Review Detail

The first in Cassandra Clare’s new series, Infernal Devices, is similar to her previous series. For the first few chapters, I worried that this series would be a repetition of the previous with new characters, but similar relationship dynamics. While some of the characters do seem familiar, and a few are in fact the same, this novel does distinguish itself from its predecessor somewhat. Even if they were the same, I would prefer this prequel, set in nineteenth century London, because it is steampunk, which is quite fun. The historical setting does bring annoyances too; Tessa Gray, the main character, has an unfortunate tendency to play the fainting damsel in distress, rather than making use of her powers to help defend herself and others. Hopefully, she will learn to do so with the later books in the series.