Review: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Hardcover, 479 pages

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry

Released: August 31st 2010

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.

My Rating: 5 /5

My Thoughts:

Once word got out that The Clockwork Angel was coming, I knew it was a 'must read' and even with that hype, this one still exceeded my expectations! When Cassie writes, it's addictive and draws you right into her world both by the descriptive setting & the well rounded characters.

I'm not sure how Cassie does it but there are a ton of characters in this book and yet you can easily follow along. Funny thing too is that other then the obvious Tessa being the main character, I didn't find that one person really stood out, they really all complimented eachother. The Magister was twisted, her brother Nathaniel was...(I can't tell ya or I'd spoil it), Will was the mysterious sarcastic hottie who you knew had more to him if he let himself out of his shell, James (Jem) is the perfect nice guy (with issues). Ahh, the beginnings of love triangle? So far I am Team Jem but with that ending I can see myself considering a switch!

The setting is dark, the magic is creepy (automatons with human skin - shivers-), I love the steampunk elements added to the 18th century! For those that haven't read her Mortal Instruments series, don't worry. This new series is a sequel to MI and Cassie has mentioned you can read it without reading MI (though many have said it is good to know MI first). This is definitely going to be a top 5 read of 2010 :)