Books We're Thankful For: The Infernal Devices series by Cassandra Clare

Sometimes when I'm discussing The Infernal Devices, I'm reminded of a quote from Emma: "If I loved you less, I could talk about it more." It always comes down to the fact that the series took me by surprise in how much it impacted me, and how deeply it stayed with me since I first read it.

TID is a historic, fantasy series that follows the main trio of Tessa Gray, Will Herondale, and Jem Carstairs, and their larger circle, as they unravel a mystery surrounding one of them, and deal with their own personal trials. This is also the second published installment in Cassandra Clare's Shadowhunters Universe.

One of the appeals of TID is the mix of historical, fantastical, and mystery elements. Taking place in 1878 London, the audience is immersed in the petticoats, carriage rides, balls, and literature of the Victorian era. Within the world that we know, TID expands more upon Shadowhunters lore upon, unveiling more about Shadowhunters, Warlocks, Vampires, Werewolves, Faeries, Angels, and Demons, as well as mysterious forces at play that may or may not change the Shadow World (the magic world) as the characters know it.

If that's not enough to reel you in, let me introduce you to my favorite part of the series: the characters. Will, Jem, and Tessa are our main characters: they each have their unique passions, flaws, and hardships, and maintain a unit despite forces threatening and changing their relationships with one another. Next, Henry and Charlotte Branwell are a married couple who seem quite different on paper but quickly show that they complement each other in their duties, interests, and personalities. They are also the caretakers to all of the teens and run the London Institute. Jessamine Lovelace is another orphan who is in an ironic case: she rejects Shadowhunter life but is forced to live in that world. Sophie is a human who works at the Institute, the Lightwoods are a prominent Shadowhunter family in London, and Nate Gray is Tessa's brother who she set off to find in London.

This particular series stays with me because of the introspective way it explores themes of family, identity, friendship, societal convention, gender roles and misogyny, resilience, inner strength, mental and physical health issues, life, death, and hope. We delve into these themes through each of the characters' journeys and relationships.

The most prominent and profound aspect of The Infernal Devices is love. I'll avoid giving spoilers for romances or relationships, but one of my biggest takeaways was that love exists in many forms and is all around us when we look for it.

Cassandra Clare came for the heartstrings with this one, so have tissues on hand (this was a mistake I made when I reread the series last year), be prepared to want to visit London, including the Blackfriars Bridge and Hyde Park, and know that you may have a new favorite series.