be certain of that until I read it. It’s scheduled for some time in 2024.

It goes without saying that I recommend this book. It is a must-read for everyone who loves supernatural adventures, magic, and romance. This series has it all. Even if you prefer more modern works like I do, you should try it out.

Related Reviews:

The Infernal Devices Book 1: Clockwork Angel
The Infernal Devices Book 2: Clockwork Prince
The Infernal Devices Book 3: Clockwork Princess
The Mortal Instruments Book 1: City of Bones
The Dark Artifices Book 1: Lady Midnight
*The Other Side of Daylight by Nicole Chartier*