The Boys of YA Lit: Jem from Clockwork Prince

There are lots of great reasons to read YA lit these days: the plethora of excellent story-telling, stand-out authors, compelling characters, and stunning prose. But let’s admit it. There’s another reason some of us adore these books … I’m talking, of course, about the boys.

No, not the boys who read YA (though these elusive creatures are highly desirable) — but the boys in YA. Those characters who capture our hearts and imaginations and make pretty much every guy we meet in real life pale by comparison.

But are the guys we swoon over the same ones real-life dudes would hang out with? Are they as “swoon-worthy” to their fellow bros? To answer this question, we’ve teamed up with the guys at Boys Don’t Read this week to explore five of our favorite gentlemen characters from recently-released YA books. Each day this week, Novel Novice and Boys Don’t Read will explore a new character and issue our verdict. Here at Novel Novice, we’ll discuss the romantic potential, or the “Wow Factor.” Over at Boys Don’t Read, they’ll consider the “WoW Factor” — as in “World of Warcraft.” They’ll ask whether these fictional characters are cool enough to share drinks, date their sister, or — the ultimate honor — play WoW with.

We invite you to chime in with your own thoughts in the comments of each post, and share other YA guys you’d swoon over (or play WoW with).

Jem from Clockwork Angel and Clockwork Prince

Cassandra Clare has a gift for writing — especially when it comes to creating swoon-worthy characters. I mean, really. I’ll take any of them. And when it comes to her Infernal Devices series, I’m particularly divided. Sure, Will has all the rogue bad-boy charm … but there’s something about Jem that’s just so irresistable.

In particular, Jem comes into his own in Clockwork Prince, the latest book in this Victorian Steampunk series that serves as a prequel to The Mortal Instruments. Jem is a good friend to Will, and continues to show strength despite his weaknesses. And then … he becomes brave enough to pursue what he most desires. And there’s nothing hotter than a guy who knows what he wants and goes after it.

Final Verdict: Take him home to mom! He may suffer from a fatal illness, but this one’s a keeper.

Now head to Boys Don’t Read to check out what they had to say about Jem!