Review: Clockwork Angel

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Summary: 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.

My Thoughts: This was a VERY, VERY good book! I read it all in about 12 hours – breaking only for food, restroom, and caring for the kids. Honestly, this was the first Cassandra Clare book I’ve ever read, and it definitely won’t be the last.

Such an intricate, detailed, and well-thought-out plot! There were so many twists and turns. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, something changed. And the ending was quite the surprise for me!

Mild spoiler (highlight to read)

I didn’t figure out the Magister’s true identity until about the same time everyone else did. I also didn’t figure out the trick toward the end, either – again, until about the time the “good guys” did. I didn’t see Nate’s betrayal coming. Not at all.

Thinking back through the story, though, I can see some hints that I didn’t pick up on earlier. I WILL be reading this again for sure – in large part to figure out what hints I missed. Plus, this was such a good ride from start to finish that I wanna go again!

One of my favorite things about this story was the near-constant references to other literature. Tessa is a bookworm, and Will seems well-read, too. Their conversations about books and readings and quoting of poetry and whatnot – stuff like that totally hooks me. PEOPLE LIKE ME!

A few thoughts on the characters. Tessa is a great heroine. I really like her a lot. Jem is a total sweetheart. His story really made me sad. I hope his future improves. My favorite, though, is Will. I absolutely L-O-V-E him! I fell for him from the very first page of the book! His charm, his wit, his sense of humor, and the occasional glimpses into his psyche. If I were Tessa, I would totally find him irresistible. I sure hope we find out the whys and hows of his story in the next book. That was the one big mystery that I was disappointed to not get the answer to. I want to see him crack, to admit his feelings for Tessa – and allow himself to be loved by her. I get the idea that he is Tessa’s Edward, and Jem is her Jake – although I say that not having read any of the Twilight books. Finally, Magnus Bane. I wonder what’s up with him. I originally thought perhaps he is Tessa’s father, but clearly that’s not possible.

There are a lot of minor issues raised that I didn’t even notice weren’t resolved at story’s end. I suspect they were sprinkled in there as foundation for the upcoming novels in the series. I look forward to seeing where Clare is going with a lot of these things, and I sure hope nothing gets left up to the reader to decide (I hate books like that).

Favorite Quotes: I don’t normally do this, but there were several that struck a chord with me. *These quotes and page numbers are from the ARC. It’s quite possible they could be changed and/or in a different spot when the book is released.*

“One must always be careful of books,” said Tessa, “and what is inside them, for words have the power to change us.” ~ Page 87

“Only the weak-minded refuse to be influenced by literature and poetry,” said Tessa. ~ Page 87

Will’s eyes were very blue. “There’s plenty of sense in nonsense sometimes, if you wish to look for it.” ~ Page 88

It was Henry, to Charlotte’s surprise, who replied, without turning, “Inanimate objects are harmless indeed, Mr. Mortmain. But one cannot say the same of the men who use them.” ~ Page 149

My Rating: 5 stars

Source: Received through Book It Forward ARC Tours for review.

Read It: Clockwork Angel is scheduled for release on August 31 of this year. You can pre-order it HERE. (This is an Amazon link, and purchase through this link will result in my receiving a small commission. Your support is appreciated!)

Find me on Goodreads.com >>

FTC Disclosure: All items reviewed were either obtained by me for my own enjoyment or sent (from the author, publisher, publicist, via tour sites, etc.) in exchange for an honest review. I receive no monetary compensation for my posts. All opinions expressed are my own.

Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.