Review: Clockwork Angel

Clockwork Angel

Cassandra Clare

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry

Release Date: August 31, 2010

Pages: 479

Ratings: 5 Stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.

Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by—and torn between—two best friends: Jem, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length...everyone, that is, but Tessa.

As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world...and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

Cassandra Clare has outdone herself in the first book in her new series the Infernal Devices. I’ve been trying to write this review since the book was released, but I haven’t been able to find words to describe how much I loved this book.

In this prequel to the Mortal Instruments series, Cassandra Clare expands the world of the Shadow Hunters and introduces many wonderful new characters. I have to say, I think I actually enjoyed this book more than any of the books in the Mortal Instrument series, and I really loved those books. I love how Cassandra Clare was able to integrate the secret world of the Shadow Hunters into Victorian England, and how fans of the Mortal Instruments were able to see characters ancestors.

One of the main things I loved about this books were the characters. Cassandra Clare sure knows how to create great and intriguing characters. I loved Will, Tessa and Jem. Each character is fully defined and has their own mysteries. Tessa is such a great, strong female heroine, especially during a time when women weren’t strong. Tessa was thrust into this world where Demons, Fairies, Warlocks and all sorts of things she never could imagine existed. And then there is Will and Jem. Both of these guys have there secrets and mysteries and I love how Cassandra Clare has been unraveling them. While still not sure if I’m firmly team Will or team Jem, I’m leaning toward Will. I love Will’s snarky, sarcastic attitude and I really want to know his dark secret. Jem on the other hand is more of a gentleman, caring and kind, with his own mysteries. I love both of these characters.

I knew that Cassandra Clare was a great story writer based on Mortal Instruments, but once again, like in City of Bones, I could not predict where Clare would take us with this story. The twists were great! Truly did not see any of it coming. There is so much mystery and secrets as well in the book, and I love how the mysteries and secrets are revealed and I’m dying to find out what they are. If there is one thing Cassandra Clare is an expert on, it is keeping you on the edge of your seat and torturing you (in a good way) with waiting to find out what happens next.

This book is a must read for everyone, whether or not you have read the Mortal Instruments. This book is just fabulous. I’ve reread it so many times, and every time I read it I fall more in love with it. I cannot wait until later this year for the sequel, Clockwork Prince because I want to know more about these characters and their secrets and because I cannot wait to see where Cassandra Clare takes this story next.