Alright, second trilogy of Cassandra Clare’s Shadowhunter Chronicles. This took place between the third Mortal Instruments book and the fourth as I said in the previous post that The Mortal Instruments trilogy was supposed to only be 3 books instead of 6 books. So this took place between.

Set in Victorian London, this trilogy takes full advantage of the time period to deliver some industrial scenes of grit and moving machines that characterized the innovation of the centuries. This contrast with the gilt and silks of the manors and cathedrals that was almost Austen-like considering the limitations on women (even in the Shadowhunter world) and some racism as fitting fir the period. It really flexed Clare’s muscles because unlike modern day New York, most US readers have an idea what is like so they can fill in blanks but 1800s, London- that’s like a different world and Clare did a great job in throwing the reader back in time with the excitment of new inventions, the protocles, double standards on women, the colonialist idea of Britain being the best world power etc. I love a good period piece and this was a good period piece.

Plus the period allows for additional obstacles for the characters to go through besides the external threat like Jem being seen as weak for being addicted to opium even though he has no choice. Charlotte’s fight to become a leader while opponents think her sex is disqualifying factor. How it made Will’s whore comment to Tessa that much more of a slap in the face since a lady’s reputation carried so much more weight back then. It aided their character developments to see how they struggled and triumph against the restrictions. I found it more interesting than the fights actually.

Plus it covers a very important bit of Shadowhunter history. The spoils which is when Shadowhunters would take possessions of fae/werewolves/vampires after their killings. This could include magical items to mansions that the families own to this day like the Starkweathers. Though the spoils occurred before the books began, in fact having been banned a long time since, but it did contribute to the rise of the trilogy’s villain and explain Tessa’s unusual nature which I’ll get to below.

Like before, the characters drew me in. Unfortunately none of them are my favorites like the original gang. However, I do feel like they had more nuance and three dimensionality. Not only in their inner struggles but in dynamics, it’s not an automatic family vibe but rather relationships of intensity. Plus the villain was interesting showing how the Shadowhunters’ actions and beliefs biting them in the ass and forcing them to reckon with this newer world and consider treating Downworlders better. Plus the addition of all these internal betryals made this trilogy much more exciting. It didn’t have the epicness of the previous series but it has a period piece flare that I just adore.

There were a few things that were lacking like the love triangle. Not that the love triangle was irritating, it was actually well-done and I enjoyed all the characters. Hell, I think Will/Jem/Tessa would make a good thropple if they had that back then. Their love for Tessa and for each other was that good. But I did feel like it was obvious that Tessa would end up with Will all along. While Jem and Tessa deeply care for each other and have a sweet, mature romance, it didn’t match Will and Tessa’s passion. Of course, if it wasn’t the fact that Will is the first one Tessa meets in London but the fact he is a Herondale seals it. Clare loves the Herondales, all their men are handsome, flirtatious, charming yet tortured and always the best love interest.

However, Will gets bonus points in being better than Jace. While he has his own tortured secret that compells him to push people away, he does not act as much of an ass about it. Plus he’s called out more. Additionally, you can see how much he cares for others. And not just Tessa. But his brother-parabati bond with Jem is beyond any sort of love. Plus the sweet scene with Charlotte and even that last dying moment with Jessamine, just wonderful. Will is the best Herondale in my mind.

Now to rank the books from least to best!

1. Clockwork Angel: It’s a good introduction, plenty of actions and drama as we get into this new world. Plus it immediately got me to like Tessa’s spirited nature and her love of the literary. As well as cameos of young(er) Magnus Bane and Camille Belcourt. But as its an intro, it lacks the oomph of the other two.
2. Clockwork Princess: It was just a really good finale, wrapping up the character arcs with so many memorable moments from Jessamine’s redemptive death to Branwell’s invention to Jem being cured even though he’s tragically separated from Will and Tessa and the rest of the family, the reveal of Demon pox and the monster worm, Sophie getting to train and fight in battle. Just so many great moments. It only gets number two spots because, while I love Will and Tessa, their grand romance does get melodramatic. Clare can and will expound on how great their love is and it can get a bit blah after several paragraphs.
3. Clockwork Prince: It combines the amazing moments of book 3 with the balance nature of book 1, saving the melodramatic love story with solid investigation and fighting alongside character exploration as new obstacles in the form of the beaucratic Clave come in as the London Institute figures out what to do after Mortmain’s betrayal. Plus Clare gets more into Victorian culture and Shadowhunter/Downworlder history with the inclusion of Magnus and Will’s interactions and contrasting Jessamine with Tessa who enjoys the relative freedom of becoming a Shadowhunter while Jessamine wants to conform to an ideal woman.

This is a great trilogy that balances characters, history and action and I think a better example of Clare’s work so if you want to read a Shadowhunter series, I think one should go with this one.