Review: The Shadowhunter's Codex by Cassandra Clare & Joshua Lewis

The Shadowhunter’s Codex
By Cassandra Clare & Joshua Lewis
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased

Review: I usually write a summary to go along with every review, but The Shadowhunter’s Codex is a bit unique to describe, so I figured I’d include a quick synopsis here instead. It’s basically a reference book for Shadowhunters, the demon fighting warriors from Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instruments and Infernal Devices series. The Codex covers a range of topics about the Nephilim: their origin and some key moments in their history, their laws, types of demons they might encounter, and just about every other Shadowhunter-related topic you can think of.

I had this book lying around on my shelves since its release, and my motivation for buying it at the time was its pretty sweet price. Had it not been discounted, I probably would have eventually sought out a copy at the library. I admit to being a tad skeptical about whether or not this was essential reading. With the exception of Tahereh Mafi’s Destroy Me, series novellas don’t exactly set my pulse racing in anticipation, so what could I expect from a book that’s . . . a fictional guide to the world of two fictional series?

Two factors really worked to the benefit of The Shadowhunter’s Codex. One, I absolutely love the world. Two, I’d just finished reading City of Heavenly Fire and needed to read more, more, more about the Shadowhunters. Anything. Everything. So here was the perfect time to dust off my copy of this book!

The Shadowhunter’s Codex is supposed to read like a textbook of sorts, and indeed, it even sports discussion questions at the end of each chapter. It manages to simultaneously sound like a serious academic work yet not take itself too seriously. There are some tongue-in-cheek moments, like when the Codex encourages you to try introducing yourself to a Silent Brother. Adding to the lighter side are annotations in the margins by TMI’s Clary, Simon, and Jace. You’re actually supposed to be reading Clary’s copy of the Codex, which Simon and Jace keep seizing so they can contribute their “expertise” to it.

Besides the surprise humor, I enjoyed learning more about Jonathan, the legendary first Shadowhunter created by the angel Raziel. The section on parabatai was short, but I still found it really interesting. Some parts did drag; those were the ones that read most like a textbook. On the whole, I liked this more than I thought I would, although if you’re only a casual TMI/TID fan, you can probably pass on this.

All in All: Recommended for diehard Shadowhunter fans, not as much for everybody else.

Review: Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Princess (The Infernal Devices #3)
By Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

To Sum It Up:

Although the Shadowhunters of the London Institute are no closer to finding their enemy, Mortmain, they know that it is only a matter of time before he strikes. Tessa is the key to his plan to exact revenge on the Shadowhunters, and she must be protected at all costs. Unfortunately, the Consul refuses to believe that the threat of Mortmain and his clockwork army are imminent, and he denies the Institute’s request for support in the battle to come. When Mortmain finally decides to make his move, it is Will alone who must save Tessa, for Jem’s health has taken a turn for the worse. Although he is reluctant to leave his parabatai’s side, Will races to rescue Tessa before Mortmain unleashes his automatons to obliterate all of the Shadowhunters.

Ally's Review:

Clockwork Princess has left me an emotional wreck. I don't have the motivation to continue on with my boring life without Will and Jem waiting for me at the end of the tunnel. By the Angel, how can I read another book after this perfect one? Clockwork Princess is unrivaled in its glory. If I ever needed therapy for the end of a series, it should most definitely be for this one. I honestly do not know how to go about reviewing a book like this. I will do my best to organize my fangirling into a seemingly coherent string of thoughts.

Jem. Will. Jem and Will. Will and Jem. Ah, these two boys make the whole series for me. For so long, my life has revolved around them. I love Jem and I love Will. That's the thing about them—you can't love one without loving the other. Their friendship kills me. I can't put into words how moving their relationship is. Jem would easily lie down and die for his parabatai, and Will would do the same for Jem. In this book, more so than the others, the trauma of Jem's impending death and Will not being able to follow him where he shall goest is present and intense. Knowing Jem and Will, you know that Tessa can't and won't be the reason for tearing them apart. I used to think that their inseparability was stronger than steel; the realization that death is stronger than the strongest steel is heartbreaking.

Tessa, Tessa, Tessa. This girl! Tessa is such a great protagonist. I commend her for her heroism. I love how Tessa relies on her head more so than her abilities and bodily strength. Not everyone has the power to shape-shift or has unwavering strength and stamina—everyone does have a brain. It makes Tessa easier to relate to. I love how she loves books and connects to the story, losing herself in the characters much like I do. Most of all, I love how she loves Will and Jem, both of them equally. Tessa never disappoints. It's hard to dislike any of Clare's Infernal Devices characters—even Gabriel Lightwood.

The other characters were just as great. Charlotte and Henry are so cute! It was adorable watching them opening up after discovering their true feelings for each other. Henry and his tinkering become more visible this go-around, thanks to the lovable Magnus Bane. Magnus and Henry team up together to work on new technology for the Shadowhunter world. It was lovely to watch their growing friendship. A new character introduced was Cecily Herondale, Will's younger sister. At first, I expected to dislike her for plotting to bring Will out of the Shadowhunter life. That wasn't the case. Cecily was refreshing and reminiscent of the girly yet badass Isabelle Lightwood from The Mortal Instruments. Now, Sophie and Gideon. Their sweet side-romance was so endearing. It was a nice diversion from the more prominent and intense storyline.

Another aspect I love about Clare's books (besides Will and Jem) is that she completely drags me into the story she’s created. I've never wished to take part in a story as badly as I want to in this case. When people ask me about my prospective career paths, I want to say Shadowhunter. I crack Will puns when I'm surrounded by people who haven't read the series. I've acquired an unexplainable fear of ducks. Needless to say, this series has taken a tight hold of my life. Now that it is over, I have little Jem, Will, Tessa, Magnus, Charlotte, Henry, Gideon, Sophie, and even Gabriel holes littering my heart. These little holes add up.

Clockwork Princess is a book that I couldn't read fast enough. You can only read so fast, and I was recklessly racing towards the end. Now that I've reached the end, I don't want to be here! I want to go back to the beginning and forget everything. I want to meet Will and Jem all over again. I want to relive the story all over again. I need to start over because then perhaps it won't hurt so much; it won't seem as definite. I read this quote the other day by the famous Dr. Seuss: “Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.” By the Angel, I'm trying to apply this piece of wisdom to this situation, but it's so hard.

All in All:

What can I say? The Infernal Devices was my whole existence—now that it's over, I'm going to need time to recover. The ending of a series has never hurt as much as this.

Lee's Review:

From the moment that I read the last sentence in Clockwork Prince, I knew with one hundred percent certainty that Clockwork Princess, the final book in a series that I love beyond measure, would leave me shattered. And yet, here I sit, two days after some marathon reading sessions that commenced on a late Thursday night and concluded late Friday/early Saturday morning at 2:30, still at a complete, total, and utter loss for words. Even if I wait a few days to try and write this review, it’s not going to get any more coherent. What follows, then, isn’t so much a review as it is an outpouring of the myriad emotions that I continue to feel despite having had some time to process my thoughts about this book. That’s precisely the problem—I can’t process my thoughts about this book!

While my initial reactions upon finishing Clockwork Princess ran the gamut from shock to euphoria to sadness, the overriding emotion was astonishment. I am in absolute awe of how Cassandra Clare plotted this novel and how she tied the entire series together. My God. Although not everything that happened in Clockwork Princess came as a surprise, the path that led to an outcome wasn’t always what I’d expected. And then there were the twists that completely blindsided me and sent my head into a spin so frenzied, I had to put the book down so I could collect my scattered senses. I don’t think a book as ever sparked such intense feelings in me before. Just about every line of dialogue uttered by Will, Jem, and Tessa cut right through me. Oddly, though, I’d thought that I’d cry my way through this book, but for the most part, I managed to stay dry-eyed. I think I was just too stunned and in quite a bit of denial while I was reading. I finished this book at 2:30 in the morning, caught a few hours sleep, and proceeded to begin sobbing as soon as I woke up. It seems that everything that I’d read hit me all at once.

Obviously, every aspect of Clockwork Princess was outstanding to me, but I’d like to make special mention of how exquisitely Clare described Jem’s violin playing. I’ve always found it difficult to discuss music with words; I wish that I had Clare’s gift for bringing it to life with prose. There’s one scene in particular that is so beautifully written and incredibly moving; it became an instant favorite the moment I read it.

What I will always remember about this book and the series as a whole is its theme of the transcendence of love, whether it’s romantic love or the fraternal love that Will and Jem have for each other. How love, in the truest sense of its definition, transcends even time. How love means accepting another person’s flaws and putting that person before oneself at all times and without a second thought, like a reflex. How love is unconditional. In this case, there are three people who understand what it truly means to love: Will, Jem, and Tessa. They are tied so inextricably to one another that it’s impossible to imagine one without the other two. And that’s what I think makes this love triangle superior to all the others I’ve read about in YA. I do not doubt that these three characters would do anything, including die, for each other. I’ve seen too many love triangles in which a female protagonist thinks she’s in love with two guys at the same time. To me, qualifying “I love so-and-so” by putting “I think” in front of that statement signifies you’re not sure. I believe that it’s possible to care deeply for another person, but when it comes to using the actual word “love,” I don’t like seeing it thrown around casually. I believe that saying “I love you” to someone is equivalent to telling that person you love him/her with every single subatomic part of your heart and nothing less. And whenever Will, Jem, and Tessa use the word “love,” I believe they mean it with all of their hearts.

The Infernal Devices has also always emphasized a love of books that has resonated with me since Clockwork Angel. When I read this series, I immerse myself completely in this world. I can’t view these books from a reviewer’s perspective at all; as I’m reading, the last things on my mind are plot, setting, tone, etc. I love these books for the pure happiness they bring me, even when they make me cry. They remind me why I love reading so much in the first place. For a while, I’m lost in another time where good must find a way to triumph over evil and angels, demons, vampires, werewolves, and warlocks exist and a young man’s fear of ducks makes me laugh. Seeing this series end breaks my heart; saying farewell to it is like watching your best friend walk away for the last time. The luxury of having books for best friends, though, is that they’re always only a read away; all you have to do is go to your bookshelf for an immediate reunion.

All in All:

Just brilliant. Abso-freaking-lutely brilliant.

Review: Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices #2)
By Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

To Sum It Up:

Following their deadly confrontation with the Magister’s clockwork automatons, the Shadowhunters launch an exhaustive investigation into his past as they desperately try to locate him. Charlotte’s leadership of the London Institute hinges on success; if the Shadowhunters fail to uncover the Magister’s whereabouts, Will, Jem, and Tessa may find themselves no longer calling the Institute their home. The three soon learn that not only has the Magister concealed himself very well, but he also seems to have anticipated every avenue they would explore in their search for him and has taken preemptive action against them. With the Council’s deadline fast approaching, the Shadowhunters must discover a way to overcome the firm upper hand that the Magister currently holds against them.

Review:

Having reread both this and Clockwork Angel now, I must say, they’re just as riveting to read a second time as they were originally. In fact, I think this is a series that only gets better with each successive read. There are quite a few books that, at the time I’d finished them, I pictured myself reading over and over again. When I look back at them now, I can’t say that anymore. I can with certainty, however, envision rereading The Infernal Devices multiple times and discovering something new to love about the series each time. Once again, Clockwork Prince made me laugh, broke my heart, and kept me up reading late into the night, and I relished every page.

I first read this when it was released in December, 2011, about six months after reading Clockwork Angel. Even with the time gap between the books, slipping back into the world of the Victorian-era Shadowhunters was effortless; it was like no time had passed at all. The first chapter opens with a lovely scene between Jem and Tessa, in which the two pay a quick visit to Poets’ Corner in Westminster Abbey on their way to a Council meeting. Charlotte and Henry’s ability to run the London Institute has been called into question following the attack on the Institute by the Magister’s clockwork automatons. Well, it’s Charlotte’s fitness to lead that’s under scrutiny here, as everyone knows that Henry is pretty much co-head in name only. Charlotte is given two weeks to produce the location of the Magister, or she’ll likely be removed from her position. The search for the Magister drives the novel, which is as superb as its predecessor in every single way. There’s thrilling action, treachery, Will’s humor, and heartbreak so painful that it shredded my heart all over again even though I knew to expect it this time.

Numerous were the times while reading Clockwork Prince when I felt as though an invisible fist had seized hold of my heart and was trying to squeeze it to a pulp. James Carstairs has to be one of the sweetest, kindest characters I’ve ever read about. The courage and dignity with which he accepts his fate just render me speechless. I want so badly to see him happy, to somehow make things right for someone whose inherent goodness deserves so much more than the cruel hand he’s been dealt. You know you’ve made a lifelong friend out of a book when you get this emotional about one of its characters. In the case of this series, I get ridiculously emotional about almost all of the characters.

Jem and Will are opposites in so many ways, and this was especially evident in how each tugged at my heart. Jem, the epitome of chivalry, made it flutter, while Will, in one particularly gut-wrenching story line, shattered it. Will, who’s hiding a secret that has forced him to push away just about anyone who has tried to care for him, hits rock bottom here, and it’s agonizing to see. Even when a glimmer of hope appears, Will’s happiness is short-lived because it comes at the cost of denying the happiness of another. The emotional turmoil in this book was just unbearable at times, this being one of those times.

Tessa, too, finds herself swimming in stormy thoughts. She has to come to terms with what her brother, whom she still cannot completely bring herself to hate, has done. She receives some possible clues to what she is, but they don’t add up. And, worst of all, she might be that which divides two boys who love each other like brothers. Tessa bears it all pretty well, considering how much she’s grappling with. The Institute has truly become a home to her and its residents like a family, and Tessa doesn’t hesitate to throw herself in the path of danger to help them however she can.

Clockwork Prince is one insane ride of emotions that does not quit until the final printed word. And this is the middle book in the series! The middle book! There’s still one more to go!

All in All:

Yep, I loved this one with all my heart, too.

Review: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1)
By Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

To Sum It Up:

In 1878, Tessa Gray leaves New York to join her brother in England. Little does she know that danger awaits her in the form of the Dark Sisters, who take Tessa captive and force her to use the shape-shifting power she had no idea she possessed. The sisters claim to be preparing her for her marriage to the mysterious Magister, the head of the equally mysterious Pandemonium Club. Fortunately, Tessa is rescued by the Shadowhunters, beings with extraordinary abilities that aid them in their primary purpose—to protect the world from demons. Tessa agrees to assist the Shadowhunters with their investigation into the Pandemonium Club in exchange for their help in locating her missing brother. She also hopes to discover why she is able to do what she can because not even the Shadowhunters have encountered someone with her power before.

Review:

I first read Clockwork Angel almost two years ago after reading books one through four of Cassandra Clare’s modern day Shadowhunter series, The Mortal Instruments. At the time, I preferred Clockwork Angel over the TMI books, and rereading it has only solidified that opinion. Many times over. I just love the combination of the Victorian London setting and the world of the Shadowhunters. Everything that I love about the latter—their angelic origin, their superhuman abilities, and their badass demon-killing skills—is seamlessly integrated into a time period that I’ve always found fascinating. With so many of my favorite bookish elements present here, Clockwork Angel really can't put a foot wrong in my eyes. And it doesn’t.

Reviewing this book following a reread feels a little weird to me, maybe because I already knew what was going to happen as well as what to expect from the sequel, Clockwork Prince. Plus, it’s a challenge for me to write about why I obsess over this series so much. It’s one of those things that simply is. So, I’ll try to keep my gushing to a minimum, but I guarantee nothing.

For me, one of the biggest differences between The Infernal Devices and The Mortal Instruments is the heroines. I like Tessa much more than I like TMI’s Clary Fray, who makes rash decisions once too often for my liking. Tessa has a steadier head on her shoulders. Although she receives the worst welcome ever upon her arrival in England, she finds a way to survive yet another day in the horrible Dark Sisters’ house. If anybody had a reason to lose herself in her sorrows, it’d be Tessa, but she doesn’t. Once she’s freed from that nightmarish place, she’s wary of being used again for her shape-shifting power, this time by her rescuers, the Shadowhunters, and is reluctant to accept any charity from them. Clare gives her heroine a nice balance of character traits; Tessa is strong and independent yet not unrealistically so for a young woman of that time period.

Whereas I’m not all that interested in all of TMI’s secondary characters (the roster of which seems to expand with every installment), I’m quite attached to the Shadowhunters of the London Institute. They truly are like a family. I love how eccentric yet brilliant Henry is. I admire Charlotte for her courage and strength. In name, she and Henry co-head the London Institute, but while Henry spends all his time tinkering with his inventions, it’s really Charlotte who oversees the day-to-day operation of the Institute. Not everyone in the Clave likes the idea of a woman in a position of authority, but Charlotte is an excellent leader and also a kind mother figure to the underage Shadowhunters in the Institute’s care. These include Jessamine, who is the only member of the group I can’t stand. She despises everything about being a Shadowhunter and wants to find a mundane (human) husband so she can turn her back on the Nephilim forever. Jessie is so shallow and selfish, and I don’t understand why she doesn’t want to be a Shadowhunter. I’d gladly take her place if it were possible!

And then we have the boys. William Herondale and James Carstairs. Never, ever, have I loved two guys in the same YA book as much as I love these two. Will’s incessant sarcasm just slays me. His brand of wit may not be for everyone, but it’s exactly my thing. See, I have a weakness for snarky lads, even more of one for snarky lads with English accents. Mr. Herondale has cast quite a spell on me, but it’s not only because of his way with words and his dreamy looks. Will’s brother-like devotion to his best friend, Jem, is beyond superlatives. He would do anything for Jem, and vice versa. Jem is the perfect gentleman that Will often is not. Jem always seems to know the right thing to say, and he’s the only one who can occasionally talk some sense into Will. There’s this quiet intensity to Jem; his poor health makes him appear so fragile, yet when the Shadowhunters go into battle, he’s right there in the thick of the action. Will and Jem could not be more dissimilar in temperament, but that’s probably why they are the absolute best of friends. Their bond, which is infinite in depth, is, to me, what makes this book and this series so utterly, utterly mesmerizing to read.

I’d forgotten how dark the tone of Clockwork Angel could be. The clockwork automatons are super creepy, and the manner in which some of their parts have been obtained is downright chilling. There’s also a fancy soirée filled with vampires, and they’re not of the sparkly variety. They don’t have time for that because they’re too busy sizing up their next meal. In Clockwork Angel, you’ve got paranormal creatures of just about every sort, snappy dialogue that’s even more impressive because it still sounds in keeping with the times, not one but two swoon-worthy boys, and, for good measure, some steampunk. Really, there isn’t much more I could have asked for in a novel, except perhaps for this world to be real so I could travel back in time and be a part of it.

All in All:

Yeah, I loved this book. A lot.

• Melissa's Review of Clockwork Angel

Why I Love Jem Carstairs

Definition of Jem Carstairs: a talented and handsome young gentleman whose loyalty and love for his family knows no bounds.

This immaculate literary man is perhaps the most beloved character in my reading repertoire. There are several factors that contribute to this unfair favoritism, and they all strike a different chord. Jem Carstairs make me dream of a time when chivalry was not dead. I literally hang off of his every word.

One of the first things that emotionally ties me to Jem is his talent and love for music. I cannot claim to play the violin (though it is a lovely instrument), but I can relate to the passion and enjoyment that comes from creating music. Some of you may know that I play the flute in my high school band. It’s not an understatement to say that music is my life. Music provides an escape for the maker; "getting lost in the music" is not a phrase to be taken lightly. I can appreciate and connect with Jem on this level. I imagine him using his violin to escape the pain that follows him everyday–physical and emotional. Forgetting your problems is too easy when you’re devoting everything you have into the task you are performing. In this way, Jem Carstairs is the strongest person I know–real and not real.

Jem’s manners are yet another lovely quality of his. He is polite, kind, and gentle; everything good rolled up into one. I love how he treats everyone he meets with the same level of respect, be it Shadowhunter or Downworlder, man or woman, master or servant. You can always count on him; even if you screw up or hurt him, Jem will give you a second chance. Will sees this forgiving side of Jem on more than one occasion.

Jem’s relationship with Will, his best friend and parabatai, is one of those heart-wrenching chords I previously mentioned. Those two! By the Angel, those two boys kill me. Apart they’re adorable; together they’re even worse. Their bond goes way deeper than brotherhood; they would literally die for each other. The relationship is admirable and charming. It makes me wish that I was a Shadowhunter, just so I could experience that bond. I love how they accept each other, the good and the bad. It’s like Jem and Will are caught up in their own little world, just the two of them, and they’re oblivious to everything outside of each other. I can’t imagine them apart. They’re brothers in the truest sense, and I would be distraught if anything ever came between them.

I know that Jem is destined for a terrible fate and that he is most likely going to die from his illness, but Jem Carstairs would not be the man that he is without this death sentence. He appreciates life and lives to his fullest. Jem takes nothing for granted and knows that he doesn’t have time for regrets. I think that is why he comes off as so perfect; Jem doesn’t have the time to be anything less than that. And every time Jem mentions his disease and inevitable fate, I die. My heart goes out to him; I can’t imagine myself or the other characters carrying on without him.

Jem Carstairs has completely changed my standards of reading. All other characters and books pale in comparison. I can only hope and pray that the attributes I love about him don’t fade away–specifically Will Herondale. I’ll love Jem no matter what happens, forever and always.

A Few Jem Quotes:

"If it concerns Will, it concerns me." — Clockwork Angel, "Chapter 9: The Enclave"

"Oh, I don't know. I prefer to think that when they're at home, the Silent Brothers are much like us. Playing practical jokes in the Silent City, making toasted cheese—" — Clockwork Prince, "Chapter 2: Reparations"

"If I was harsh with you, it was because I cannot bear to see you treat yourself as if you are worth nothing. Whatever part you might act to the contrary, I see you as you really are, my blood brother. Not just better than you pretend to be, but better than most people could hope to be." — Clockwork Prince, "Chapter 21: Coals of Fire"

Why I Love Will Herondale

William Herondale. He of the blue eyes, black hair, and all-around Shadowhunter badass-ness. While there are many boys in YA who make me swoon and forget how to string a coherent sentence together, young Mr. Herondale has won a special place in my heart with his devastating wit, unwavering loyalty to his friends, and, of course, his lethal skill with a seraph blade.

Will also loves books. I love books, too. Will doesn’t trust ducks after an incident in London’s Hyde Park. Um, I had a run-in with a seagull once—can I count that as something that he and I have in common? Maybe not. Will’s snark and sense of humor, though, are just my cup of tea. I live and breathe sarcasm, and so does Will. Sometimes neither his words nor his behavior are very gentlemanly, but if you’ve read Clockwork Prince, then you know the heartbreaking reason behind the image that he’s forced himself to project. Yeah, I’m totally defending him here, but believe me, this story is gut-wrenching! Although a good deal of Will’s personality is a cover, I still think that his wit is his own, and even when he’s not putting on an act, there’s a part of him that can’t resist making a clever remark whenever an opportunity presents itself.

What I love and admire most about Will Herondale is his devotion to the people he cares about (he may not always be able to show it, but he does care about others), particularly his parabatai, Jem. There is absolutely nothing that Will wouldn’t do for Jem, including dying for him (although I hope it doesn’t come to that because I love both boys. Damn this love triangle!). Will also won’t see Jem’s heart broken, despite his friend's happiness coming at the cost of his own. That’s just how it is with Will where Jem is concerned. Will has a very smart mouth on him, quite an ego, and can be downright rude at times, but he is as steadfast a friend as you could possibly ask for. The kindness and selflessness lurking behind the barrier that he’s built around himself really shine through in his friendship with Jem.

When we were first planning these Infernal Devices-themed posts, Ally came up with the idea that we should draw the characters we were writing about, too. Now, that’s easy enough for someone with her vast artistic talent to say. She nagged me into at least trying to draw Will, but the result was ghastly, just like I’d told her it would be. I feel much more at home with a camera in my hands, and this picture that I took of a duck a while back always makes me think of the scene in Clockwork Angel where Will and Jem are discussing that day in the park. So, to close out this post, I leave you with a photo of a duck and a few of my favorite Will quotes. Enjoy.

Never trust a duck.

The Quotable Will Herondale:

"I've mastered many things in my life. Navigating the streets of London, dancing the quadrille, the Japanese art of flower arranging, lying at charades, concealing a highly intoxicated state, delighting younger women with my charms . . ." — Clockwork Angel, "Chapter 2: Hell Is Cold"

"I must be more amusing than I thought. Which would make me very amusing indeed." — Clockwork Prince, "Chapter 10: The Virtue of Angels"

"I would die for you. You know that. I would die without you. If it were not for you, I would be dead a hundred times over these past five years. I owe you everything, and if you cannot believe I have empathy, perhaps you might at least believe I know honor—honor, and debt—" — Clockwork Prince, "Chapter 11: Wild Unrest"

Questions, Thoughts, and Theories About Clockwork Princess

* SPOILER WARNING: This post contains major spoilers for Clockwork Angel, Clockwork Prince, and The Mortal Instruments series. *

Predicting what might happen in our favorite books is a bit of a hobby for us. We’ve spent many after-dinner walks discussing our theories. The Infernal Devices is the type of series in which what you think is a passing reference to someone or something later turns out to be significant. Extremely significant. As we wait for our copies of Clockwork Princess to arrive (which probably won’t be until Thursday. Sadly, Amazon didn’t offer release date delivery.), we thought we’d share some of the questions and speculative thoughts we have going into the final book.

Ally's Questions, Thoughts, and Theories

Crazy Jessie

From reading the first two installments of The Infernal Devices, everyone knows that baby Jessie turns into crazy Jessie. What exactly happens to her after she’s locked up in the Silent City? Welp, here’s my theory: I believe that Jessamine is going to try and redeem herself. I do believe that she regretted her rash actions and wants to make right with the only family she has left. I think she will end up dying in the process, sacrificing herself for the people she loves. Let’s face it, folks, none of us has seen the last name Lovelace floating about in TMI.

Papa Bane

Since Victorian England up until now, Magnus Bane’s parentage has been in question. From the little intel I have gathered during my investigation, I know the following: Magnus is a powerful and well-respected warlock; Magnus has a demon father and a human mother; Magnus doesn’t like to talk about his past despite everyone trying to bring it up (Alec!); and Magnus has an impeccable sense of style. This has led me to conclude that Magnus’s father is beyond powerful . . . and fashionable. Papa Bane has been referred to as the Prince of Hell, and ladies and gentlemen, I believe that Magnus’s papa is very high up there on the hellish chain of command —possibly the devil himself.

Where Have You Been, Tessa?

Yet another burning question simmering in my mind is where Tessa Gray disappears to in the span of time between TID and TMI. We know that she’s been in both series, we just don’t know where she’s been hiding. My prediction? Well, since I’m almost entirely convinced that Tessa is part-fey (Lee thinks she’s part-angel), I’m going to go out on a limb and say that she’s been crashing in the fey realm (unless you’re Lee and think she’s floating about in the high heavens). It may not seem reasonable, but I can’t get over that creepy run-in with that psycho faerie in Clockwork Prince. She kept blabbering about how she knew Tessa’s mum. I think this seemingly insignificant scene will play a much larger role in the grand scheme of things.

Herondale Ink

Okay, so in TMI we learn that Jace’s godly body is marred by a bad-arse birthmark. This mark runs in the Herondale family line. Legend says that the mark symbolizes that a Herondale had a meet-and-greet with a full-fledged angel. I think that this notorious Herondale is our charming Will. My reasoning? Well, we know that Will does not have the mark as of now, so that means that the angel encounter happens between Will's time and Jace's. Who else is important enough to meet an angel— Stephen Herondale? I think not! Plus, Will is ready to do anything to save Jem. I believe that he will summon an angel and ask for help. As for what happens after that, I’m not sure, but where there’s a Will, there’s a way.

Operation Save Jem

We both love Jem Carstairs—a lot. It’s with grave sincerity that I say that we would be unhinged if anything happened to him. With his more than bleak future lurking at the end of this trilogy, there is little I can do but wait for the foreshadowed inevitable. I can hope for the best and conspire with Lee on seemingly implausible plans to save my beloved Jem, so that is what I have done.

Plan A: Jem becomes a Silent Brother (ahem, Zachariah). I know that being a Silent Brother is not much of a life, but it’s a life nonetheless. I’m also choosing to ignore the hope-crushing snippet of Clockwork Princess that was released.
Plan B: By the Angel, a cure is found!
Plan C: The angels deem Jem too precious to die and take him to the high heavens to become an angel himself.
Plan D: Will sacrifices himself to save his parabatai.

Personally, I’m banking on Plan A.

Lee's Questions, Thoughts, and Theories

Shadowhunter Family Tree

This is one of my favorite topics to speculate on. I feel like the TID books are filled with many subtle references to the modern day Shadowhunters. The question is, how is everyone related to one another? Clockwork Princess will actually contain a Shadowhunter family tree, so we’ll find out for certain how the characters from Cassandra Clare’s two series are connected. For now, though, here are a few things I’ve noticed in the books that have made me wonder about the possible links between them. Charlotte Branwell’s maiden name is Fairchild, and Jocelyn, mother of Clary Fray in The Mortal Instruments, is also a Fairchild. Henry, Charlotte’s husband, has the middle name Jocelyn. Interesting, no? I’m also intrigued by the resemblance between Alec Lightwood from TMI and Will Herondale from TID. Magnus Bane, of course common to both series, seems to see a very uncanny similarity in appearance between these two characters. Is it just a coincidence? There’s a generation of Lightwoods in TID, including Will’s arch nemesis, Gabriel Lightwood. Will also has a younger sister, Cecily, who looks just like Will. Wouldn’t it be something if Gabriel and Cecily became a couple? It might explain the Herondale blue eyes getting passed down through the Lightwood family. Oh, and imagine Will’s reaction to his sister and Gabriel being in love!

Mama Herondale

Not much is known about Will’s parents. His father was a Shadowhunter who left the Nephilim to marry Will’s mother, a mundane. In Clockwork Prince, Jem explains to Tessa that it is possible for a mundane to Ascend and become a Shadowhunter in order to marry one. Previously, in Clockwork Angel, Jem told Tessa that the Council had refused to allow Will’s mother to Ascend, and so Edmund Herondale gave up his life as a Shadowhunter. I don’t have a theory as to why the Council said no; it’s just something that I’m really curious about and hope will be addressed in Clockwork Princess.

Aloysius Starkweather

The ancient, cranky, and, frankly, kind of creepy, Starkweather certainly isn’t going to win any prizes in the charm department. But something about Tessa prompts a strange reaction from him, as though he recognizes her from somewhere, despite their frist meeting ostensibly being in Clockwork Prince when she accompanies Will and Jem to the York Institute, which Starkweather heads. I definitely think that this guy is important somehow, as is the backstory of his granddaughter, Adele, who died shortly after receiving her Shadowhunter Marks. The connection to Tessa has me stumped; I’m not even hazarding a guess here.

By the (Clockwork) Angel!

This pendant, which belonged to Tessa’s mother, is more than just a pretty piece of jewelry. It has literally saved Tessa’s life, in the it-came-alive-and-acted-of-its-own-accord sense. What kind of magic is in this angel? Clearly, it’s very powerful. Could it be a faerie-made object, perhaps? (Remember the faerie rings that Simon and Clary used to communicate with each other in City of Lost Souls?) It would be apt if the clockwork angel were angel-made, of course. Whatever the necklace’s origin, its history should be interesting. I really hope to find out how it ended up in the New York Institute, as mentioned in City of Lost Souls.

The Love Triangle

Oh dear. How is this not going to end in heartbreak? I’ve racked my brain for a solution that makes everyone happy, but yeah, I got nothing here. Normally I don’t even like love triangles, but this one . . . . How do I even explain? I love both boys. A lot. The bond of their friendship, which runs so deep that they’re as close to being brothers as two friends can be, won’t allow a girl to come between them. One would sacrifice his heart for the happiness of the other in the blink of an eye because that’s how parabatai are. I foresee a ton of self-sacrifice here, but not an answer to who’s going to end up with whom. This one is just too tough to call. I do, however, foresee a whole lot of ugly crying in my future.

And One Question That's on Both Our Minds . . .

Will We Find Out Who Brother Zachariah Is?

We strongly suspect that this enigmatic character from The Mortal Instruments is connected to TID’s Shadowhunters. In fact, we became so obsessed with this guy after reading City of Lost Souls that we wrote a post all about our theories on Brother Zachariah’s identity, and you can read that post here. Since there’s still one more TMI book to come, we’re not banking on finding out who he really is in Clockwork Princess, but you never know.

What are you especially looking forward to in Clockwork Princess?

Saying Goodbye to The Infernal Devices

It's hard to believe that Clockwork Princess, the final book in one of our favorite series, The Infernal Devices, will be released tomorrow. We're both still in a bit of denial that the story of the Victorian-era Shadowhunters is coming to a close, not that we aren't beside ourselves with excitement to read the book.

Like the nerds we are, we wanted to do something special for the occasion. We tweaked the blog background to give it a bit of a steampunk theme. We've also planned some TID-related posts for this week:

• Tuesday, March 19: We love speculating on what's going to happen in books, especially this series. We'll be discussing some of our Clockwork Princess theories here.
• Wednesday, March 20: Lee fangirls about Will Herondale for a while.
• Thursday, March 21: Ally fangirls about Jem Carstairs for a while.
• Friday, March 22: Lee's review of Clockwork Angel. (I first read this almost two years ago, before I ever even heard of Goodreads. I reread both this and Clockwork Prince last week and can finally post reviews of both books! And you can already read Melissa's review of Clockwork Angel.)
• Sunday, March 24: Lee's review of Clockwork Prince.

We hope to have our reviews of Clockwork Princess up as soon as we can. Ally starts spring break from school on Friday, and we already have a marathon read-along planned starting then. If you're a fellow fan of the series, we expect you'll be spending a good deal of time reading in the next few days, too.

Painting the Page: The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices' Magnus Bane

We thought that it would be fun to occasionally post some of the images that have been inspired by our reading adventures. This is my drawing of Magnus Bane from Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments and Infernal Devices series. Magnus is one of the most lively and vivid characters I have ever read about. I could easily picture him in my mind and just had to draw him.

Review: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1)
By Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

To Sum It Up: Tessa Gray travels to England from New York to be reunited with her brother after their aunt dies. Her brother Nate, is the only other family that Tessa has left. Things go awry when Tessa is kidnapped by the sinister Dark Sisters. During her imprisonment, Tessa learns of an incredible power that she has always possessed. When Tessa is rescued by the Shadowhunters, a group dedicated to fighting demons, she must put the world she has always known behind her and join the one that she has always belonged to.

Review: Set in Victorian England, Clockwork Angel is filled with wonderful surprises. As a huge fan of Jane Austen and other classic authors, I loved the setting. However, it had a dark twist with classic monsters, including vampires, werewolves, and demons, as well as some new ideas such as the Shadowhunters. Although the setting limits women in the mortal world, the women in the supernatural world are not stuck with such limitations. Tessa and Charlotte are kick-arse!

One of the biggest things that makes or breaks a book for me is the characters, and Cassandra Clare did a phenomenal job with her characters. Tessa is a fierce and courageous heroine who rarely lets the reader down. Charlotte, head of the London Institute, is just awesome; I don't even know how to describe her. Henry, Charlotte's husband, reminds me of Arthur Weasley from Harry Potter, and it's impossible not to love him. Will and Jem are a whole different story; I love them both sooooo much! They are both tortured souls, and although they are complete opposites, they find comfort in each other, making them as close as brothers. I still can't decide who I favor—it’s too hard!

I love my paranormal books, and this one takes the cake. It just doesn't compare to other books that I've read lately. I love the whole concept, and the plot is so good, you are always on the edge of your seat. Everything about it is awesome. I found this review hard to write because there was so much to say, but I didn't want to give anything away.

All in All: I haven't read the Mortal Instruments series, but you really don't need to in order to enjoy this book. I can't put into words how much I loved this book! You have to read it! It's the kind of book that leaves you sad because it's over.

Cover Reveal: Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

After a tweeting frenzy, it's finally here!

Why isn't it March 19 yet?

The Mortal Instruments' Mysterious Brother Zachariah

* Spoiler warning for The Mortal Instruments series and The Infernal Devices series *

After finishing City of Lost Souls recently, our curiosity about the true identity of this character from Cassandra Clare’s The Mortal Instruments series has become an obsession. We debate this topic at least twice a week during our after-dinner walk. Seriously. Since we love theorizing about books, we figured we’d add our thoughts on this enigmatic Silent Brother to the pile.

The two of us had read the first four Mortal Instruments books before reading Clockwork Angel, so we didn’t make the connection between the Herondales mentioned in The Mortal Instruments and Will Herondale from The Infernal Devices until after we’d read Clockwork Angel. Then our brains went into overdrive trying to figure out how Will and Jace are related. Then it also dawned on us that Brother Zachariah seems to know a lot about the Herondale family, as suggested by these Brother Zachariah quotes from Chapter 13 of City of Fallen Angels:

Would that I had been here, he said, his voice unexpectedly gentle, when you were growing up. I would have seen the truth in your face, Jace Lightwood, and known who you were.

We cannot and should not harm the boy. Old ties exist between the Herondales and the Brothers. We owe him help.

Our initial thought was that Brother Zachariah is really Jem Carstairs from The Infernal Devices. Jem somehow survives and becomes one of the Silent Brothers. It would definitely explain why Brother Zachariah seems to be so knowledgeable about the Herondales.

Now let’s take a look at City of Lost Souls. Brother Zachariah’s comments, and the clues which they might provide to his identity, become even more tantalizing. In Chapter 12, he tells Maryse Lightwood that he has “a particular interest” in Jace’s well-being. When Maryse asks him if he ever had children, his answer is no. The mystery only deepens when you consider that Cassandra Clare’s next series, The Dark Artifices, will feature a Shadowhunter named Emma Carstairs. Hmmm . . . . Does this mean that she’s descended from a different branch of the Carstairs family? Or is it possible that Brother Zachariah is . . . Will?! Will would also be concerned about Jace’s welfare. If Will had no children, though, then from which Herondale ancestor does Jace trace his lineage? Will has a sister, Cecily; she could be the ancestor, but then how did the Herondale name get passed down from her? Yeah, we’ve got quite the conundrum here.

And we’re pretty convinced that Brother Zachariah is either Jem or Will. We know that he was once a Shadowhunter, and in the Epilogue to City of Lost Souls, he tells Clary that there were once two people whom he would have died for. Will most certainly would have died for Tessa and Jem. Jem most certainly would have died for Tessa and Will. There’s also an intriguing quote from Magnus in Chapter 7 of CoLS: "I’ve known parabatai so close they were almost the same person. Do you know what happens, when one of them dies, to the one who’s left—" Given that Magnus is also in The Infernal Devices, we’re thinking that he’s discussing Will and Jem there. Naturally, Magnus never tells us what happens. By any chance does the surviving parabatai have to join the Silent Brothers? The suspense is driving us insane!

As for our guess as to who Brother Zachariah is, we’re just not sure. The hints which are given in City of Lost Souls could point to either Jem or Will. Of course, there’s always the possibility that Brother Zachariah is neither of them, and Cassandra Clare has done an outstanding job misleading us. We wouldn’t be surprised if the questions surrounding Brother Zachariah aren’t answered until City of Heavenly Fire, even though Clockwork Princess will be released first.

We’d love to hear from other fans of The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices who are also puzzling over this. Do you have any theories on what Brother Zachariah’s story might be?