 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Clockwork Prince: Infernal Devices, Book 2
- By Cassandra Clare
- Genre: Fantasy
Common Sense Media says
Fantasy sequel has strong female characters, more violence.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Clockwork Prince is slightly more graphic than Clockwork Angel, the first installment in a series that features The romantic scenes quickly heat up as teens form couples and passionately kiss and caress each other. Also, a sexually transmitted disease known as demon pox (the equivalent of 19th-century syphilis) floats among the demons. One detailed scene takes place in an opium den designed for Shadowhunters, where fantastical characters partake in abusing controlled substances. A descriptive battle takes place amongst the good and evil characters, and a major player is killed.
What's the story?
In Victorian London, 16-year-old Tessa is living with the Nephilim, a family of Shadowhunters who have been protecting her from the evil Magister. The Magister will stop at nothing to capture Tessa and use her shape-shifting abilities for his own malevolent agenda. The Clave challenges Charlotte, head of the Institute and mother figure to the house, to find the Magister and his clockwork army or give up her chair as the leader. Secret pasts are revealed and mysteries uncovered when Will, Tessa, and Jem unite to help Charlotte keep her role as head of the Institute. Along the journey, they discover the joy of love, the agony of betrayal, the excitement of masquerade, the atrocity of violence, and the heartache of a love triangle.
Is it any good?
CLOCKWORK PRINCE is as clever and witty as it is amorous and enthralling. Cassandra Clare has created a story of love, loss, and self-sacrifice that's difficult to put down. The consistent, descriptive backdrop of 1850 London offers readers an English escape, he characters are lovable, and the scenes are mostly engaging. Each character, quirky and unique in his or her own way, is on a road toward self-discovery and holds an invaluable role that completes their unbreakable, forged family unit.
The female leads (Charlotte, Tessa, and Sophie) model intelligence, strength, and independence. Although each plays a distinct role (one as head of the Institute, one an American mundane, the other a servant), each offers a strength the others lack. Charlotte is independent, Tessa is tenacious, and Sophie is resilient. As the three women struggle to find their own identities, each comes to the realization that feminine strength is found within your individual voice -- and from being heard.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about drug use and violence. Do the scenes featuring these elements seem less real because the characters are fantastical beings? Would it be different if the characters were human?
This novel is an example of steampunk, a subgenre of science fiction whose stories are set in an era and place where steam power is used, usually the 19th century and often Victorian England. Leviathan is another example. Why do you think this genre is popular?
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AGE
Better then the first
I loved this book. I read the first and afterwards, i couldn't wait until the second came out. Cassandra Clare is an excellent author and i will continue reading her books and all her stories :)
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AGE
Fantastic
This is a wonderful book that is packed with lessons about self sacrifice, friendship, and loss. Clare has created a true love triangle, instead of a Twilight-esque love V. Her universe is very creative and well-realized, and that alone could keep the story engaging (the story iteslf is just fine, though). Parents, be warned that there is an almost-sex scene, but it's not too graphic because it does take place in the nineteenth century, after all. There are descriptions of blood, but it's manageable. And yes, I am a guy, but the romance wasn't too goey, and the action and complex plot more than made up for it. And besides, Jem and Tessa are particularly good rolemodels for boys and girls, respectively.
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AGE
For mature 12 year olds and up.
I am a 7th grader and love this series and the mortal instruments. I think that it is fine for 12 year olds as long as they are mature about sex and violence. This book teaches a lot about victorian londan and what it was like back then. I also learned a lot about the 'fantasy' side of this story. It sort of relates to christianity, but not really.
The characters in this book are good role models and often do things that make them admirable. Many of the characters make sacrifices and Jem is especially a good role model.
There is a lot of violence in this book but that is to be expected. It is no more violent than the hunger games. There is a lot of blood, but the descriptions never made me cringe.
The main caution for this book would be the sexy stuff. Many times there is serious kissing and they start to undress. There is not as much as in the origanal series-mortal instruments- though. In mortal instruments they often undress almost all the way, and talk about going further. In this book it takes place around the 17th (I think) so it is not as much as in the books that take place in modern time.
There is some bad language but nothing that a 12 year old hasnt heard before.
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AGE
Amazing book. Well done, Cassandra!!
This book is one of the best by Cassandra Clare. Yes, there is a lot of violen
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| Topics: | magic and fantasy, adventures, great girl role models, monsters, ghosts, and vampires |
| Author: | Cassandra Clare |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Fantasy |
| Publisher: | Margaret K. McElderry |
| Publication date: | December 6, 2011 |
| Number of pages: | 528 |
| Hardcover price: | $13.59 |
| Paperback price: | $9.72 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 12 |
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