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Tuesday, September 14, 2010

The Clockwork Angel


Author: Cassandra Clare
Publication Date: August 31, 2010
Genre: YA Historical Fantasy/Steampunk
Copy provided by: Myself (bought at Andersons for book signing)
Summary (via Goodreads):

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: 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.

Why I read this: How could I not? I really enjoyed Cassie's first trilogy and needed to read this one. And she was coming to town - so no excuse to set it aside for months.

Plot: I have to say that this book was so much more awesome than her Mortal Instruments series - to me. And I love that series... so it is really really good. I love the setting of the novel first of - I've always been a huge fan of historical fantasy. The story moved, it had action and danger and some seriously intriguing background that was revealed. I feel that a good story always leaves you with questions and a want for more and that is exactly what this book did for me. It was a fantastic introduction to the world, character, and a plot that you can't wait to see move further on.

Characters: I really liked Tessa right off. She's quite strong for being someone who hasn't been in trouble like she was. She's definitely not kicking any butts but you just sense that she's not the type of girl to break down and weep whenever in a terrible situation. I can't wait to see how Tessa deals with her ability in the later books and how her relationship with Will develops.

Will is definitely the darker of the two love choices (the other being Jem, although personally I didn't feel he really had a chance in this book). There is something he is hiding and I cannot wait to figure out what it is! He's one of those guys that acts like a horrible person and then secretly does good deeds. I really hope he turns into what Tessa needs or she may give up on him completely.

Relatability: Anyone who loves the genre will probably really dig this book. It definitely has a similar feel to her Mortal Instruments series, but I think this one is far better.

Cover Commentary: Love it. So pretty. :)

Rating: 5/5 Roses


Buy it on Amazon*
Find it on Goodreads



*If you buy this book on Amazon through the link above, I will receive a small portion of the sales.

16 comments:

  1. I've read her Moral Instruments too and simply DIVE in love with it headfirst! It's great. But I've haven't The Clockwork Angel yet since it hasn't been released in my country.. Guess it's take some time. -_-

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  2. I really like The Mortal Instruments, so if this book is better, then I'd probably like it a lot! Nice review.

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  3. I really agree with you, I LIKED this one BETTER than the MI series - I have seen so many reviews saying that it's not as good...different people I guess...but Im with you...it's better :D

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  4. I've never read any Clare and I had been a bit overwhelmed by the promotion for this book but your review makes it sound really good and I do enjoy historical fantasy...when it's well-done.

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  5. I liked the story..I haven't read Clare's other series. I was not a huge fan of Will, I like Jem and I hope his character gets a little bit more time in the next book. :)

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  6. Love this book, love the Mortal Instruments series, love the author! Sigh. So much love.

    P.S. Go Jem! :D

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  7. I think everyone besides me has read this! lol I can't wait to get a copy of it! :)

    maybe I'll convince my mom to bring me to the bookstore this week, because your review has made me want to read it WAY more!

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  8. I just read this too. I haven't read Mortal Instruments yet but now I really, realllllly want to because I loved it so much! Fabulous review Kristen

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  9. Great to hear that this one was so good! I haven't read The Mortal Instruments series (I know, I really should!) and I've read some positive reviews of Clockwork Angel and some that thought it didn't quite stand up to the Mortal Instruments. But I love the setting of Victorian England, and also the sound of Will...so I'm looking forward to reading it at some point!

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  10. I'm glad you liked it so much! I want to read this one so bad. I have heard only good things about it.

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  11. I didn't really like the Mortal Instruments, and I don't know if I'd like Clockwork Angel, but if the opportunity to borrow it ever comes up, I'll give it a try.

    -Beryl

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  12. I still haven't read the Mortal Instruments, but when I will, I'll definitely read this one, too :)

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  13. I haven't read the Mortal Instruments yet but I've read this one and I did like it-apart from some details. I look forward to reading more from this author. I agree-Jem didn't have a real chance, it ended in the middle of a scene which I don't like happening in books...

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  14. Sounds like something I definitely need to check out. I am really getting into this genre a lot more lately. Great review!

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  15. I feel just the same way! I loved this book so much! I loved Tessa's character as well, she was so strong and not wishy washy at all. It was so nice to finally read some consistent characters. Fabulous review!

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