Review of "Clockwork Angel"

"Clockwork Angel"
by Cassandra Clare


6

Pub. Date: August 31st, 2010
Pages: 479

Synopsis: Magic is dangerous—but love is more dangerous still.

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: James, 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.

Another hit for Cassandra Clare! I could not wait until this book came out; I LOVED "The Mortal Instruments Series". I was not disappointed and am glad I spent long nights reading this book. If not for the fact that I apparently need at least 7 hours of sleep every night, I would have read this book in 1 day if I could have! I had serious problems putting this book down and I hated going to work because I couldn't read it. Okay... that is probably enough gushing.

I really loved that this book was set in the past because I for some reason find it interesting reading about women struggling to find their role in a society where they are thought to be lesser beings. Women during this time period were just supposed to look pretty, be good wives, and bare children, but of course the women in "Clockwork Angel" did not follow society’s strict structure. I love how Charlotte was in charge of the institute and her husband Henry spent his time coming up with inventions. Even Tessa strayed from society's expectations by spending time in the company of men and risking her life to save her brother. How can you not fall for these strong female characters?

Oh yeah... the whole demon fighting and romance was pretty fantastic as well. This book had a lot of action and danger seemed everywhere. It was really interesting to see demon fighting back in the Victorian Age. This book fits nicely into the Steampunk genre through the robots that terrorize the characters (if you haven't read any Steampunk and you like historical and sci-fi then you MUST get into the Steampunk genre). There is also the whole mystery of what Tessa really is: human, demon, or warlock?! The end had a great twist that I did not see coming, in multiple layers too!

One thing that was killing me throughout "Clockwork Angel" was Will's attitude. Even after finishing the book I am on pins and needles for the next book because I want to know what his story is. I guess I am just a sucker for mysterious guys, but I can't help it and Clare does a fantastic job at creating these mysterious characters. At the same time, I think Jem is absolutely adorable and am curious about him as well. I like how he is a bit bashful and has honorable intentions. He and Will seem like such polar opposites, but they are able to be best friends. I can't help but wonder if they're friendship will stay as strong throughout the rest of the book.

I don't think I can say it enough; "Clockwork Angel" was amazing! I can't wait to see what the rest of the books in "The Infernal Devices" series have in store. Sorry if this review was a little all over the place and maybe a bit fan girlish, but the book was really that wonderful. Fans of paranormal, fantasy, action, and romance will love this series. I know the books are long, but they really worth it.