Review: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Title: Clockwork Angel

Author: Cassandra Clare

Series: The Infernal Devices #1

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderrey

Publication Date: August 31, 2010

Pages: 476

Source: Purchased

From Goodreads:

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.

***

I don’t know what it is about Cassandra Clare’s writing, but it just sucks you in from page one. I was instantly mesmerized by the characters, the setting, the plot – everything! I yet again found myself having to go back and reread parts because I was reading so fast I didn’t comprehend everything.

One of my favorite aspects of the book is the historic London setting. I am a sucker for historical fiction and Clockwork Angel perfectly satisfied that hist-fic craving, plus added in the intense paranormal romance with Jem, Will, and Tessa.

I am still undecided when it comes to the triangle because I am a HUGE fan of all three characters. Will reminds me a lot of Jace – the wounded but sexy Shadowhunter who puts up a front but is really sensitive and caring. Jem is just plain cute with his quiet but intense demeanor and you can tell he just plain cares for Tessa. And then you have Tessa, who has been forced into difficult situations but has the strong-willed and determined personality to pull through.

I’m definitely beyond excited for the rest of the books in The Infernal Devices series and December 6 cannot come soon enough for the release of book #2, Clockwork Prince.