Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Hello Everyone,

Today I am reviewing Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare. Please note that I will spoil some things in the book, so I suggest reading the book before reading this review. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. 

OVERVIEW: Tessa Grey is an American girl coming from New York to London in search of her brother. Things apparently go wrong from the onset. Her brother, Nathaniel, isn't there and she is taken by the Dark sisters. She learns fairly quickly that there is a whole new world she didn't know about. Where terms like Downworlders, Nephilim and Shadowhunters are commonly used. Her path will cross with that of the Shadowhunters and with them she will figure what happened to her brother, but like always there is something lurking behind the scenes. 

REVIEW: The cast of characters like in any of Cassandra Clare’s books are utterly compelling and you get attached to them almost right away. In Clockwork Angel there is an induced a sense of old-world glamour that was Victorian London. I appreciate all of the work Cassandra Clare put into this theme, having researched this era for years in order to write this book. I thank her for spending the time to do this, as it made the book spectacular.

Tessa Grey is the character who is newly introduced into the Shaddowhunter world. Her personality reflects one of a proper lady in the 1800s: well-mannered, gracious, courteous, deferential, modest and kind. It was a wonderful experience to watch her evolve throughout the novel into a courageous and stronger person, one who was willing to put her life on the line to protect those who she cares most about. I am awaiting the further books in order to see if she continues her quick witted verbal remarks and comments whilst also learning to use weaponry to defend herself.

Will Herondale is the Institutes scoundrel with a credible heart of gold. As well as being very handsome, he is cold, sarcastic and distressed – although the reader is able to get a small glimpse of his passionate, softer and kind personality. He is absolutely hilarious, half of my favourite quotes from the book are from his character. It was nice to see that Casandra Clare has continued to add humour throughout her novels. Jem Carstairs on the other hand is caring, warm and understanding – yet has been burdened with a heartbreaking circumstance. He is a pure example of being inflicted with cruelty and brutality. What I loved about Jem, as well as other characters in this novel was that they each had some form of secret or curse which made them into the character that they are.

What makes Cassandra Clares books so successful is that her stories never revolve solely on just one female and male lead. This is to illustrate that there is more going on than just romance within her world. There is always a large cast of characters that contribute to the plot, and the way in which they act gives other characters further complexity and personality. 

The plot to Clockwork Angel is thrilling, marvellous and hilarious. With just enough twist and turns, the novel is spectacular. The combination in which Cassandra Clare has composed – including the quests within the Victorian period is just amazing. The way in which she has presented this story is perfect, having both being character and plot driven, both done marvellously well. 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. I eagerly await reading the next instalment to the series: Clockwork Prince and am happy to say that this series has made a very good first impression.

OVERALL RATING:

★★★★★ 

Five Stars