Magic is dangerous—but love is more dangerous still.
When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother in Victorian England, something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld. Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, who are members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she has the power to transform, at will, into another person. 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, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons. She soon finds herself fascinated by—and torn between—two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and Will, whose volatile moods keep everyone at arm's length. As their search draws them deep into the 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. - book cover
After her aunt’s death, Tessa receives news from her brother with a ticket to London, to join him. Leaving New York and her old live behind, Tessa will discover more than she ever thought possible when she reaches the old continent. Creatures only heard of in novels roams London nights, and after being kidnapped and tortured, Tess will realize she’s one of those creatures. On a quest to free her brother from trouble, she will ally with an eclectic bunch of teenagers and fight creatures no one had ever heard of.
Let me start by saying this book was A-MA-ZING. Cassandra Clare, how can you write such intense, engaging, addictive, and marvelous stories? One of the things that grabbed me in the book is her attention to details. We truly feel like we went back in time. The old London scenery, the vocabulary, proper ladies and gentlemen manners, candle light and horses & carriages: everything to bring you back to the 1800s.
If you haven’t read The Mortal Instruments series, fear not, you don’t need to read it first as the Clockwork Angel and a completely different story. If you’ve read TMI though, you will of course recognize elements for the series and will be happy to hear some familiar names: Herondale, Lightwood, Wayland. There’s also one character who appears in both series: Magnus Bane. Don’t you just love him? He isn’t one of the main characters, but it felt good to see him =) He still has that same free spirit, even thought he was less eccentric, and you will discover his alliance with shadowhunters is nothing new.
Speaking of characters, Cassie once again graced us with an amazing panel of actors. Theresa Gray aka Tessa (I actually find myself wondering if her family name is related to the Gray Book?), was an innocent young lady from New York at the beginning of the book and she will progress a great deal during this adventure, to become a cleaver and strong lady. She has so many questions without answers, regarding her true identity, her heart and her future, but she is determined to discover the truth. Will Herondale is a very mysterious character. He isn’t a proper gentleman, seems to hate everyone, he is clever and big-mouthed but it all seems to be a cover to a big secret. On the other hand, James Carstairs aka Jem, is a kind soul. He is elegant and giving but he also has a dark secret from the past. Jessamine is a shadowhunter in denial, all she dreams about is being a proper lady holding the house for a perfect gentleman, but she will rise up to the occasion in critical moments. All this not-so-merry gang of teenagers are under the care of Charlotte and Henry Branwell, head of the London Institute. Charlotte is loving and determinate while Henry is a dreamer. All the character seems to have somewhat of a darkness to them, and I really can’t wait to discover their secrets.
Clockwork Angel is action-packed, full of mysterious and the main plot takes twists you never expected. You quickly grow fond of it’s characters, but I honestly couldn’t tell which one is my favorite. I enjoyed this trip to the past into a world I already loved so much and the sequels can’t release soon enough. May you already be a Clare fan, or not initiated to this fabulous world yet, I strongly recommend you hurry and pre-order your copy. It’s a keeper!
The Infernal Devices:
Clockwork Angel
Clockwork Prince (2011)
Clockwork Princess (2012)
The Mortal Instruments (set in the same world):
City of Bones
City of Ashes
City of Glass
City of Fallen Angel (2011)
Book Stats:
Book Source: ARC sent by Simon & Schuster for review.
Ah, loved the review! I can't wait for aug 31st!! It needs to come quicker so I can read this! :)
ReplyDeleteSo jealous!! Great review. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for writing a review of clockwork angel. I just can't wait for it to come out, it feels like i've been waiting forever. :D
ReplyDeleteI cannot wait!!!!
ReplyDeleteTerrific review!! I love it :) This has to be one of my all time favourite books. I hope people who haven't read anything by Cassie yet, will find your review and start reading her books. They are really missing out on a wonderful world and even more wonderful characters.
ReplyDelete-Ashley