Review: Clockwork Angel (Infernal Devices #1) by Cassandra Clare

Title: Clockwork Angel
Author: Cassandra Clare
Series: The Infernal Devices
Book #: 1
Pages: 476
Reading Level: YA
Book Rating: 
Goodreads Rating: 4.27
Published: 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.

Taschima's POV:

With a heavy heart I have to admit that Clockwork Angel wasn't as bad as it could have been. It was actually pretty darn enjoyable. After reading City of Fallen Jerks I thought I would never enjoy anything written by Cassandra Clare ever again (after she so ruined the perfect ending of City of Glass with a continuation) but Clockwork Angel made me remember why I fell in love with City of Bones in the first place. The danger, the obscure world of the Nephilim, the head wrecking romance... all set in Victorian London with gorgeous dresses, proper manners, and Mr. Darcy-esque romance? Sign me up!

I think the summary of the book explains it quite well, so no long summaries here. Just know that Tessa was kidnapped when she arrived on London by the Dark Sisters, was tortured/trained to learn her abilities (woah! She can change into anybody she wants) and was then rescued by Will. This sets everything in motions, and since I am pretty much certain I was the last person on the island to read this book I bet you guys know this as well as I do. Bravo, let's continue...

The pros of this book:

-The world of the Nephilim. It's pretty much as awesome as the City of Bones one, though still bound by the rules of the time. But only when it comes to Tessa, and servants. The Nephilim live by a different set of rules (like for example calling people by their first names) though in some respects they are still heavy with the time's norms (women shouldn't have as much power as men- poor Charlotte).

-The relationship between Will and Jem. Couldn't this book be men on men romance? These two guys are so in sync with each other, and they made me laugh with their banter. Plus, they take care of each other so well... I can't help but be a proud supporter of the Will/Jem team. Screw the possibility of Tess/Will! I might have a tiny crush on Jem, he is just so special and kind.

-Although Tessa at first seem to be a tad, well, girlie/not accepting of the Xena complex, by the end of the novel she grew up enough for me to respect her. I also liked how clever she was, that ending scene between her and the Magister was golden. I am really looking forward to reading more books with her as the main character. Though, in order for me to further love her she MUST be trained by the Nephilim to fight.

-Nice, quick read on all accounts. The dialogue was funny, full of banter (specially when Will was around) and just overall easy to get lost in. A lot like City of Bones really, but at the same time very different.

The cons of the book:

-Will. Am I supposed to be falling all over myself for this guy? He has his moments of clarity (in which I feel my heart flutter for him) but for most of the book he acts like a total jerk towards Tess. I love a cold bad boy as much as the next girl (Ash from The Iron King, and even Jace in City of Bones at times) but Will was cold to the extent that it turned me off. Again, Mr. Darcy complex, but even when watching that movie I was turned off by Mr. Darcy until he professed his love and was less of a jerk face. Sigh, well see what happens in the next few books.

-No foreseeable relationship between Will and Jem. I am seriously bothered by this.

I shall read the next book. I guess I was a little apprehensive due to the failure of the fourth Mortal Instruments books, so that's why I didn't listen to my friends when they told me this series was different/better. But, Clockwork Angel ain't half bad. Maybe it's because it's a fresh story and Miss Clare isn't trying to continue something that is better left alone (have you guessed how much I hated that last book yet?). What's even better is that since I've read this years after it being published that means I can just buy the sequel in a few minutes. HA HA!