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CLOCKWORK PRINCE

Name: CLOCKWORK PRINCE
Author: Cassandra Clare

Cassandra Clare

Book 2 of the Infernal Devices, a sequel to “Clockwork Angel.”

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? Teen readers face repeated supernatural peril, deaths, grief, torture-like interrogation, drug dependence, suicide, demon-related threats, and emotionally intense romantic conflict. Sexual content appears limited, but the overall tone is mature YA fantasy. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

Alcohol or drugs4/5
Death of a character4/5
Frightening scenes4/5

Strongest positives

Courage & resilience4/5
Creativity & curiosity3/5
Good role models3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5

Why this rating?

Deaths include poisoning, suicide, killings, and a backstory involving murdered parents; grief and fear of death are recurring themes.

Graphic injury2/5

Why this rating?

Occasional descriptions of injuries and blood are present but not overly graphic.

Strong language1/5

Why this rating?

Occasional mild language consistent with the historical setting.

LGBTQIA characters2/5

Why this rating?

Includes references to past same-sex relationships and characters like Magnus Bane.

Religious themes2/5

Why this rating?

Angels, demons, Nephilim, curses, and supernatural moral cosmology are prominent, though this is fictional paranormal mythology.

Romance4/5

Why this rating?

Central to the plot is a love triangle involving the three main characters.

Frightening scenes4/5

Why this rating?

Demons, dangerous automatons, curses, imprisonment, poisoning, death, and threats against loved ones create frequent, intense peril for the characters.

Sexual content & nudity2/5

Why this rating?

Minimal, limited to some kissing and romantic tension.

Alcohol or drugs4/5

Why this rating?

Jem is dependent on a fictional drug (yin fen) for survival; other instances of drug use are depicted.

Violence4/5

Why this rating?

Frequent supernatural threats, attacks, combat, killing, and danger to loved ones; violence is central to the conflict.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5

Why this rating?

Characters repeatedly confront demons, violence, grief, political threats, and personal trauma to protect others and seek justice.

Creativity & curiosity3/5

Why this rating?

Inventive automatons, Shadowhunter lore, demons, Victorian settings, literary references, and supernatural problem-solving strongly stimulate imagination.

Diverse representation2/5

Why this rating?

Features a diverse cast in terms of background, though limited by the historical fantasy setting.

Educational value1/5

Why this rating?

Victorian literature and historical atmosphere may encourage literary curiosity, but education is incidental rather than the main purpose.

Kindness & empathy3/5

Why this rating?

Friends rescue, support, shelter, and advocate for one another, although betrayal, coercion, and emotional cruelty also occur.

Positive messages3/5

Why this rating?

The story emphasizes loyalty, truth, accountability, resisting prejudice, protecting others, and accepting consequences for harmful choices.

Good role models3/5

Why this rating?

Characters are flawed but show growth, courage, and commitment to their duties.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
How were alcohol or drugs portrayed, and what consequences did the story show?
Which choice in CLOCKWORK PRINCE would you have made differently, and why?
Who changed the most in CLOCKWORK PRINCE, and what caused that change?

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