Review: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

 

Title: Clockwork Angel 

Series: The Infernal Devices 

Book #: One

Author: Cassandra Clare

Published: 2010

Source: Bought

Rating: 

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. (taken from goodreads.com)

Before beginning Clockwork Angel, I was a little hesitant. I didn't see how Cassandra Clare could possibly meet my expectations, which were set extremely high after reading her phenomenal Mortal Instruments series. Surprisingly, the prequel was nearly as captivating and wonderful as Clare's other books. 

Once again, Clare has astounded me with her ability to weave shocking twists and turns throughout her novel. The plot kept me on my toes. Just when I thought the Nephilim were on top of things, a new problem would arise. Not to mention the ever complicated romance. What would any of Clare's books be without a little romantic tension? 

Clockwork Angel is set in Victorian London, which I was thrilled about. In my opinion, you can never read enough books set in this time period. It was fascinating to see Shadow Hunters in London during the Victorian era, as opposed to New York City in modern day. 

I couldn't help but notice the many elements that were similar to City of Bones. Tessa, the protagnoist, resembles Clary Fray in her wit and bravery. Will Herondale was nearly as cocky and arrogant as Jace Wayland (one of my all time favorite heroes). Almost everyone seemed to be modeled after one of the TMI characters. While I was somewhat annoyed at the lack of originality in the new characters, I couldn't help but enjoy the familiarity at the same time. The never-ending humor and action brought back so many memories of the TMI series.

Overall, I can definitely say that I enjoyed Clockwork Angel. While I'm not sure that it lived up to City of Bones, it brought an intriguing new chapter to the world of Nephilim and Downworlders. I'll be rushing our to buy the sequel as soon as it hits the shelves, especially after that cliff-hanger ending!