Review: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Publication Date: August 31st, 2010

Published by Margaret K. McElderry (Simon & Schuster)

Hardcover, 496 Pages

Source: ARC(from another blogger)

Summary from Goodreads:

"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: Jem, 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 Review: *****+ = 5+ Stars

I have been eagerly awaiting Clockwork Angel since Cassandra Clare first made the announcement that a prequel series would be released. As a *HUGE* fan of her Mortal Instruments Series, I knew it would feel wonderful to slip back into this imaginative world that she created. I had my worries, of course, that Clockwork Angel just wouldn't compare to the MI series, which is my favorite series of all time(tied with Harry Potter).

Clockwork Angel was everything I hoped it would be and more. While it clearly welcomes us back into the world that we came to love, the story is entirely it's own and not the same as any of the MI books, as I feared might happen.

It's a new environment, location, characters and story. Tessa stands out as quite a unique character, that I can't wait to learn more about. As for Will & Jem, whom we have heard so much about, I'm afraid I can't state which team I am yet. Both boys have their qualities and faults. I really loved the connections to the MI series, such as the same terms(clave, institution, etc.) and similar names. It was enough to connect the two stories but it wasn't too much that it conflicted in any way. 

I can say that I imagine this series, once complete, will be with The Mortal Instruments at the top of my favorites list. While I didn't want it to end, and I am dying for more, the story didn't leave me hanging too badly. Of course I want more, and I want it now, but that's because it's amazingly awesome and not because of a cruel cliffhanger.

Amazingly, I don't know if I am more excited for City of Fallen Angels, or the next installment in the Infernal Devices.

I still hold strong in my opinion that Cassandra Clare is an outstanding author that will always give us entertaining and enjoyable material. I *still* look forward to anything/everything she will come out with.

Mark your calendars, Clockwork Angel hits stores August 31st.

*Have you read Clockwork Angel yet? Were you disappointed, surprised....??

Sherry<3