Clockwork Prince

In this second book in the prequel trilogy to The Mortal Instruments series, a plot against the Shadowhunters of Victorian England threatens Tessa Gray's safety while living among them. Although the use of two narrators feels unnecessary and the seemingly arbitrary changing of narrators can be distracting at times, Heather Lind's slow and melodic delivery is well suited for Tessa as she struggles to learn her true identity and understand her feelings for both broody Will and sensitive Jem. However, her portrayal of two of the female Shadowhunters, Charlotte and Jessamine, is rather shrill. There's a gruffness to Ed Westwick's voice that lends itself to the suspenseful mood of the novel. Overall, a fine choice for fans of Cassandra Clare. M.D. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine

June 1, 2012

Gr 9 Up-In Cassandra Clare's sequel (2011) to Clockwork Angel (2010, both S & S/Margaret McElderry Bks.) 17-year-old Tessa Gray has finally found a home with the Shadowhunters. While things soon heat up with the continuing hunt for the Magister's secrets (why does he want to capture Tessa?) and her search for her true identity, Tessa's true struggle may be the love triangle caused by her growing attraction to beautiful and volatile Will, and his best friend and blood brother, kind and loyal Jem. Tessa's shape-shifting power is tested repeatedly as the action intensifies and the group realizes that there is a spy among them. The novel, set in Victorian England, is narrated in alternating sections by English actor Ed Westwick (Gossip Girl) and American actress Heather Lind (Boardwalk Empire). Westwick's English accent is perfect for Will and Jem, although it's sometimes difficult to tell the boys apart from the other characters. Lind superbly portrays Tessa as well as the other characters. A necessary purchase where the previous volume is popular, and sure to be a hit with fans of Tamora Pierce's books and Brandon Sanderson's "Mistborn" series. Listeners will eagerly await the next installment.-Julie Paladino, East Chapel Hill High School, NC

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