The Infernal Devices Book 2, Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

The Infernal Devices Book 2, Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare is an interesting Story. Somehow when I checked it out from my library, I didn't realize it was the second in a series. I think it would be even more interesting had I read Clockwork Angel! There are some references to it. I might go back and read it so I can better understand those, but right now my TO READ stack is pretty good relative to my time available for reading! So, we'll see.

I did like this book. There were not nearly so many inappropriate subject and scenes in this as in the other Clare book I read: The Dark Artifices, Lady Midnight. You can read my review of that book HERE. I was hoping to continue reading the Dark Artifices series because it is very interesting even though I wouldn't let my girls read it yet. However, my library seems not to have them, so I chose Clockwork Prince.

Although this book is significantly less troubling than the other, I have not given my girls permission to read it because there are more mature subjects and issues broached. And I believe it is my right and duty to shelter my children. One way I do this is to guide them in their reading choices so that they are not exposed to scenes that are troubling or overly sensitive or sexual in nature. Not because they don't know about the things presented therein, but because the presentation of information I have almost always exposed them to is significantly different when read from the point of view of a character. Therefore, I guide them to read fiction that is more suited to their age, maturity, and temperaments.

I did like this story and the next in this series is in my TO READ pile as I write this.

Have you read any of the books in the series: The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare? How about Clockwork Prince? What did you think of any/all of them?

The Dark Artifices, Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare, a book review

The Dark Artifices, Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare is an interesting book. I did like a lot about it, but only recommend it with many reservations.

First, sex is represented in such a way as to suggest most, if not all, of the characters have loose morals where it is concerned, and low regard for the sanctity of it. This along is troubling enough for me to set this one in a pile of books my girls will not be allowed to read until much older. Because of other subjects and the manner in which they are handled, it is a story I will not really encourage my children to read. Any topics covered in a good way aren't worth the problems.

Another problem is the representation of sexuality… although I recognize that bisexuality and homosexuality are becoming more socially acceptable and are often visible, I find it troubling to find it represented as completely acceptable in youth literature. I know I'm on a very unpopular side of this subject.

There are a couple homosexual couples and one of the more major characters is bisexual.

Also, for many fundamentalist Christians (and some others), the amount of and representation of magic would be problematic. This is a lesser issue in my mind, honestly. Definitely something to be aware of, though!

So, the romance part of the story… basically, this girl and this guy are linked magically and forbidden by law to fall in love. They do anyway and are planning to just hide their relationship. But then the girl finds out why the law forbids it and takes matters into her own hands.

The rest of the story is all about how these two figure out who is behind a series of murders, including the girl's parents, and stopping the murderer from fulfilling an evil plan.

It is an interesting premise and story. I did like it. I do not think it is appropriately shelved in the area for teens and YA, though. I guess I'm a bit more conservative than many these days.

Have you read The Dark Artifices, Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare? What did you think of it?