Clockwork Angel, by Cassandra Clare

Release date: August 31st 2010
Published by: Margaret K. McElderry
Genre: Young Adult
Rating: 5/5 stars












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 thoughts:

I’m a big fan of Cassandra Clare previous’ series, The Mortal Instruments. I absolutely love Jace, Clary, and all the characters, and the setting as well. I expected Clockwork Angel to be even better than TMI – everybody seems to think that it is – and I can say that yes, Clockwork Angel is, indeed, better than the Mortal Instruments.

The Victorian Era is stunning, right? Add Shadowhunters and demons in it, and you get an enchanting and mysterious setting. It’s fantastic to see how Shadowhunters behaved and talked and fought demons at that time. Truly, that alone would be enough to justify this 5-star rating.

But, of course, that’s not all. The characters in this series are as wonderful and infuriating as ever. Tessa is a mundane that found out she’s powerful – with the ability to shape-change, she can basically turn into any person with simply a personal object. This ability has not been introduced before, and I love how, even after reading 4 books, the world created by Cassandra Clare can still impress readers. I also like how Tessa, without fighting skills, can still trick and fight her enemies when necessary. She surprised me a lot of times. You go, girl \o

And I’ll be honest. I don’t know how Cassandra Clare creates such tormented, twisted and confused characters, and still manage to make us fall in love with them. Yes, this complex and infuriating person I’m talking about is the love interest – one of them, actually. Will Herondale – the famous Will – made me want to cry and scream in frustration. His love for Tessa is so obvious at some points, and yet, he insists in being crude and rude to everyone around him. I have a vague theory about his past, but I’m not sure yet. I hope Clockwork Prince will answer some questions about Will. But impolite behavior aside, his sense of humor and personality was one of the best elements of this book. Will’s just that awesome.

Jem is another lovely character. He’s so sweet, and his relationship with Will – the way they cared about each other like brothers – was heart-warming. It’s always interesting to see a relationship that doesn’t quite involve the main character being developed along with the plot. Cassandra Clare is a master in dealing with all the characters at once, both main and secondary ones, and at the end, wrap all that up and end the book with you longing for me.

Clockwork Angel being this good is not a surprise. I really thought it would be perfection. And now, I just can’t get enough of this series. Right after I was done with Clockwork Angel, I bought the Clockwork Prince ebook – desperately, actually – and started reading it on Christmas eve. Yes, I’m that much of a bookworm.

If you loved the Mortal Instruments, and are curious about this series, go for it. And if you don’t like TMI or have not read it yet, go for it, as well. This series deserves a million stars – a captivating setting, wonderful and complex writing, and an ending that will break your heart.

Ps: I still don't understand how Tessa hates chocolate. Just thinking of it makes me hungry. :3