Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Received: Bought
Publication Date: August 31st 2010
Publisher: Simon & Schuster, Margaret K. McElderry
Genres & Themes: YA, Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Vampires, Demons, Witches, Conspiracy, Steampunk, Dark, Friendship, Romance
BLURB:
In a time when Shadowhunters are barely winning the fight against the forces of darkness, one battle will change the course of history forever. Welcome to the Infernal Devices trilogy, a stunning and dangerous prequel to the New York Times bestselling Mortal Instruments series.
The year is 1878. Tessa Gray descends into London’s dark supernatural underworld in search of her missing brother. She soon discovers that her only allies are the demon-slaying Shadowhunters—including Will and Jem, the mysterious boys she is attracted to. Soon they find themselves up against the Pandemonium Club, a secret organization of vampires, demons, warlocks, and humans. Equipped with a magical army of unstoppable clockwork creatures, the Club is out to rule the British Empire, and only Tessa and her allies can stop them….
REVIEW:
When people ask me ”Who is your favorite author?” I never know exactly what answer to offer. I very much enjoy reading L.J. Smith’s books. But C.S. Pacat is my favorite M/M author! And let’s not forget how amazing J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series is. Oh, and have you heard of Kiera Cass? She wrote such a swoon-worthy love story! And Eliza Crewe, Leigh Bardugo, Laini Taylor and Marissa Meyer are all new favorite authors of mine.
Nonsense. No need to be torned ever again.
Cassandra Clare…is, to me, an incredible and worth knowing author. She seems to be possessing such an overflowing with imagination and ideas and originality mind. And she simply knows how to create endearing and filled with chemistry relationships, romantic or not. Plus, you know how sometimes you read scenes in a book and you feel like they aren’t clear or so poorly contextualized that the author’s words are sadly hard to follow? Well that never happens with this author. And, hell! she switched from urban fantasy to historical fiction + fantasy + steampunk with perfection!
It’s crazy, so to speak, how interesting I find her characters to read about. They’re not just fantastically created and developped beings. They’re always more than that and, often, they will reach out to the deepest parts inside you…and make you realize some things you never have before and open your eyes on others. I don’t know how she does it. What I do know though is that she has a great talent and that is something I very strongly believe and will not let someone convince me on thinking otherwhise. It’s how it should always go, anyway. You appreciate, admire, love or even crave something? Don’t let anyone destroy that feeling. Because it is true and powerful.
I fervently and judiciously thought about it and…I did not quite prefer this impressive series to The Mortal Instruments one. You see, I simply think that they’re both very different stories. This one, for instance, contains a variety of new original characters and elements that we do not see featured in the other series…and that’s great. I mean, I LOVED this book. But, I still am deeply smitten with Alec & Magnus as a couple and this beautiful couple in question is (unfortunately yet understandably) not present in Clockwork Angel. Magnus Bane is in fact my all-time favorite book character (which one is yours?) Certainly, this book gave me some background story on him and made me learn new things about his character, but he still is more present in The Mortal Instruments nonetheless which is something that I cannot forget. (Very awe moment from this book: Remember when Magnus says: ”Black hair and blue eyes are my favorite combination.” That…drives you right to Alec Lightwood. It earnestly made me sigh with love and contentment.)
Oh Jem, Jem, Jem…isn’t he a lovely, swoon-worthy character?
All beautiful art works were taken here.
Though I enjoyed her TMI series a bit more than this one, I can’t help but share your sentiments about Clare. I don’t care what anyone says about her seemingly one-trick-pony type of writing prowess, to me, she can write a hundred books in this world, and I’ll love them regardless.
LikeLike
Right? Me too! I’ll love this author forever, even though her ”Iron Trial” or something book MEH, I thought it was boring and too similar to HP 😛
LikeLike
So beautiful! I haven’t read any books by the author but I keep hearing so much about her… I really need to try one of her books one day. I’m glad this one was so good! Great review! Merry Chrismas!
LikeLike
You must, you must, you must! ;D I think you would LOVE it! Merry belated Christmas!!
LikeLike
Beautiful Review! I love TID so much (especially the second book).
Haha that Magnus comment-foreshadowing. But black and blue really is an amazing combination.
LikeLike
Thank you so much, Anna 😀 Aaah, can’t wait to read it then!! hahahah, I love Magnus. ^_^ And, yes, I agree!
LikeLike
I am so happy you read and loved this! This is my favorite series by Clare. I love the artwork you posted, very pretty!
Merry Christmas, I hope you have a magical day!
LikeLike
Thank you! The art work is so so gorgeous! I keep admiring it *.* Ah, so happy to hear you love this series too! Merry belated Christmas!
LikeLike
YAY I’m glad you loved it! All the art images are really beautiful. And YES. Jem is so beautiful. Such a beautiful soul and a beautiful person ❤ Merry Christmas 🙂
LikeLike
JEM! ❤ Aww, what you said was really sweet and true. If there's one word that qualifies him, it's ''beautiful'' ^_^ Merry belated Christmas!!
LikeLike
I can’t believe I still haven’t caught up with these. And they’re sitting here right on my Kindle. I need to find more time!!!! Gorgeous pics!
LikeLike
OMG, nooo. What is wrong with you? 😀 And with me, for not reading this sooner?? It was amazing!!
LikeLike
I am so glad you enjoyed this story. This trilogy is an absolute favorite of mine. I can’t wait till you read clockwork angel. It is brilliant!
LikeLike
Clockwork Prince, you mean? 😉 I can’t wait too! After I finish City of Fallen Angels, I guess. Oh and probably Willwood Dancing since I really want to read that one. Anyway, thank you 😀
LikeLike
YAY, LOLA LOVED THIS ONE!!!!!!!!!!! There are so many connections between TID and TMI. Gahhh I love Cassie Clare and her books too. I just love the romance, the setting, the pretty writing, the characters, EVERYTHING about this series. Enjoy the rest of them!! Phenomenal review, girly <33
LikeLike
YEAAAH! Camille, for instance! And I loved to see ”the beginnings” of the shadowhunters – well, in Tessa’s eyes that is. I think it all started way way back. EVERYTHING was amazing!! Thank you ❤
LikeLike
So glad you loved this one, I did too! I love Cassandra Clare’s writing style & stories. Magnus is one of my favorite characters, too! Ooh love the art works — gorgeous!! Great post!!
LikeLike
Yes! 😀 I’m happy to hear that! I must admit that sometimes CC’s writing is just ”okay” but her descriptions super good. Thank you!
LikeLike
I read Clockwork Angel, but just haven’t finished the other two in the series. Plus I’ve never read TMI. Hahaha yeah I know, I am behind. I really loved Clockwork Angel though! I don’t know why I haven’t continued. Hm.
LikeLike
OH MY GOD. TMI is that best! Although many seem to think this series is. YOU HAVE TO MEET MALEC! Hmmm, reading TMI shall be a resolution for 2015 ;D
LikeLike
Wonderful review^^ I’ve read TMI series (all except the last one which I NEED to get my hands on already) but I still haven’t gotten into CC’s TID series here. From what I hear, most people love this one even more than TMI! I’m glad to see you found them equally worthy of love (hehe) and that you enjoyed the first installment here…I can’t wait to see how you’ll do with the other two books 😀 Thanks for stopping by my blog btw and following! I’ve already follow you back 🙂 Happy reading and happy new year!!
LikeLike
Aaah, I understand. Apparently, it’s a REALLY good conclusion to the series. And a lot of Malec involves, I think? Anyhow, I can’t wait too and read The Bane Chronicles as well! Gooosh, so many books. Thank you! And for visiting back too! Happy New Year!!
LikeLike
Egh, I don’t even know why I am waiting. I need to read this ><
LikeLike