Justine's Thoughts: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1)
By Cassandra Clare

Source: Borrowed from Sarah
Pages:  478
Book Description:

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.

A quote:

When you find a man you wish to marry, Tessa, remember this: You will know what kind of man he is not by the things he says, but by the things he does.

Thoughts:

Expectations: Totally, majorly high! This is Cassandra Clare we’re talking about as well as a spinoff series from (the cool uber fantastic) The Mortal Instruments! There’s not a single doubt in my mind that I thought it was going to go bad. Sure it may be historical, which usually doesn’t suit my preferences, but somehow, I don’t know how, Cassandra Clare made it work. Again! Hurrah!

About Setting: Perfect setting ever for a series that takes place in the late 1800s. London, England equals the ever sexy English accent. Seriously, what more could you want? Everything too was vividly described in the usual Cassandra Clare fashion, which I missed incredibly. I am more than satisfied with the entire setting in London, with its ancient streets and bridges. It was so imaginatively fun.

About Characters: There were some similarities connections to The Mortal Instruments series, of course, but it’s important to keep in mind the differences as well. Tessa is not a mundane but a Downworlder who isn’t aware of her full potential yet. Will and Jem are best friends who live with other ‘orphans’ at the Enclave (the church-like home in London).  Three of them form a complicated love triangle, and although I really love Jem and am saddened about the certain situation he is in, I love Will because I have a thing for tortured souls with a good heart. I’m hoping to see more of these relationships in Clockwork Prince and I was ever so glad to see Magnus Bane again!

About Plot: Tessa is in search of her older brother Nathan who had gone to live in London, which is why she ends up travelling there. The plot as a whole is adventurous and unexpected. Anything can happen in this world of Cassandra Clare’s. Just like The Mortal Instruments, it feels like diving into a pool of heart-racing fun.

Overall Rating: Y Y Y Y Y
This is the perfect type of book with hyped action in an enthralling journey. If you pick this up, I assure you that you will not regret it.