Thursday, September 30, 2010

Clockwork Angel

Author: Cassandra Clare

Series: Book One of The Infernal Devices

Summary: (inside flap) 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, who are 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 Tessas'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.

Review: Amazing writing! I fell in love with the story from like the third page on and found it impossible to put down. The setting is my favorite kind for romantic stories and the dialogue set the time perfectly.

The spoken words were natural and flowed in such a lovely manner. I absolutely loved Will's sarcastic character and James was a pleasure to think about. Tessa herself was probably a weak character if judged by our standards, but for her time, she was brave and courageou. She spoke out of turn and handled Will quite well. I wished she had fought a little more in the actual battles, but getting saved is the nice way to fall in love.

Do I think you should read this book? Yes, you must. If you liked the Mortal Instruments series, which I have also read, then you will like this book even more in my opinion.

There is a slight plot detail that may dissapoint readers of the Mortal Instruments. Most of the characters in the previously written series are in this book with their names replaced. Mostly though, the personalities remain intact, but I prefer this book because it has more action. The book is seamlessly written and Victorian London is the most wonderful of settings. It was a pleasure to be able to read this book and hopefully you will find it as engaging as I did.

Rating: 1 2 3 4 5

2 comments:

  1. I have not read the Mortal Instruments, so this one is going to be the first book I am going to read written by this author. :) This book sounds really good. Great review Isa!

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  2. Thank you! You should read this series first. I felt it was better than the Mortal Instruments and that was an awesome series too. The only thing that makes me sad is that the ending left me feeling like nothing was resolved and I can't wait so long for the second one. :(

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