Clockwork Angel - Cassandra Clare

Young Adult
Pages: 496
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Release Date: August 31, 2010

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: James, 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.

The Shadowhunter world Cassie has created goes beyond any other paranormal world I've read. I'm glad she has stuck with it and all her books scheduled will be set in our now familiar setting. The tension and action in her books are unique, and even though her descriptions are sometimes overdone, they also help keep the world/downworld vivid and clear. Clockwork Angel is no exception. Set in 18th century London, this new adventure smoothly balances the urban fantasy with the historical setting to create a new phenomenal start to a new trilogy (The Infernal Devices).

I did feel that Clare repeated the exact same formula she used in Mortal Instruments. From the misunderstood, rude male lead to the pace of the plot, and even the love-related cliff hanger ending. Even though this time, I found Will obnoxious and unbearable. Yes, I know he's hiding something and he needs someone who understands him... blah, blah. But he lacks the spark and wittiness that Jace had. So this time, unlike most of you and, even though I know I'll be disappointed, I'm Team Jem! He's sweet, mature, steady and needs someone there for him too. I also loved how most characters were related or ancestors of Mortal Instruments characters! And the cover? Clare's covers are some of the most gorgeous attention-grabbing covers I've ever seen.

Overall, a MUST READ for everyone, because no one does fantasy-meets-reality and brings us all supernatural creatures together like Cassandra Clare does.

Check out the Trailer, released yesterday! HERE!

Goodreads / Amazon