Series Review: The Infernal Devices, By Cassandra Clare

By: Cassandra Clare

This review covers the three books in The Infernal Devices Trilogy: Clockwork Angel (Book 1), Clockwork Prince (Book 2), and Clockwork Princess (Book Three).

Tessa never thought she was anything special, but her kidnappers think differently. Convinced that she is a very valuable kind of more than human, they go to great and awful lengths to unlock her power. When she is finally rescued by the Shadowhunters (demon hunters), Tessa discovers that there is a great deal more to the world and herself than she ever knew.

The Infernal Devices is an intriguing and fast-paced read full of action, romance, and a good bit of creepy. Haters of love triangles should beware this story, but all lovers of young adult paranormal will doubtless fall head over heels for this historical London filled with shadowhunters, vampires, werewolves, demons, warlocks and more.

 Content of Series as a whole 

The following content is a culmination of the two published books.
Not all of the content listed below appears in each book. Click on the book covers to see a review for a specific book.

Sexuality

• kissing
• touching (all over in a rather sensual manner)
• making out in a bed (clothing removal) 
• Implied sex between minors (outside of marriage) and nudity afterwards
• Implied pornographic images 
• references to brothels and wayward behavior

The sexual content increases significantly from book 1 to book 2. The characters display a lack of restraint in sexual situation that comes off particularly reprehensible in their historical time setting. 


Violence or Gruesome 

• death
• injuries
• surgical follow up to injuries
• gruesome trophies from fallen foes
• references to gruesome & horrific things

Other

• Limited language
• drug use and addiction
• references to drinking

Should The Infernal Devices be read Before or After the Mortal Instruments?

The Infernal Devices Trilogy is a prequel to the Mortal Instruments. The plots and characters are separated from each other to such a degree that I feel you can read and enjoy them in whatever order you wish to. There is some cross over that fans of either series will enjoy, but nothing crucial to understanding the plots and nothing that would really spoil your enjoyment of either series. 

Christianity and The Infernal Devices (For my Christian Readers)

While The Infernal Devices is set in a world where God, Angels, and Demons exist, it is not a Christian series. Demons play an active role in the plot, Angels are rarely involved, and God is acknowledged, but inactive and unseen. The superhuman races that the story deals with are the product of angel or demon blood being mixed with human blood. The main characters are very focused on defeating evil and saving the world from terrible disasters, but do not call themselves Christians, focus on Christ or display Christian values in sexual situations.


The Infernal Devices books in order

Click links to read my individual book reviews.

1. Clockwork Angel
2. Clockwork Prince
3. Clockwork Princess