A much beloved trilogy on bookstagram and booktok, The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare is a popular must-read. Unlike newer “popular must-reads”, this trilogy had its initial run over a decade ago, making it a historic historical fantasy and a classic on the YA fantasy shelf. Clockwork Angel, Clockwork Prince, and Clockwork Princess make up the first of the historical fantasies under the Shadowhunter umbrella and the first series chronologically in the chronicles.

The Infernal Devices trilogy follows Tessa Gray as she travels to London to live with her brother Nathaniel after the death of her aunt and guardian. Arriving in London, she is met by two sisters who claim to know Nate. Weeks later, trapped in the house of these monstrous women, she is forced to use her newfound abilities to change into people who have been killed. One morning, Tessa finds herself being prepared to meet someone, and she plans to escape in rebellion of these machinations. Amid her attempt to flee, she meet William Herondale, and later James Carstairs and the Shadowhunters of the London Institute. Tessa’s escape incites a wild mystery turned outbreak of war between the Shadowhunters and the enigmatic Mortmain with his automaton army. All the while, Jem’s health waxes and wanes, but that doesn’t stop a budding romance from forming between him and Tessa. Unfortunately, Will has his own love for Tessa bubbling under the surface, but he has his reasons for holding back. I haven’t gone into a lot of detail, but hopefully you get an idea for the premise of the series.

In terms of plot, I really liked reading this trilogy. The time frame is short for the books (correct me if I am wrong, but I believe the books are only a fortnight long each, if that), but it makes the tension and pacing feel in sync. Clockwork Princess especially has a tense feel throughout due to the many elements of character interactions and relationships and overall conflict building at the same time. I will say Clockwork Angel does feel a bit like a false start in the sense that you could skip it and just go from Clockwork Prince and you can fill in the gaps pretty quickly. I would still read Clockwork Angel, of course, but there is more of a focus on world building and character establishment than plot.

I love the characters in this trilogy. There is genuinely not a character I think is poorly written or developed. They each have their own authenticity to them, some may be a little less likeable than others but that’s the good thing about having characters. There are some characters that sit in the background a bit more than others, but that also lends itself to the accurate perspectives we see – Tessa is going to be far more interested in Will and Jem than in Henry, so it makes sense that Henry isn’t seen or sought after as much. Similarly, in Clockwork Princess where there are many perspectives to include, it makes sense that people get grouped and more of the respective characters are shown in corresponding perspectives, i.e. Sophie and Gideon, Cecily and Gabriel, Will, Jem and Tessa.

For a historical fantasy that operates in the fantasy world still active in the modern day, it can be really challenging to show the interspecies relationships and early stages of law and systems of representation. I think Cassandra Clare has done a brilliant job of building the Shadowhunter world prior to an established and respected order inclusive of Downworlders. There is also a sweet balance between historical detail and supernatural fantasy flare that feel both adventurous and romantic. Both lend themselves to the YA love triangle trope and general historical fiction interest within YA fantasy that isn’t widely attempted these days. I really enjoy this blend of genres, and I wish more authors tried it.

Overall, The Infernal Devices is a trilogy I wholeheartedly love and will continue to read, reread, and recommend for years. There are so few issue with it from a reader perspective and a writer perspectives, and it evokes so many good feelings. It is a comfort series as much as it is an inspiration for me, and I hope other readers agree.