Book Review: Clockwork Angel By Cassandra Clare

Title: Clockwork Angel
Author: Cassandra Clare
Series: The Infernal devices #1
Publication Date: August 31st 2012
Publisher: McElderry Books
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 1416975861 
Length: 479 pages
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Age group: Young Adult
Source: Gift
Links: Goodreads | Amazon UK | Amazon US | The Book depository




Synopsis (From Goodreads) 

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.

Review:

As a big fan of The Mortal Instruments Series, I was naturally curious to see if Cassandra Clare could deliver once again, i was excepting to be disappointed but now, after reading clockwork angel i have come to realise that Cassandra Clare is one of those rare gems of an author who is always consistent, in the greatest way possible. Not once have i been disappointed in any of her works and i honestly hope it will stay that way.
In clockwork angel Cassandra Clare produces yet another swooning, fast paced, action packed adventure which will keep you reading into the early hours of the morning.

Tessa Gray, our main protagonist is thrust into a dark world right at the beginning of the book, after being tricked, in her search for her loving brother. So when she meets Shadowhunters, Will and Jem, Tessa joins them on a quest that will challenge herself and others around her more than she can imagine. Tessa grew as a character so much throughout the book. She becomes more bold, more sure of herself which, if she had stayed with her sheltered life, she could of never been.

I loved almost ever single character introduced in this book. Cassandra Clare made each individual so alive, all with complex personalities, strengths and faults. Which really helped you believe they were actual  people. They were relatable and the way they described and acted was so real.

The contrast between Will and Jem, as brothers, was played out cleverly. Leaving us readers and poor Tess tied between each. Will was the dashing, mysterious and more complex brother who every lady set her heart out to win. But having his faults; a bad temper and a snarky attitude, his brother Jem would occasionally steal the limelight. His kind heart and loving attitude dazzling all. I adored the relationship between the two brothers, who, as much as Will denied it, needed each other and with both opposite personalities they kept the other balanced. It seemed to me that what one of them lacked the other thrived and this i just loved.

Set in London and in the victorian Era, it surprised me that Cassandra Clare didn't seem to be challenged at all by the new culture, attitudes of the people and landscapes in this age. She wrote so vividly, that i felt as if i had been transported, back in time to the 1800's. It was as if she was unveiling a picture in front of my eyes rather than writing a book and I was glad to find that he writing  still included the wit and charm like all her other novels.

Overall this book blew me away no question and i feel honoured to have read it. If you have not read this book then i can't urge you enough to do so, because this was truly a wonderful ride. Five stars!