Clockwork Angel

“Magic is dangerous–but love is more dangerous still.”

Clockwork Angel is the start of the prequel series, Infernal Devices, to Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instrument series. I bought this book eReader wise early this January, and I have to say, it's a definite wonderful read! Clare takes her readers back in time to the Victorian Era, with descriptive writing and conflicts existing in the time of Victorian Era, such as the struggle for the women Shadowhunters to be proper young ladies and women that society demands while balancing the Shadowhunters' need for strong fighters.

The main protagonist, Tessa Gray, travels to London to visit her brother Nathaniel; but as the ship docks, she is kidnapped by two women, also known as the ‘Dark Sisters.' Terrified, confused, and worn out, she is rescued by two Shadowhunters: Will and Jem. They take her to the London Institute, where Tessa learns that her powers are different, otherworldly...and that there is a world within the world, a battle ready to start; and Tessa is in the middle.

In Clockwork Angel, you can see that Cassandra had changed her writing a little bit, to fit in with the mannerisms and beliefs of the Victorian Era. The speech, actions...everything is more refined. But even so, Cassandra managed to sneak in some dark humor and action scenes. And of course, the hazy, mysterious background of Will and Jem - which are bound to become bigger issues in the Clockwork Prince, the sequel to Clockwork Angel - that keeps readers entranced and entertained.

When I first picked up this book however, I was a bit skeptical. I generally have an aversion to reading books set in a different period of time from the original series, because I've already developed an attachment to the original characters. All I can say is, I definitely loved TID more then TMI. Not only the plot, but also the characters. The characters themselves are engaging, from dark-humoured William Herondale to high-strung Jessamine Lovelace. The interaction between characters, especially Tessa, Will, and Jem. You can't help but feel for all of them, in different ways.

Through this book, you will find spine-racking battles, intriguing mysteries, and a twist at the end, that tells you that the book is only the beginning. This book will certainly leave readers impatient for the sequel!