The Infernal Devices

The Infernal Devices trilogy transports readers to Victorian London in 1878, where a secret society of demon-hunters called Shadowhunters maintains order in a supernatural world. The story centers on Tessa Gray, a young woman who discovers her ability to shapeshift and must learn to navigate a hidden realm of magic, demons, and ancient conflicts. The Victorian London Institute serves as headquarters for a cast of Shadowhunters including Will Herondale and Jem Carstairs, who become central to Tessa's journey. The narrative incorporates supernatural beings known as Downworlders - vampires, warlocks, and werewolves - who exist in an uneasy peace with the Shadowhunters following recent treaties. Clare integrates elements of Victorian literature and culture throughout the series, embedding quotes from period authors and reflecting the social constraints of the era. The books function as both a standalone trilogy and a prequel to The Mortal Instruments series, with several characters appearing in both timelines. The series explores themes of identity, belonging, and the tension between duty and desire, all set against a backdrop of rigid social hierarchies both human and supernatural.

Readers consistently rate The Infernal Devices higher than Clare's other series, praising the Victorian London setting and complex character development. Many note the strong historical details and more mature writing compared to The Mortal Instruments. Readers highlighted: - Well-researched Victorian era atmosphere - The love triangle that "actually makes sense" (per multiple Goodreads reviews) - Character growth, especially Tessa and Will - Balance of action and emotional depth Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in first book - Similar plot elements to The Mortal Instruments - Some found the prose overly descriptive Ratings: Goodreads: 4.5/5 (900,000+ ratings) - Clockwork Angel: 4.3/5 - Clockwork Prince: 4.4/5 - Clockwork Princess: 4.6/5 Amazon: 4.7/5 (8,000+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.6/5 (2,000+ ratings) The series maintains higher average ratings than most YA fantasy, with Clockwork Princess receiving particularly strong reviews for its conclusion.

A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray The story unfolds in Victorian England where a girl discovers her supernatural powers at a boarding school while uncovering dark secrets about a mystical realm.

Clockwork Angel by Marie Lu Set in London's steampunk underworld, this tale follows a female spy infiltrating a society of mechanical beings who guard dangerous magical artifacts.

The Dark Days Club by Alison Goodman A young lady in Regency London learns she belongs to an elite demon-hunting society while balancing the demands of aristocratic society.

These Vicious Masks by Tarun Shanker, Kelly Zekas In Victorian England, a society woman searches for her kidnapped sister among people with supernatural abilities while dodging marriage proposals.

The Witch of Willow Hall by Hester Fox A young woman in 1821 New England discovers her witch powers while confronting family secrets and supernatural threats in her new home.

🔮 The clockwork angel pendant featured in the series was inspired by actual Victorian mechanical jewelry, which often contained intricate moving parts and hidden compartments. ⚔️ Cassandra Clare wrote the entire first draft of "Clockwork Angel" (Book 1) during a six-week stay in London, immersing herself in the city's Victorian history. 📚 The series' Shadowhunter Institute is located in what was historically the Church of All-Hallows-the-Less, a real London church destroyed in the Great Fire of 1666. 🎭 Many character names in the series are drawn from Welsh mythology, including "Gwilym," which appears in medieval Welsh poetry and means "protector." 🎨 The cover art for all three books was created by Cliff Nielsen, known for his work on The Chronicles of Narnia and other major fantasy series.