5/5
The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare Review
“I can offer you my life, but it is a short life; I can offer you my heart, though I have no idea how many more beats it shall sustain,” – Jem Carstairs
The Infernal Devices takes place in London during the year of 1878, Tessa Gray is on the search for her brother but whilst hunting for Nathanial Gray, she falls into the unpredictable society of Shadowhunters. In the coming months Tessa finds herself drawing close to best friends; the sarcastic and smart Will and the gentle yet strong Jem. As secrets are revealed, monsters are created and crimes are committed, Tessa realises she has a much bigger part to play in the story of everybody’s lives.
The Infernal Devices is a powerful trilogy that whilst character driven lends itself to being an action filled, unforgettable adventure.
The origin of countless Shadowhunter creations are birthed in this series and there is something heart-rending about reading how the first portal comes to life or when you meet characters that will come to change our beloved Shadowhunters world.
But with quests, romance and magic comes loss, peril and heartbreak and each book is brimming with as much anguish as joy.
One thing that rang true, for me at least, was how close to home the characters were. I know a guy just like Jem, I have a sister like Charlotte, a best friend like Sophie, I see parts of myself in Will. It was almost unsettling to read such a high level of familiarity within the pages but this ultimately let the series make a home in my heart.
And so, with the epilogue of Clockwork Princess we are offered a bittersweet ending to a poignant, steampunk inspired fantastical series.
Not for the weak of heart; The Infernal Devices is a sentimental read that could quite easily become a classic.
From here on out, every time I glance the books on my shelf or hear whispers of a Clockwork Angel I’ll think of Jem Carstairs and his silver eyes and be reminded that a book is so much more than just words.
By Emily
Emily Vierke 