Synopsis: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.
My Review:
I first discovered Cassandra Clare’s “Mortal Instruments” series last year and have considered her one of my favorite authors ever since. “Clockwork Angel” was such a page turner and I loved reading every moment of it which proves why Clare is such an amazing writer in my eyes. Whenever I opened the book I felt like I was really in Victorian London walking the rain-puddle streets with a gray sky overhead and the smell of the river in the air. This book was much darker than her previous books but that’s ok because it made it that much scarier and thrilling. While we are introduced to a new cast of characters I like that many of the names can also be found in the “Mortal Instruments” books if you pay attention.
Tessa was a really great character who was always asking questions and never gave up until she had the answers. She was also so much braver than I could ever hope to be despite everything facing her. Will, while completely rude, inappropriate, and unforgiving, had me taken from the beginning. I am interested to learn more about his past since many times Tessa was warned about his nature and the fact that he cares for nothing and no one. Jem is such a calming presence and really complemented Will in that he did not take offense to the things Will did where anyone else would. I love Mangus Bane and I am so glad he made an appearance in this series as well. I am so excited for the next book “Clockwork Prince” that I can hardly wait!
