Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Title: Clockwork Angel

Series: The Infernal Devices #1

Author: Cassandra Clare

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Date Published: October 4, 2011

Genre: YA fiction, fantasy, action, historical fiction, thriller, paranormal

Pages: 512 (paperback)

Age Range: 13+



Summary

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.

Review


The writing was amazing--Cassandra Clare's writing is almost too perfect for this book. The book was very suspenseful and gripping. It's a very unique book that you can easily sink into and enjoy. I know, I know it's not The Mortal Instruments but it's still pretty amazing!

In comparison to The Mortal Instruments, there isn't as much humor. Magnus was in the book for a few pages and we didn't really get any of the Magnus Bane humor. Will's comments are snarky; kind of made me laugh but they're bland. His tone is bland. He doesn't seem to care about anything but himself (which is said many times in the book). Whenever he made a comment, he didn't seem to put much thought into it. He says whatever pops into his head and that's that; doesn't matter if he meant it or not, he's not going to apologize later. He's even more somber than Jace Herondale. Getting into life-threatening situations and brooding seems to run in the family. He also has a secret and I'm dying to know what it is! I'm positive it's about his parents and I'm dying to know.

Tessa's power is pretty darn awesome! If I was a warlock, I would be Changing all the time. I really want to know if Tessa has any other abilities other than her being able to Change though. If she's a warlock; can she do more? I'm excited to find out.

The fighting scene at de Quincey's mansion was pretty cool. Will's ninja fighting moves were pretty sweet. I loved it when he ran across the back of the chairs 'cause Tessa just didn't know how to process that lol.

Tessa didn't really fight, but she did give de Quincey an earful while she was still Camille. She shot de Quincey and hit him with a chair leg but that's all she really did. I want her to fight! Not like a Shadowhunter because that's not possible for her. But I want to see her kick some ass like Clary would in The Mortal Instruments! She just stands there like a damsel in distress. She also is against women fighting because it's unlady-like. But c'mon! I know the book is set in the 1800's but seriously; she isn't normal/human anymore and she's trying to be different and know the world she's suddenly part of but she won't really participate in it!

I felt so bad for Tessa every time Will pushed her further and further away. The last scene in this book when they're together is when she goes to tell him that she can stay at the Institute. The way he insulted her was awful! But then, later, Jem came and fixed it all. I also felt really bad for Tessa when she found out her brother betrayed her. I could not believe how horrible he treated her! And then what he did to their Aunt! Ohmygosh!
The last 100 pages of this book had me on the edge of my seat! I was not expecting the Magister to be someone else at all. I really thought it was de Quincey. The whole thing just had me frazzled. I couldn't believe what was going on. 

I can't wait to read the rest of the trilogy! I already ordered the last two books lol. I really wanted to know how Tessa came to be, but that wasn't revealed. But maybe in the next book.