After Reading: Clockwork Angel

By: Meradeth Houston on 2:19 AM

 by Cassandra Clare


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.

I haven't read any of Clare's books in a while, since ripping through The Mortal Instrument series (well, the first 3, I need to get myself a copy of the next book!) and as I read until 2am last night, I remembered just why I enjoyed her writing so much. It's fast, it's furious, and I really love her vividly painted settings. Ahh, so fun! I did find this one to get off to a bit of a slow start, and Tessa didn't really feel as developed as a character as I would have liked until further into the book, but once things got rolling, it was loads of fun! It bears a LOT of similarities to The Mortal Instrument books :)

Also, just as a random note, I really seriously hope that Tessa goes for the "nice" guy in this series. What is it about books and the girl always wanting to get with the "bad boy"? I don't get it. Actually, it kind of irks me. Anyhow, random rant aside, do check this book out!