Clockwork Princess

August 1, 2013

Gr 9 Up-In this exciting final installment (Margaret K. McElderry Bks., 2013) of the series, 17-year-old Tessa is engaged to kind, sickly Jem, but she still harbors secret feelings for jem's best friend and blood brother, Will. Her confusing love life quickly takes a backseat when she's kidnapped by Mortmain, the man who is determined to destroy the Shadowhunters by using his mechanical automatons, the Infernal Devices. As Jem's life begins to fade away, Will takes off to rescue Tessa. Many subplots enrich the story: Charlotte Branwell's political fight to retain leadership of the London Institute of Shadowhunters despite betrayals by people close to her; the incomparable warlock Magnus Bane teams up with Charlotte's inventor husband to invent portals; the Silent Brothers play a surprising role in the intrigue; romantic relationships among the Shadowhunters abound; and Tessa finally finds out what she really is and why Mortmain needs her. The thrilling conclusion has Tessa at last fulfilling her powerful potential, with an epilogue neatly tying up the loose ends of the story. English actor Daniel Sharman narrates, perfectly capturing Will's Welsh accent and angst. A must purchase where the series is popular. The movie release of Clare's City of Bones in August 2013 will spark even more interest in this outstanding prequel series.-Julie Paladino, East Chapel Hill High School, NC

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