Clockwork Angel {ARC review} * * * * 3/4

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Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

- paranormal, YA, steampunk -

reviewed by Tara SG

received for review via Traveling ARC Tours

Book Order (The Infernal Devices)

1. Clockwork Angel * * * * 3/4 (08.31.10)
2. to be named
3. to be named

Links

Author’s Website : www.cassandraclare.com

Amazon : pre-order hardback

Add To Your GoodReads TBR List

This book in 6 words:

I didn’t want it to end

Why did I read this? And am I glad I did?

I instantly signed up for this ARC tour via Traveling ARC Tours and did a happy dance when I saw that not only did I get on it… but I was the first to receive it! I have not read the Mortal Instruments series. I wanted to. I just kept putting it off. Then when I found out that I was going to get to read this, I decided to see if it was true that you could enjoy it without having read the other series. And I did!! WOW!! It has been a long time since I have stopped reading and took a second to stress about how much I didn’t want the book to end. Needless to say, I have terrible P.A.B.D..

This book had amazing characters, creative mythology, a mystery that I could not (correctly) figure out, action and even a nice touch of romance. I really enjoyed the writer’s style and even though I wasn’t going to mark favorite quotes, I ended up writing down 15 pages to return to. I giggled, laughed out loud, gasped, and teared up. While I’m not a fan of cliffhanger endings, this was more than worth it! I will be buying this book when it comes out.

Brief Summary

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.

- via GoodReads.com

Plot/Pacing/Writing Style

As someone who hasn’t read The Mortal Instruments series, I was unfamiliar with Shadowhunters and Downworlders. I was not at all confused while reading this. Everything was explained as Tessa learned about it and I was fascinated by the world Clare has created. There seems to be quite a bit of real mythology and history mixed in with new ideas. The overall story and mystery was fantastic! You think you have it all figured out, but you probably don’t. There are also some deeper trust, friendship, and love issues thrown in with the action and mystery.

The pacing was very well-done. At 478 pages this was not small book, but I read it all in one day and not once did I feel bored or wished it would hurry up. I had to stop and slow myself down at points near the end because I wanted to make it last longer. There were some fantastic quotes and tons of literary references! I love when the main character is a reader and to have so many great quotes and references was a bibliophile’s dream.

Characters

Tessa is my current favorite leading lady. When we meet her she knows nothing of the Shadowhunter’s or magic and is much like other women of her time period (seemingly quiet and eager to please). Except she likes to read novels, which I guess isn’t something a “lady” did. However, as the story progresses we see her strengthen, show her intelligence, reply back with witty and sharp comments, and learn hard lessons in loyalty and love. I cannot wait to see how her story progresses!

The sidecharacters are no less amazing. As much as you sometimes hate him, I love Will. I want to know more about him and the way the story ends had me screaming a tad (silently because the hubs was sleeping next to me and doesn’t take kindly to me yelling at books at 2am). Will is funny, smart, brave, and an ass. Something has happened to him in his past making it nearly impossible for him to open himself up to anyone. Jem is quite the opposite. He is sweet, caring, and trusting. Not to say he doesn’t have secrets of his own. The other Shadowhunters and even some of the minor Downworlders were very well-written.

Favorite Quotes (NO spoilers)

I have far too many to list them all. I’ll list a few good ones and leave some to surprise you. I believe some of these are even tattoo worthy

“… let me give you a piece of advice. The handsome young fellow who’s trying to rescue you from a hideous fate is never wrong. Not even if he says the sky is purple and made of hedgehogs.”

“One must always be careful of books,” said Tessa, “and what is inside them, for words have the power to change us.”

“Inanimate objects are harmless indeed, Mr Mortmain. But one cannot say the same of the men who use them.”

The way it clung to him, showing the lines of him underneath – the ridges of hard muscle, the sharp line of collarbone, the Marks burning through like black fire – it made Tessa think of the way one might lay thin paper down over a brass engraving, brushing charcoal over it to bring the shape through.

Recommendations

If you like paranormal YA or even steampunk YA, PLEASE read this! You do not have to have read the other books by Cassandra Clare. If you liked the Mortal Instruments, I highly doubt I need to tell you to pick this up

Going Deeper – NO spoilers!

While I want to talk about some deeper issues involving spoilers, I won’t. Instead I’m just going to say that it always shocks me to see how women were treated (and expected to be treated) in historically set books. While this book placed some characters ahead of their time (women who fought like men?!), it dealt with the idea of a woman’s sole purpose being to take care of her husband and family. Even as someone whose mother stayed home, I cannot imagine that life for myself. I’ve always wanted to work and earn my own money. Many people tease the hubs and I because I don’t do his laundry (he doesn’t do mine) and we share cooking and cleaning. He knew I wasn’t a homemaker before he married