Book Review- Clockwork Angel

By Cassandra Clare

Published by Simon and Schuster

To Be Released on August 31st, 2010 TOMORROW

Source- the publisher

5 Stars- An absolutely brilliant book!

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. (taken from the cover of the ARC)

I have read some amazing series, by some wonderful authors. Most of the time I find that I love one or two of their books, and only a couple of their characters. Then there's Cassandra Clare, who introduces me to a whole new world in her Mortal Instruments Series. She has a whole cast of unique characters that keep me engrossed in the storyline. Now there's Clockwork Angel.

Cassandra Clare is brilliant! Not only did Cassie captivate me with her Victorian Era setting (in London) and transport me into a darker world for the Shadow Hunters, but she swept me away with her characters. How can I pick one or two to love, when even the supporting characters are amazing. Before I get into characters and setting, let me just say that you do not need to read The Mortal Instruments series prior to reading Clockwork Angel. Cassie has a talent for introducing a new world for those who haven't read The Mortal Instrument Series. For those who have, you'll find yourself engrossed with an even darker, more dangerous Shadowhunter world.

Set in Victorian Era London, Cassandra opens up a whole new world of danger, action, romance and my favorite, the history of the Shadowhunters and the Institute. I felt like Cassandra had taken me back in time, and I loved her vivid description of 1800's London. Clockwork Angel's setting and the mannerisms from the time are rich in detail, that I felt I was apart of it.

Getting to know Jace and Alec's ancestors was fascinating. I enjoyed seeing some family similarities. Will and Jem will definitely win over the hearts of Cassandra's fans. Where Will is snarky and more complex, with many layers to his character we've yet to know, Jem is the more sensible one. Even he has an air of mystery around him. As much as I love the Jace and Alec scenes in TMI, Will and Jem have won me over. I adored Magnus! I'm looking forward to seeing more of him as the series continues. With a cast of Shadowhunters I adore, there are also some amazing supporting characters whom I fell in love with. I know everyone is anxious to met Will and Jem, but some of my favorite characters are the women in Clockwork Angel. Where Will and Jem provide snark, action and of course charm to the book, the women are tough and stand their ground in a man's world.

Having had a sheltered life, Tessa Gray comes to London to find her brother. She's thrust into a dark world she never thought existed. In finding out more about herself, the ties she has to this world might lead her to the clues she needs in her brother's disappearance. Tessa isn't someone who will sit back and wait for answers, or be told what to do. She's a searcher for truth and knowledge and handles herself and Will quite well. Believe me, Will doesn't seem like the type that many people can handle, except Jem.

Charlotte Branwell runs the Institute, and has taken in Jem, Will and Jessamine. Parentless and with no where else to turn, the Institute is now their home. Charlotte is someone who stands her ground, and she's regarded as a women doing a man's job. I love that she doesn't back down, even under pressure from the Lightwoods, to give up her running of the Institute. Jessamine Lovelace, is such a pain in the hiney sometimes. She lives a life she hates, but what I like about her, is that she knows what she wants and she's not afraid to speak her mind. A character who I think is over looked, is Sophie, a maid in the Institute. She's had a rough life, but she too, is a strong female character. She's someone who I think we'll be seeing more of. I think there's more to her character than we get to know about in Clockwork Angel.

With all the characters Cassandra introduces, never once was I lost. Each character has their own story to tell, and with the ending of Clockwork Angel, I found myself flipping through the extra blank pages just to make sure there wasn't more of the story. Written in true Cassandra Clare fashion, things aren't always what they seem. Filled with twists and turns, and characters who's layers we've just began to unravel, Clockwork Angel will quickly become a fan favorite.

Be sure to pick up your copy TOMORROW!