Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Title: Clockwork Angel

Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Acquired: Borrowed
Age Group: Young Adult

Grade: 96% or A
Buy It: Amazon

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 Thoughts::
I'll be the first to admit it. I was a little apprehensive to start this book. I loved The Mortal Instruments Series soooooo much, and even though these new Infernal Devices books would have the same ideas involved, I wasn't sure if I'd love them as much with Jace and Clary. But I went into the book with an open mind and put my confidence in Cassandra Clare to whip out another great novel.

The entire plot was very intriguing. Right from the beginning I was wrapped up into what was going on. This author really knows how to suck somebody into a story. There were a lot of different little aspects of the book that when combined, made it even better. I can sense a lot of story and mystery that was involved in this first book, that will be explored in the next one. The clockwork angel for example, and Will's mysterious past that we only get a glimpse of and what makes for the incredible cliffhanger at the end. And of course, there was the pretty huge twist during the climax of the book, which I won't spoil.

I shouldn't have worried about liking the characters, because that wasn't a problem at all. Tessa was incredible, but not TOO incredible, you know what I mean? Frequently we meet characters that believe they are soooo flawed, but everyone loves them. Tessa was flawed, she knew it, but she didn't try to make me feel sorry for her, and they were actual flaws. No one looooooved Tessa because she is so amazing, but they did appreciate and like what she brought to the table. Do I even have to mention how much I loved Jem? Ahhhhh, time to swoon. Sadly, Tessa seems to be going for the bad boy, Will. Not a problem there, he is pretty swoon worthy in his own right.

Overall Clockwork Angel was an amazing start to a new series. I found myself looking for connections between the two series, which was a little bothersome because I read the first 3 books a while ago, anyone want to compile a list? I would recommend this book to those who loved the Mortal Instruments, or just anyone who wants a fresh view of  London during Queen Victoria's reign.