Book Review: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices, Book 1) by Cassandra Clare

• Hardcover: 496 pages
• Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry (August 31, 2010)

From Amazon:

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.

*********************

I fell in love with Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments series so I was very excited to read the first book in her new series, Clockwork Angel. The Infernal Devices series is meant to be a prequel to the Mortal Instruments, set in London 1878. It is not necessary to have read the Mortal Instruments to enjoy this book, however it is such an amazing series I recommend that you do read it if you already haven't.

Tessa is a teenage girl who travels from America to London to meet her brother after her Aunt's death. When she arrives at the docks her brother is not there, but seems to have sent someone for him...the Dark sisters. From there on her world is turned upside down. She has a power she had no idea she even had and she is forced to do as the sisters tell her or they will kill her brother. Will, a Nephilim and Shadowhunter, rescues her and brings her to the Institute where she meets Jem, Charlotte, Henry, Jessimine, and their servants Agatha, Sophie, and Thomas. Their goal is to stop the Magister and his evil plan.

This story definitely took a slow start. For about 1/4 of the book there wasn't much excitement happening but things did pick up. Every one of the characters is fascinating. Will is an enigma and I can't wait for some of the mystery about him to be revealed. Jem is such a kind and tragic figure it is hard not to fall in love with him. Jessimine comes off as spoiled and snobby but I think in the end she will surprise us all. Charlotte is not much older than the others but she is in charge of the institute and is married to Henry, who is an inventor (although not quite successful at it). There are some sad moments, action, and a possible love triangle...It will be difficult waiting for book 2 to come out because I want to devour the series right now. The Infernal Devices has the potential to be an incredible series and I look forward to reading more.

5/5

All opinions are my own, and have not been influenced in any way