Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instruments series is one that I have so much love for it’s unreal. For so long before I read those books, I didn’t really have a favourite series besides Twilight, though Harry Potter holds a special place since they were the first books I read. Mortal Instruments was just something completely different. The relationships built between the characters were something else - you can hear and feel the emotion almost pouring from the pages as you read. Jace and Clary, let’s not even touch upon those two… OTP.
Inevitably, I knew that I’d one day soon read the Infernal Devices but I wasn’t sure how I’d feel. I kept imagining myself comparing it to Mortal Instruments but as I read I realised quickly I was wrong to assume I would. Yes, obviously the series are linked since we’re in the world full of Shadowhunters, downworlders and demons, but it’s a different era.
Clearing my mind, I delved into Clockwork Angel and I was blown away. I love how this book focused more on not Shadowhunters themselves, but the character of Tessa. She has been plucked from her own home of New York and is then suddenly forced to coincide with this knowledge that she’s not who she ever thought she was and is intended to live among those in the Shadowhunter world. Tessa, I think, feels as though she should fit into the community of the Institute where she seeks refuge, even though she’s unique. I can’t help but feel for Tessa, partly because I can only imagine how isolated never mind how confused she must feel. I mean she came hoping for a fresh start and instead greeted by a terrifying experience which she didn’t understand. Then she discovers London’s downworld full of the supernatural mysteries that Tessa may not have even read about in her books!
The characters in Clockwork Angel I really enjoyed. Reading Mortal Instruments we hear of Tessa, Will and Jem but never get an understanding and now we get this chance. Although, I definitely wouldn’t say this is a prequel series; there’s no doubt it provides readers with much more of an ability to identify and get to know the characters, but we get to experience their story so it becomes intriguing. One thing I have to say is that the Tessa and Will situation is amusing. My heartstrings were being tugged. I knew there may have been some resemblance between Will and Jace (obviously because there related) but I could see so much of Jace’s traits in Will. I couldn’t help feeling so sad for the demons (not like the mean summoned ones with energy) Will seems to have from his past. And that’s where I think we see one big difference in the way that they deal with their problems. Jace buries it, becomes distant and gets angry, where as Will just lets it show but blocks out the world.
As for the rest of the characters, Jem is just as sweet as pie. Gentle, tender yet so strong and wise - definitely beyond his years. The Lightwoods when we did get to hear from them really annoyed me, rising to the top and seeing themselves as above everyone else or at least more important. Camille’s ambiguity; ah I was drawn in by her, I get her so much more now. Even Church the cat is introduced.
I couldn’t say how this series will fare compared to Mortal Instruments - truthfully at this point Mortal Instruments is still my fave. If you love the Mortal Instruments series or haven’t read it yet then: a) WHY? Why have you not read them, when have you been? Go read now please. b) Read Infernal Devices, or alternatively read them and Mortal Instruments, and thank me later.
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Buy this book at the Guardian Bookshop.
