If you ever want to read a book series that will make you an emotional wreck and transform your happy soul into a sad one but still leave you in awe, then read The Infernal Devices. Honestly, if you still have not read this series, then you are missing out on one hell of a series. So what is this series about and what makes it so read-worthy, or shall we say die-worthy? Read the full review to find out!
About The Author
Cassandra Clare, aka Judith Lewis, is a YA fiction writer famous for her book series The Mortal Instruments. She has created a world of Shadowhunters that has gained a lot of popularity.
Her books have won several awards. Her books include The Mortal Instrument series, Chain of Gold series, and The Infernal Devices series. In this Post we will be talking about the Infernal Devices in depth, so stick with us and read away.
The Infernal Devices
The Infernal Devices revolve around the Shadowhunters, the people who fight and control the supernatural creatures living on Earth.
The Infernal Devices tells the adventure of three characters named Tessa, Jem, and Will. It is a trilogy covering many genres mainly Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Historical fantasy, and Young adult.
It has the following three books:
- Clockwork Angel
- Clockwork Prince
- Clockwork Princess
Below, we have written spoiler-free plots for all three books and why we like this series.
Clockwork Angel
Clockwork Angel is the first book in the Infernal Devices series. The book occurs in the times of Queen Victoria.
The book starts with a girl named Tessa Gray, a teenager who is moving from New York to London to find her brother, Nate.
Nate has promised her to meet him at the docks in his letters. Tessa arrives there but finds two women named Mrs.Dark and Mrs.Brown there. The sisters also called Dark Sisters, tell Tessa that Nate sent them.
Tessa is held hostage by Dark Sisters. She is encountered by Will and Jem who arrive there fighting and investigating some supernatural creatures. They take Tessa with them to the London Institute, where shadowhunters live.
Tessa can shapeshift into any creature she wants. She is not a supernatural creature, but she is not entirely human. With Will and Jem, Tessa shifts to a vampire and goes to a club. And she finds Nate there being tortured by some vampires. She blows her cover and tries to save her brother.
Nate tells them that the head of Pandemonium Club is making an entire clockwork army to destroy shadowhunters. The army consists of mechanical, clockwork soldiers having demonized spirits.
The clockwork army attacks the London Institute and the shadowhunters are fighting against them. The army is extremely difficult to kill due to their mechanical bodies. At this time, Tessa comes to know that his brother, Nate, is the Pandemonium Club’s head’s partner in crime. She feels heartbroken. She then asks the head of Pandemonium Club to leave the shadowhunters and take her with them.
Will the head take her? Will the shadowhunters survive the battle? What will happen to Nate? Read the book to find out more!
Clockwork Prince
Clockwork Prince is the second book in the Infernal Devices series.
Tessa is living in the London Institute with other Shadowhunters. She has recently discovered that much about her life has been a lie and that she can shapeshift. She has the power to read memories and to know intimate details about that person. Tessa is also trying to understand how to control her power while maintaining her own identity.
As Tessa faces her struggles, an evil man named Axel Mortmain is creating a clockwork army. He is also the head of the Pandemonium Club. He is determined to have Tessa and her ability to shapeshift at his side. The clockwork army is growing more sophisticated and more numerous.
Jem and Will are bound as parabatai. Parabatai is brothers pledged to remain together and protect each other. Will is strong and determined, but he believes he has been cursed by a demon. According to the curse, anyone who loves Will is doomed to die. Will keeps everyone at arm’s length though he lets Jem closer than most because Jem, who is addicted to a drug, is already dying. Jem is strong and determined as well, though the addiction has taken a toll. He knows he does not have many years to live.
When Jem falls in love with Tessa, he discovers that he feels stronger and healthier than he has in years. Tessa agrees to marry Jem just as Will discovers he was not cursed at all. Will declares his love, but Tessa knows she must stand by her promise to Jem. Will plans to ask Jem to step aside, but he sees his parabatai happier and healthier than he has been in years.
What will Will do? What is the fate of the clockwork army? Read the book to find out!
Clockwork Princess
This is the third and final book in the Infernal Devices series.
Tessa is going to marry Jem. But Jem’s illness becomes intense after fighting with a demon. Jem also finds out about Will’s love for Tessa.
The clockwork army is pitiless and is adamant about destroying the shadowhunters. The head of the Pandemonium club has everything to operate a clockwork army viciously. Except one. He only needs one main component.
And that component is Tessa.
Will he be able to take Tessa? What will happen if Jem and Will? Read the book because the ending will leave you teary-eyed!
My Take on the Series
This series is the definition of perfection. The ending, the characters, the plots, the action, and how the story unfolds, all are unique and perfect. I had no idea it was possible to feel such tempered delight as well as such overwhelming grief for everyone involved. The series starts slowly and you may not understand where the story is heading at the start. But as you start reading, the series starts devouring your attention and you become hooked!
The main characters, Tessa, Will, and Jem were written proficiently. You can instantly see their unique personalities. Tessa seemed a very shy and naïve girl in the start, but her character arc was exceptional. She became a brave, independent, and observant girl after arriving at the London Institute.
Will and Jem are two characters you will never forget. Jem is going through an addiction that is deteriorating his health and Will is worried for him. Their friendship is more like a brotherhood and honestly, it is so cathartic to see them worrying and caring for each other. Another thing that is so unique about this book is the discussion among characters about books. It feels pleasurable to see some book characters discussing your favorite books.
“One must always be careful of books,” said Tessa, “and what is inside them, for words have the power to change us.”
So if you are into fantasy, and a character-driven story, you should read this book! I loved the friendship between Will, Jem, and Tessa. How all three of them want one another to live happily and freely. They are the real inspirations of friends. Many of the things I thought might happen, did and yet it doesn’t change my fierce love and admiration for the way everything unfolded. The love triangle is amazing given that there is no villain among the lovers. All three characters are exceptional, and pure bliss to read. The dialogues are amazing and tempt the readers to stare at a wall in awe.
The writer handled the love triangle exceptionally. This is how a love triangle should be written, in a way that preserves the honor of everyone involved. There isn’t another series out there that has ever managed to handle one with such love, kindness, and respect.
And the epilogue! The epilogue is emotional and will leave you speechless!
Age Appropriation
The Infernal Devices is appropriate for people aged 13 and up. So if you are 13+, read this book as soon as possible!
Content Warning
Violence, addiction, death, murder, and torture.
Books Similar to The Infernal Devices
If you liked reading this book, you should consider reading the following books:
- The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare
- Wicked Saints by Emily A. Duncan
- Caraval by Stephaine Garber
- These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong
- Vespertine by Margaret Rogerson
