Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Review: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

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.


Title: Clockwork Angel

Series: The Infernal Devices #1
Published: August 31st 2010 by Margaret K. McElderry Books
ISBN: 1416975861 (ISBN13: 9781416975861)
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Kayla thinks I'm mad for saying that I liked this series more than the Mortal Instruments, but trust me when I say I was surprised that was possible! I had already read the first two books of the series, but I'm re-reading them in an attempt to refresh my memory before reading the Clockwork Princess. I'm not sure why I like this series more...it may simply because of the setting, especially since I adore historical fiction. I love just thinking about the fashions of that time period...men wearing coats and women wearing dresses all the time, it was all so sophisticated. Comparing to what we wear now... guys wear t-shirts and jeans and girls wear shorts that barely cover their underwear? Yeah, that's attractive. I also love the way they speak! It's all so clean and proper. Well, it seems like I am unable to pinpoint one reason as to why I love this genre, but it will probably always be one of my favorites.

It was killing me throughout the book that I knew that Will had a very good reason for being so rude to Tessa, but I couldn't help but being annoyed at him at times! And oh Jem, why must you be so sweet? While I would love having two attractive guys fight over me, it would be a tough decision.  Since I know what happens next...I'm conflicted. Unlike the Mortal Instruments, I believe Jem has a real chance with Tessa...unlike Simon. I mean no offense when I say Simon was forever friend zoned. Will was very much like Jace, just with black hair and a British accent...he was swoon-worthy, an amazing fighter, and quite cocky.

I've actually forgotten most of what happens in the next book...so I really can't wait to find out what Tessa actually is. Just as a treat, I've decided to put some of my favorite quotes from this series, because also like the Mortal Instrument series, there were many quotes that made me laugh.
"You know," Gabriel said, "there was a time I thought we could be friends, Will.""There was a time I thought I was a ferret," Will said, "but that turned out to be the opium haze. Did you know it had that effect? Because I didn't." 
"Will looked horrified. "What kind of monster could possibly hate chocolate?" 
"Remember when you tried to convince me to feed a poultry pie to the mallards in the park to see if you could breed a race of cannibal ducks?" "They ate it too," Will reminisced. "Bloodthirsty little beasts. Never trust a duck." 
"Must you go? I was rather hoping you'd stay and be a ministering angel, but if you must go, you must.""I'll stay," Will said a bit crossly, and threw himself down in the armchair Tessa had just vacated. "I can minister angelically.""None too convincingly. And you're not as pretty to look at as Tessa is," Jem said, closing his eyes as he leaned back against the pillow."How rude. Many who have gazed upon me have compared the experience to gazing at the radiance of the sun."Jem still had his eyes closed. "If they mean it gives you a headache, they aren't wrong." 
I should probably stop putting so many quotes before I spoil something! Well, if you haven't gotten the idea yet, if you haven't read this series, you have not lived life. Go buy it, or check it out of the library or whatever. Now. 

Also, if you've noticed I've been putting little quotes about books...which I guess aren't original little messages like I was going to do, but at least I'm trying! I just thought I'd point that out...since I actually kind of like them. If you've noticed I've posted three reviews in one day, it is an attempt to catch up on the weeks I've forgotten to!

"One must always be careful of books, and what is inside them, for words have the power to change us." -Tessa Gray

What luck there were quotes about books in this novel!
Book Nerd and Proud,
C.J.

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