Hardcover: 496 pages
Book from Blogging Buddy!
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: 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. (Source)
Review
CLOCKWORK ANGEL, by Cassandra Clare, is the beginning of a new series, The Infernal Devices. Set in 1878, this book thrusts you into a dangerous world of Shadowhunters and supernatural creatures living in Victorian England.
I hate to admit that this is my first experience reading Cassandra Clare, but what an impression she made! This is also my first "steampunk" book, and since the Victorian era is one of my top eras (in terms of clothing and way of life) it was a double success in my mind. Before writing my review, I looked at The Infernal Devices, where there is a ton of information about this new series. I suggest you check it out, its a pretty cool site. One of the things I was psyched to see was that I didn't need to read The Mortal Instruments Series before this one (though I am going to start reading them ASAP). They complement each other but are not the same main characters.
Aside from the fascinating backdrop of Victorian England, the characters and plot were quite fantastic. I liked Tessa very much. She was a proper girl, but she was determined. The mystery surrounding her powers kept me engaged as they unfolded. And I felt really connected with each of the characters at the Institute. Jessamine was such a brat, but a typical female of the time. The bantering that she engaged in kept me cracking up. Her person of choice to fight with was Will (swoon!). He was very mysterious and intriguing at the same time. Jem, his best friend, was a great friend and confident to Tessa. I was saddened to learn how each of them were orphaned, but I think this bonded them together more than anything.
Clare captivated me from the start of the book. The mystery of the Dark Sisters and what they were doing with Tessa bombarded me with questions begging to be answered. As this world unfolded before me, I was blown away with the immense creativity that Clare illustrated before my eyes. I was interested to learn about the Shadowhunters and their background, and how they interacted with other supernatural characters. And I was intrigued with the many unique supernatural characters and their position in society. At the end of the book I was stunned with the amazing work I just read, and was also disappointed that it ended! I am excited to continue the series with Clockwork Prince.
For more info, check out Cassandra Clare's website
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