Common Sense Media Review
By Karen Wirsing
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fantasy sequel has strong female characters, more violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 3 parent reviews
Based on 25 kid reviews
Kids say this sequel is an enthralling read, blending romance, character development, and tension, making it hard to put down. While it contains some moderate fantasy violence and romantic content that may not suit younger readers, many felt it had valuable life lessons and complex themes, making it a worthwhile read for teens and mature younger readers.
- addictive storyline
- strong characters
- mature content
- valuable lessons
- engaging romance
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Margaret K. McElderry
- Publication date : December 6, 2011
- Number of pages : 528
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate