Hardcover
496 Pages, 6 x 9 x 1 in
August 31, 2010
Simon & Schuster Children's PublishingISBN - 10:1416975861ISBN - 13:9781416975861List Price: $22.99 CAN; $19.99 USPurchase at: Chapters, Borders, Amazon
Rating: 5/5
Rating: 5/5
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 arcan 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 was extremely fortunate to get the wonderful chance to read Clockwork Angel before its August 31st release date. This little miracle came courtesy of Tynga’s Reviews! She was generous enough to give her followers a chance to win her ARC of Clockwork Angel.
The book was absolutely delicious from start to finish. I’ve always loved and admired Cassandra Clare’s writing style, her character development, and her witty dialogue, and this book did not disappoint. I was elated with being given the chance to dive back into the world of the Shadowhunters and Downworlders ahead of the publication date. Her dialogue is honestly sensational and she captured the essence of Victorian London perfectly. Cassandra Clare is able to make me truly believe her characters are real, as if the conversations took place right in front of me. From the banter between Tessa and Will, to Jem’s affection, and Charlotte’s honesty, the dialogue transported me from my bedroom in Canada to Victorian London.
The description of London was enough to make you feel you as if you were walking the streets with Jessamine, or walking down the halls of the Institute with Sophie and Tessa. You can smell what they smell, feel the dampness of the London air and see the smog from the factories hiding the mid day sun. I adore the Victorian period and love many of the works that stemmed just before and during. The amount of books mentioned and quoted made me all happy and giddy inside.
I know most people are picking teams, as in Team Will or Team Jem, and I can see the fascination with both. Personally I would be team Will, simply because I want to fix him. His dark hair with his dark blue eyes with their hidden sadness enticed me. Then again, Jem is like an Angel! Alas, picking only one can’t be so I have declared myself, officially, Team Female Empowerment! I LOVE LOVE LOVE Tessa and Charlotte. Charlotte being close to my actual age made me feel a kinship towards her. She was pretty freaking awesome in every way. Tessa is young in age but not in mind and heart. As the novels main heroine (but not only) Tessa isn’t afraid to stand up for herself or for her brother. She sees the world differently and isn’t ashamed of that. Even when she finds herself in dire peril, she manages to correct Will on his literary reference, instead of freaking out. Sometimes in novels, the female can be weak and she relies heavily on the men in her life to help her out. Clockwork Angel does not operate in that manner. Tessa and Charlotte prove that even during a time when females were to be seen and not heard, women indeed had a voice. The female characters are determined, strong willed and smart. Although I am anticipating a battle for Tessa’s mind, body and soul in the next two books.
With that said, both Will and Jem have their own strong points as well as their flaws. Will is hard headed and stubborn; concealing a secret that no one knows except for him. Will this ruin his relationships with his fellow Shadowhunters and Tessa, will his secret be his downfall? Only Cassandra Clare knows until the next two installments are published.
Jem is the light to Will’s darkness in every way. He is compassionate, rational, and sees the good in everyone. He also conceals a deadly secret that could ultimately cause those around him as well as himself pain.
Waiting for Clockwork Prince is going to be tough! I’m really horrible at being patient. I think I’ll have to re-read the Mortal Instruments and Clockwork Angel again, just to quench by insatiable need to live in this world and know these characters until the next installment come out. I’m also beyond thrilled about TMI series being continued into 2 more books after City of Fallen Angels. It will be nice to see my favourite characters back in action, although I’m sure they will have a tough go at it. They do live in a dangerous world after all!
Cassandra Clare has outdone herself this time with Clockwork Angel. It was fascinating, superb, nail bitting and it was fast paced. The moment the first words were read, my world consisted solely on her characters and her world. This is a must read!
Other Awesome Reviews:
-Ashley
Great review darling! Mine will be going live tomorrow ^^
ReplyDeleteGlad you loved it as much as I did <3
I am dying for this one! Good to know it's delicious:) I'm not a patient person either, so I know after reading this one the wait for the next one will be rough!
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