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