Title: Clockwork Angel
Author: Cassandra Clare
Series: Infernal Devices #1
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Steampunk, and Romance (YA)
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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.
Because I loved the Mortal Instruments so much, I’ve been looking forward to Clockwork Angel ever since I found out about it. I wasn’t disappointed in the least. I loved it and it has earned a spot on my Favorites shelf.
Because the Infernal Devices trilogy is prequel-ish to the Mortal Instruments, you might expect some of the same characters. However, the Infernal Devices takes place about 130 years before the Mortal Instruments does. There are still shadowhunters, demons, vampires, mundanes, etc., but the only way you see the same characters is through their ancestry (other than a particular warlock who shall remain nameless). I enjoyed meeting the ancestors of some of my beloved characters and wonder how this ancestry will play a role in the next two books as well as possibly reveal more about the characters in the Mortal Instruments.
I didn’t think Clockwork Angel was as intense as the Mortal Instruments, but I wonder if that’s because I’m used to Cassandra Clare’s writing style now. I’m definitely dying to find out what happens next and given Clare’s track record, I won’t know anything until the very end of the last book. Because of that, I sort of wish I would’ve waited to read this book once all three books have been published.
Clare has a way of keeping her readers on the edge of their seats during the entire story. There’s so much conflict with good vs. evil and with the angst between the characters’ relationships in the story. I really enjoy the worlds and stories she creates.
About Jenni Elyse
Yes, my one complaint about CC and her books is how slow she is to reveal ANYTHING. I want to know so much more about a certain bad boy….I think it’s a good device to get your readers to come back but at the same time I do find myself wishing she’d give us a bit more. So I need to know….Team Jem or Team Will. And what you thought about Ch. 12……I sent Violet many a squeeful text during Ch. 12. In fact today I saw a pair of gloves with buttons on it in the store and I got all weak in the knees…..
I loved chapter 12!
I was very giddy during most of that chapter. But, it also made me want to slap Will even harder during the final chapter. But, I guess Will will be like that, and we’ll find out why (not) soon enough. 
Just from Clockwork Angel, I’m definitely a Team Will fan, although I do like Jem as well. But, I really liked Will’s character; he reminds me of Jace (I wonder why? 
).
I’m so excited to read it! I still haven’t finished linger! But I’m loving it…
Aymee – I’m excited for you to read it! And, I’m glad you’re enjoying Shiver and Linger!
I, too, am excited to read it!
Amber – Until you said something about it on Facebook, I didn’t even know you had read it. I’m glad you like them.
I just put this book on hold at the library. I’m expecting great things so it’s good to know that you enjoyed it.
Rebecca – Yes, I loved it. I thought the story was great and I really enjoyed meeting the characters. You’ll have to let me know what you think when you get to read it.
Whoops— however they are on my favorite shelf on shelfari and goodreads. I love the books; I recommend them to all and I really hope to get Clockwork in the next week or so….
Amber – I haven’t looked at other people’s shelves in a really long time!
I’m glad you like them and recommend them to everyone. I do the same.