Clockwork Prince: Infernal Devices, Book 2

Book review by Karen Wirsing, Common Sense Media
Clockwork Prince: Infernal Devices, Book 2 Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 14+

Fantasy sequel has strong female characters, more violence.

Cassandra Clare Fantasy 2011
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Parents say

age 14+

Based on 3 reviews

Kids say

age 13+

Based on 25 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

Stands out for and .

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Clockwork Prince is slightly more graphic than Clockwork Angel, the first installment in a series that features warlocks, vampires, demons, shape shifters, and Shadowhunters. The romantic scenes quickly heat up as teens form couples and passionately kiss and caress each other. Also, a sexually transmitted disease known as demon pox (the equivalent of 19th-century syphilis) floats among the demons. One detailed scene takes place in an opium den designed for Shadowhunters, where fantastical characters partake in abusing controlled substances. A descriptive battle takes place amongst the good and evil characters, and a major player is killed.

Community Reviews

Joan A.
Joan A. Adult
January 14, 2023
age 13+
I think this book was great. My daughter and I recently read this and loved it! I read the book and found the characters to be overly lovable, especially Tessa! Though I want to give parents a heads up, the ‘too much sex, nudity, etc.’ category may be a little misleading, they do not have sex. It’s just some teasing and passion. Personally, I don’t think it’s much since there’s plenty of PG-13 movies and shows that show caressing and teasing on screen. Though I also want to mention, a character named Jin is injected by a ‘deadly’ drug and has to use it daily in order to stay alive. I have taught my daughter right from wrong; not to do drugs. She seemed to pass by it! One more thing to add is that a character does die. I think it depends on your kid whether they’re squeamish to death or not! Lastly, this book showed my daughter that women can be independent! It was lovely seeing a strong heroine as the main character.

This title has:

Great messages
Too much violence
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
2 people found this helpful.
victorianmermaid
victorianmermaid Adult
August 6, 2015
age 15+

Favorite series EVER!

I love this series. It is set in my favorite era, Victorian. Although you should know that there is quite a bit of violence, drug use, and passion between Tessa and two different boys. For the mature young adult it is a great read.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
1 person found this helpful.
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In Victorian London, 16-year-old Tessa is living with the Nephilim, a family of Shadowhunters who have been protecting her from the evil Magister. The Magister will stop at nothing to capture Tessa and use her shape-shifting abilities for his own malevolent agenda. The Clave challenges Charlotte, head of the Institute and mother figure to the house, to find the Magister and his clockwork army or give up her chair as the leader. Secret pasts are revealed and mysteries uncovered when Will, Tessa, and Jem unite to help Charlotte keep her role as head of the Institute. Along the journey, they discover the joy of love, the agony of betrayal, the excitement of masquerade, the atrocity of violence, and the heartache of a love triangle.

Is It Any Good?

CLOCKWORK PRINCE is as clever and witty as it is amorous and enthralling. Cassandra Clare has created a story of love, loss, and self-sacrifice that's difficult to put down. The consistent, descriptive backdrop of 1850 London offers readers an English escape, he characters are lovable, and the scenes are mostly engaging. Each character, quirky and unique in his or her own way, is on a road toward self-discovery and holds an invaluable role that completes their unbreakable, forged family unit.

The female leads (Charlotte, Tessa, and Sophie) model intelligence, strength, and independence. Although each plays a distinct role (one as head of the Institute, one an American mundane, the other a servant), each offers a strength the others lack. Charlotte is independent, Tessa is tenacious, and Sophie is resilient. As the three women struggle to find their own identities, each comes to the realization that feminine strength is found within your individual voice -- and from being heard.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about drug use and violence. Do the scenes featuring these elements seem less real because the characters are fantastical beings? Would it be different if the characters were human?

  • This novel is an example of steampunk, a subgenre of science fiction whose stories are set in an era and place where steam power is used, usually the 19th century and often Victorian England. Leviathan is another example. Why do you think this genre is popular?

Book Details

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