The Infernal Devices is one of the best Shadowhunter series Cassandra Clare has written, and I wish more YA fantasy books utilized one common trope as well as this trilogy. Published as a prequel to The Mortal Instruments, The Infernal Devices is the second series in Clare’s Shadowhunter Chronicles. It takes place in London during the late 1800s, and despite the change of scenery, the series has a lot in common with The Mortal Instruments and other YA fantasy narratives of the 2010s.

The Infernal Devices leans into archetypes and tropes that were common during that time, but I feel it does a better job with one concept than many similar series. There are still harsh realities about The Infernal Devices, including the books’ weak overarching plot and forgettable villain. However, I think the series deserves the praise it receives for its central romance, which utilizes one dynamic in a way that’s both memorable and satisfying.

The Infernal Devices Uses The Love Triangle Trope Better Than Most YA Fantasy Books

I Felt Like This Trilogy’s Love Triangle Had Genuine Stakes

Like many other YA books published in the 2000s and 2010s, The Infernal Devices puts a love triangle at the center of its story — but it uses the trope much better than most other series. I’m endlessly impressed by what Clare accomplishes with Tessa’s feelings for both Will and Jem. The author sells readers on both characters as individuals, making it difficult to genuinely root for one love interest over the other. I feel that this is the ingredient that makes a love triangle successful, as it adds to the stakes of the romance when you’re rooting for both players.

The fact that Will and Jem are best friends and also hold a great deal of love for one another further complicates the situation. This makes The Infernal Devices’ central love triangle that much more tragic. I certainly felt a wide range of emotions while reading Clare’s second Shadowhunter trilogy, and this is likely why. Not many YA fantasy books — or even new adult and adult books — successfully balance the dynamics present within their love triangles. In my opinion, more of them should take note of The Infernal Devices and how well it crafts this part of the story.

Why The Love Triangle Between Will, Jem, & Tessa Works So Well

The Infernal Devices Does The Unexpected

As I mentioned earlier, the impressive characterization of Will, Jem, and Tessa and the well-developed relationships between these characters factor into The Infernal Devices’ success. There’s another reason I adore the love triangle in this trilogy, though: it actually keeps you on edge while you’re reading. So many series attempt to sell readers on love triangles, but they make it obvious that the protagonist will end up with one love interest over the other. Tessa truly has feelings for Will and Jem in The Infernal Devices, and it’s hard to tell who she’ll choose at any given moment.

The Infernal Devices further sets itself apart by doing the unthinkable: not having Tessa pick one character over the other. I love this element of the ending, as it delivers an unexpected twist that allows Tessa to be with both of the men she loves — just at different times. Of course, her prolonged lifespan makes this possible. But I’ve never seen another series do this, even if the characters are immortal or capable of working around one lifetime. I find The Infernal Devices’ message that a person can have more than one soulmate fascinating, and it’s something more series should explore.

Warning: Spoilers ahead for The Mortal Instruments, Twilight, The Hunger Games, Throne of Glass, and A Court of Thorns & Roses.

More Fantasy Books Should Take The Infernal Devices’ Approach To This Romance Trope

Love Triangles In Other Series Are Often Predictable

The Infernal Devices approach to its love triangle is incredibly unique, and I think more YA book series would benefit from foregoing the standard setup. Too many love triangles feel predictable, with one person being the obvious odd man out. This character often feels like an obstacle who exists merely to create conflict between the “real” endgame couple. I never doubted that Clary and Jace would be together at the end of The Mortal Instruments, even with Simon pining over her for the first few books. Bella and Edward were also an obvious endgame despite Jacob’s presence.

While The Hunger Games is more dystopian than fantasy, it also showcases these common issues with love triangles. Gale feels like an afterthought compared to Peeta, and he becomes increasingly antagonistic as the series continues. This made me doubt that he and Katniss would ever end up together, much like I don’t believe Dain will get with Violet in The Empyrean Series. Sarah J. Maas makes things a bit more interesting, upending Feyre’s original “happy ending” in ACOMAF and having Aelin end up with someone outside the original love interests in Throne of Glass.

But even if Maas switches up the typical love triangle narrative, there are always clues that the initial romances won’t work out. This isn’t the case in The Infernal Devices, which keeps readers guessing about Tessa’s love life and how it will unfold. I’ve personally never been more invested in this trope despite encountering it often. It’s a testament to how well Clare writes The Infernal Devices‘ central trio that they stand out so much compared to characters with similar dynamics.