Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1) by Cassandra Clare

Book:  Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1)
Author:  Cassandra Clare
Published:  August 31, 2010 from Margaret K. McElderry
My edition/number of pages:  ARC/496

Age group:  Young adult
Source:  Publisher
Series?:  Yes.  First book.

Magic is dangerousโ€”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 byโ€”and torn betweenโ€”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.

Cassandra Clare has done it again.  This new series is just as good, if not better, than the Mortal Instruments. I didn’t think it could be done but I am absolutely in love with Clockwork Angel (even though Jace is not in it).

Tessa Gray has just found out that she is not human.  As if that isn’t bad enough,  she has been told this by her kidnappers.  Her whole life has been turned upside down and she can’t think straight anymore.  All she knows is that she must escape and find someone that can help her.  That someone turns out to be Will Herondale, a Shadowhunter who rescues her and delivers her to the London Institute where she is told she will be safe.  That’s not possible though.  How can she be safe with a madman searching for her and her brother still missing?

First off, I am so excited that some of the Mortal Instruments characters are in this book.  Namely, Magnus Bane!  I love the back story of all the Shadowhunters but he is an especially big mystery to me.  The new characters, Tessa, Will, Jem, Charlotte, all of them were fabulous.  At first I didn’t like Tessa but she grew a lot throughout the book and she had some seriously brave moments.  The two boys, Will and Jem, were not what I expected but both were great in their own ways.  Will has a dark past but he also has his tender moments.  Jem has a huge secret but he is the sweetest guy ever.  I am team Jem right now but I will see if that changes with the next book.  

The world created in Clockwork Angel is even better than The Mortal Instruments.  I adore Victorian London and Cassandra Clare really made it her own.  The setting was definitely one of the best aspects of the book but it was only one of many.  The plot was right up there with it and the writing was as amazing as ever.

Overall, Clockwork Angel has earned it’s place as one of the most highly anticipated books of the year.  Now not only do I have to wait for City Of Fallen Angels but also Clockwork Prince.

P.S.  Sorry for the totally gushing review!  =]

First line:  The demon exploded in a shower of ichor and guts.

Writing:  5

Characters:  5

Plot:  5

Ending:  5

Originality:  5

Overall:  25=A++

Cover:  5=A++

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35 comments

  1. Thanks for the review!

    I’m getting more and more excited about this book. Hopefully once I get a chance to read it, I’ll like it as much as you apparently did.

  2. I am relieved to hear this is great. You know how it sometimes goes with these big titles, they don’t live up. Very exciting that Magnus Bane is around, he is a great character.

    great review.

  3. Fabulous review, Katie! Wow, really! I’m glad you enjoyed this book so much. I have yet to read The Mortal Instruments Series, but I’ve heard such awesome things on it and this one as well. I can’t wait to finally get to read some of Cassandra Clare’s work. Again, fabulous review, Katie. Thanks so much! =)

  4. Iy was amazing wasn’t it?! And it’s because of you I got to read it! Thanks so much for holding that contest or else i would have never read it yet!! ๐Ÿ˜€

  5. hey, this is a little random but i CANNOT picture what jem or will look like! it’s driving me crazy! anyone else feel that way? or have an idea? hahah thanks!

  6. I’ve had my eye on this one for a while. I’ve heard nothing but good about this book and can’t wait to read it. Thanks for the great review.

    seriousreader at live dot com

  7. You can gush all you want because I feel the same way! I ended up reading CA before I read any of the MI books and I’m soooooooo addicted! I’m just now today going to start reading City of Glass. Once I’m done with those then I have to play the waiting game!

  8. I’ve read so many great things about Cassandra Clare’s books but I never got around to reading her previous series… I also love Victorian London and this book sounds like a great way to get started with the author’s books ๐Ÿ™‚
    thanks for the review!

  9. I think I’m the only person who hasn’t read this yet! Thanks for a great review. I’ve heard only good things so I can’t wait to get it myself. ๐Ÿ™‚

  10. Very excited to hear you say that the world created is even better than TMI because I loved the modern fantasy story of TMI so much! Haven’t read too much Victorian era stories but since CWA has been getting so many good reviews I have a feeling I will love it, too.