5 Harsh Realities About The Infernal Devices Series, 11 Years After It Ended

Summary

• The Infernal Devices
  is highly praised by
  Shadowhunter
  fans, but there are some harsh realities about the series.
• The villain and central conflict of
  The Infernal Devices
  are lacking, making them less memorable.
• Thanks to previous
  Shadowhunter
  adaptations, Tessa’s story will likely never be brought to the screen.

The Infernal Devices is the second series in Cassandra Clare’s Shadowhunter Chronicles, and while it’s generally well received, there are some harsh realities that arise 11 years after it ended. The Infernal Devices serves as a prequel of sorts to The Mortal Instruments, as it’s set more than a century before the events of City of Bones. With Victorian London as a backdrop, the series expands the world of Shadowhunters while weaving a love story that’s lauded as one of Clare’s best.

Many elements of The Infernal Devices still hold up, even though it concluded with Clockwork Princess back in 2013. The Infernal Devices is often touted as an improvement on the Mortal Instruments series, and some readers even believe it’s her best work — though the Shadowhunter Chronicles isn’t finished, so the jury’s still out on that. Even with all the applause the series gets, there are undeniably some harsh truths about The Infernal Devices, especially while re-reading it years later.

5 The Infernal Devices’ Characters Are Far More Interesting Than The Plot

The Books’ Overarching Story Isn’t All That Memorable

Much of the praise given to The Infernal Devices revolves around the characters and their dynamics with one another. Compared to its character writing, The Infernal Devices’ plot just doesn’t hold up. The books’ stakes are meant to be high, but they don’t feel that important compared to the events of Clare’s other Shadowhunter series. The villains’ actions throughout The Mortal Instruments have an impact on the world that carries over into The Dark Artifices. The Infernal Devices’ central conflict feels more isolated, and thus, less critical in the grand scheme of things.

Additionally, The Infernal Devices’ overarching story isn’t all that memorable. Axel Mortmain’s plans and the automaton storyline don’t have nearly as much of an impact as Valentine’s crusade in The Mortal Instruments. The plot is definitely the weakest aspect of Clare’s second series, and part of its problem stems from the author’s approach to writing the villain.

4 Axel Mortmain Is Not A Compelling Villain

He Fails To Leave A Strong Impressive Throughout The Infernal Devices

Part of the reason the main story of The Infernal Devices feels so unmemorable is because its villain isn’t a compelling character. Axel Mortmain is the one causing problems throughout the series, but Mortmain’s presence isn’t thoroughly felt. This could be because he originally goes by “The Magister.” But even with that moniker, he fails to leave much of an impression. Valentine isn’t the greatest villain, but he’s a looming presence throughout The Mortal Instruments — and beyond it as well.

Compared to a villain like The Mortal Instruments’ Valentine, Mortmain is far too bland. Both characters have despicable motivations, but Mortmain’s often feel like a stretch. The books fail to sell his revenge storyline, making it impossible for readers to understand him. Valentine might be a monster, but Clare establishes why he’s on the war path — and why he believes he’s right. Mortmain doesn’t have much depth by comparison, and it hurts the central conflict of The Infernal Devices.

3 Tessa Isn’t Cassandra Clare’s Most Interesting Leading Lady

The Infernal Devices Should Have Explored Her As An Individual More

Although there’s nothing wrong with Tessa as a main character, she’s definitely not the most interesting leading lady of Clare’s Shadowhunter books. She’s feisty, especially for the time period she lives in, but it often feels as though she lacks agency. Tessa is pulled along by the plot, and while this is true for Clary and Emma as well, they leave far more of an impression by the time their respective series are finished. Tessa’s storyline feels wholly guided by her feelings for Will and Jem, as well as the fact that Mortmain is coming after her.

Tessa’s individual character arc is also weaker than the progression of her relationships. The romances within The Infernal Devices are impeccably written, and that’s especially true of the series’ central love triangle. It’s hard to strike the right balance with a love triangle, but Tessa’s feelings for Will and Jem are very well written. Unfortunately, she doesn’t get as much depth in relation to herself. It would have been nice to see Tessa’s development fleshed out further, especially since her warlock status makes her such a unique lead in the Shadowhunter world.

2 The Series’ Ending Takes The Easy Way Out

The Infernal Devices’ Conflicts Are Wrapped Up Too Neatly

The Infernal Devices is sure to break readers’ hearts, but there’s no denying that the ending takes the easy way out when it comes to the series’ major conflicts. Jem’s looming death is a major element of the story, and Will’s response to his best friend’s “death” is one of the most heartbreaking scenes in the entirety of the Shadowhunter Chronicles. The fact that Jem actually survives takes away from the impact of this storyline. Even making him a Silent Brother feels like an easy out, but the later books even undo that sacrifice.

Jem’s survival also allows Tessa to be with both Will and Jem, just at separate times. This eases the impact of another one of The Infernal Devices’ major conflicts: the love triangle. While Tessa’s outcome offers a unique approach to the love triangle trope — and raises interesting questions about whether one can love multiple people at once — it does sort of feel like Tessa got to have her cake and eat it too. All the characters avoided major sacrifices that would have given more emotional weight to their story.

1 The Infernal Devices Will Probably Never Get An On-Screen Adaptation

The Mortal Instruments Adaptations Have Probably Ruined Its Chances

The Mortal Instruments has had two on-screen adaptations, and both have failed to reach to achieve the popularity of Clare’s books. The Mortal Instruments movie flopped at the box office, ensuring it wasn’t renewed for any sequels. And while Freeform’s Shadowhunters show did a slightly better job, it was still eventually canceled by the network. This brings up one harsh reality about The Infernal Devices: it will likely never get an on-screen adaptation.

A Shadowhunters movie or TV universe would need to start with The Mortal Instruments, and studios aren’t likely to do that again. Because of this, it’s difficult to see The Infernal Devices getting picked up for an adaptation. This is a shame, as these books would potentially be more of a draw than the original series. It looks like Shadowhunters fans will have to stick to the books though, as proper adaptations don’t seem very likely.