Review: Clockwork Angel

Title:  Clockwork Angel
Series:  The Infernal Devices #1
Author:  Cassandra Clare
Publisher:  Margaret K. McElderry Books
Pages:  476
Format:  Hardcover
Source:  Bought

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.

My Review:  I love all Cassandra Clare books.  She is such a talented writer and every time I open up one of the stories she has written, I'm immediately sucked in.  I get lost in the lovely, magical world she's created and enjoy following the characters on the adventures and journeys they take.  Happily, this book was no exception.  

I was instantaneously drawn to our heroine, Tessa.  She was a really strong character and, despite all the confusion surrounding exactly what she is, she knew who she was and stayed true to herself.  She was courageous and brave, despite being viciously thrown into a world she had no idea about.  She also loved reading and I really enjoyed hearing her opinions on some of the classics.  The supporting characters also stood their own in this book, another element of writing that Cassandra Clare excels at.  None of them fall flat.  Each one had their own personality and are easily remembered.  I especially enjoyed reading about Will, one side to the love triangle in this book.  I absolutely adored him.  His banter with Tessa and the random, funny remarks he made throughout the story had me smiling and laughing out loud as I read.  He also had a very mysterious, dark past which I was intrigued by.  I'm definitely eager to learn more about his past as we move through the series.  Jem was great character, as well.  I loved his kindness and the way he complimented Will.  He was very strong and likable and I completely see why some root for him and Tessa to end up together.  

The plot was amazing.  It's so much fun uncovering clues as to what exactly is happening with all of our characters.  I am constantly theorizing about what will happen next while reading.  There are so many little pieces that fall together so wonderfully in the end.  It amazes me how well Cassandra Clare ties things together.  I also really enjoyed the Victorian feel.  The imagery was amazing and I really loved stepping into this and seeing some of the history that had affected the world in the previous series.

Speaking of The Mortal Instruments, I had a blast seeing all of the ancestors of the characters in those books.  I was squeeing everytime someone mentioned the name Lightwood or Herondale.  And don't even get me started on how excited I was to see Magnus in this book.  

If you are having any hesitation about reading this series, you should throw that feeling out the window and pick up this book.  There are so many good elements to it.  It can certainly appeal to a wide variety of readers.  It has humor, romance, action, history, fantasy.  It's a lovely book full of lovely characters and a world that will take your breath away.  

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