Review: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

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: 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.


I read the Mortal Instruments series. I loved the Mortal Instruments series. I would put it up there as one of my favorite series ever read. Cassie's writing is lovely, and her characters are real (even minor ones).  So I had much anticipation, as well as a little trepidation for Clockwork Angel. I knew it was set in the same world as the MI series, and that it was set in the late 1800s. As I said, I loved the MI series, but I DO. NOT. LIKE. historical novels. History was my worst subject in school, and I think my hatred from that carries on into the books I read. Anyway, back to the review. I don't like historical novels, but I absolutely loved this book. For me, City of Bones started off kind of sluggishly, so I expected a slow start with CA. Not so, my friends. From the beginning I was hooked and didn't want to stop reading. In fact, I have the urge to reread this one. 
Although Clockwork Angel is set in the same world, it still feels fresh. There's action, suspense, and (loads of) humor. The characters are great, but I expected that. Cassie also doesn't shy away from the nastier parts of the shadowhunting. There's plenty of blood, guts, and gore. And there's a new type of enemy that does a very good job of creeping me out. I love the Mortal Instruments series, and can't wait for City of Fallen Angels... but I think I may like The Infernal Devices better. 
This is a MUST READ. Pick it up August 31! I know I'll be buying a copy!


5/5