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Review by Red Rose for The Infernal Devices 1: Clockwork Angel
(5 / 5)
Rating:
“Clockwork Angel” is the first of a new series of books called “The Infernal Devices,” which is set in London during the Victorian Period and acts a kind of Prequel to the Mortal Instruments Trilogy. Though it’s probably recommended to read The Mortal Instruments first before reading this, you don’t have to since the two story-lines don’t interweave in any way and the fantasy elements are explained really clearly again in the first few chapters of the book.
The plot revolves around Tessa Gray, a sixteen-year-old girl, who journeys from New York to London to live with her older brother Nathaniel, after the death of her Aunt, her one sole guardian. However on arriving she is meet by the strange and mysterious Dark Sisters and their coachman who insist that they were sent by her brother to collect her and it soon turns out that the sisters have a terrible fate in store for Tessa. They keep her prisoner while trying to train her to harness a unique power that she never knew she had, a power that makes her one of the most hunted people in the city. Soon Tessa is introduced to the Downworld of London, a place of warlocks, fey, vampires, werewolves and of course the Shadowhunters, a group of warriors whom she later seeks refuge with.
Cassandra Clare is quickly becoming my favorite author and with her latest book, it’s not hard to see why. As all her books, “Clockwork Angel” is highly addictive. The plot is engrossing and filled with so many unexpected twists that you don’t expect, none of which I want to give away. The fantasy elements are also really well done, so that it still fits within the realistic setting of Victorian London and doesn’t become too overwhelming but the best part of the book has to be the characters. Clare has a wonderful talent in making you love and care for her characters in only a couple of chapters. All of them are fleshed out, with secrets, histories and motives for everything they do, even the minor characters all have an important part to play but each uniquely different. The most infuriating character of all has to be the handsome yet morally corrupt Will Herondale, who is similar to Jace, since Clare has raised so many questions about his elusive past and motives. One of the biggest mysteries which I look forward to seeing revealed is that of Tessa who is also a very likable and believable heroine who though strong and brave also likes to fantasize about her most loved novels and characters as plenty of teenage girls would do.
I also love the way Clare develops romance in her novels sine it is not cliched or quick with an instant connection with first sight, rather more, it develops slowly so that it becomes believable. Being the first book, there is some romantic elements but the characters are developing more as friends
Clare paints the time period nicely as well, though don’t count on it being very geographically accurate, as there is more emphasis on atmosphere that she evokes of the setting rather than the historical facts. The writing is also well done and improves with each novel she writes though the novel really primarily is a work of YA fiction.
So if you’re looking for a fun light read and well-written escapism fiction then this really is the book. Just sit back, relax and have enjoy reading it.
Review by Samantha Lockett for The Infernal Devices 1: Clockwork Angel
(5 / 5)
Rating:
I do not mind admitting that when Clockwork Angel came through the letterbox, I indulged in a dance of joy. As the prequel to The Mortal Instruments series, I was expecting more of the same and on first glance it looked like I’d get it. The heroine is a teenage girl with unknown powers; one of the Shadowhunters is a wisecracking, reckless, not to mention, seriously good-looking teenage boy. But new character Tessa Gray is not Clary, and Will, despite sharing many of the same characteristics, is not Jace. The biggest difference is the setting. Whereas the Mortal Instruments was largely set in modern-day New York, Clockwork Angel is immersed in the shadowy grime of Victorian London. Clare evokes the city with wonderful, atmospheric detail, making it less a backdrop and more of a character in its own right. Her writing style, previously a little guilty of too many forced similes, is much more controlled in this book. The literary references, from Blake to Dickens, add to a feeling that this London is heightened, more fantastical, and all together darker.
Clare has a knack for creating interesting and believable characters and there are many here – Institute leader Charlotte and her inventor husband Henry, the spoilt Jessamine, and the lovely, mysterious Jem (best friend of Will and other love interest of Tessa) – who will surely be fleshed out in the next two volumes. The best characters, however, are the truly gruesome Dark Sisters…
Being vague is necessary at the point as I do not wish to give any of the plot away. Let’s just say that there are battles, embraces, horse chases and, for fans new and old, one Magnus Bane. Highly recommended!
Review by DeeBee for The Infernal Devices 1: Clockwork Angel
(5 / 5)
In the meantime we have City of Fallen Angels (Mortal Instruments) to look forward to and the ultimate linking up of the two series. I can’t recommend this one enough to all fans of the likes of Twilight (Twilight Saga) but I would advise reading City of Bones (Mortal Instruments) City of Ashes (Mortal Instruments)City of Glass: Mortal Instruments, Book 3 (The Mortal Instruments) first, enjoy!
Rating:
I waited with bated breath for this book to come out and I have to say, it was worth the wait. I really enjoyed City of Bones (Mortal Instruments) series but I think this book is even better. I loved the setting and the characters, the plot was a little silly but this is so character driven it was not a big issue. Clockwork Angel seemed very well researched and worked brilliantly as an historical piece. I was so sad to finish, knowing I have to wait FOREVER for the next installment
Review by Mrs. Kl Connor for The Infernal Devices 1: Clockwork Angel
(5 / 5)
Rating:
I was offered this book last week for review by the publishers and the mere thought of receiving it filled me with excitment. Now have since received (mega mega excited) and read the book I can honestly say it met and exceeded all of my expectations. Put simply this book rocks.
I have only just recently got into Cassandra Clare having only just read the first book in the Mortal Instruments triology. I did think it was possible but I think probably love this series even more.
First off the historian in me loved the setting of this book. I loved the fact that it was so victorian, complete with the dingy streets and rubbish weather.Ii also loved the fact that it was researched well and that you could imagine it actually having happened. I kept expecting Jack the Ripper to pop up and get a royal butt kicking from Will. I loved the fact that poor Tessa was so horrified (as a proper victorian lady would) that Charlotte wore trousers and that Sophie, a mere servant, spoke back to Will.
Tessa as a character grows on you. I’m sure she will be compared to Clary and it’ll be argued that she isn’t as fiesty. My argument would be that she comes from a completely different world in which women are expected to be the perfect ladies and the thought that she would even back chat someone would be scandalous. I liked seeing how she comes out of the shell as the book progresses and can see much promise for the character as she grows into the person she is finally going to be.
As with Mortal Instruments there are a host of other characters who draw you in. Will and Jem are very much a double act who you can’t help but love. Charlotte and Henry are also wonderfully endearing as Leaders of the institute. I loved the parts when Charlotte goes wading in with the boys in the middle of the fights Sally Lockhart stylee.
I found the whole notion of clockwork soldirs extremely creepy (in my head all I kept imagining were the Clockwork manequins out of doctor who) the whole notion freaked me out somewhat and made from brilliant reading when they were involved in any fights.
The final battle of the story was gripping. Without giving anything away I didn’t see any of the twists or surprises coming and thought the outcome set up the charcaters brilliant for the next book in the series.
All in all an excellent book which I encourage you to read even if you haven’t read mortal instruments. Although the book is a prequel apart from brief references nothing crosses over yet – I am hoping they might in the future. I literally cannot wait for the next one!!
http://overflowinglibrary.blogspot.com
Review by Steven R. McEvoy for The Infernal Devices 1: Clockwork Angel
(5 / 5)
Rating:
This is the first novel in a new series by award winning author Cassandra Clare. This series is written as a prequel to the Mortal Instruments series. Her first book, City of Bones was nominated, short listed or won 17 awards. It is also the first of her novels I have read. She is often asked if people should read the Mortal Instruments or the Infernal Devices books first. She states, and I believe, it does not matter.
This story is set in London in 1878; it revolves around three main characters, and their involvement with our world and a supernatural world. Our main character is Tessa Gray, a young woman who has just journeyed to London to connect with her brother, originally from New York. She arrives to be absconded by the Dark Sisters, who are training her in a talent she never knew she had. The other two main characters are Jem (James) Corstairs and Will (William) Herondale, both of whom belong to a group known as Shadowhunters. They help defend humans from those who are downworlders and demons. Downworlders are all of those creatures on earth who are not human – vampires, werewolves, warlocks, fairies and more. Set as part of a historic conflict between good and evil, the Shadowhunters have stood between mankind and slavery or destruction for generations.
The story is incredibly well written. The reader becomes transported back in time and into the city of London. As the story progresses, you find yourself thinking about it again and again. The characters and the story will just not leave your thoughts. At one point early in the story Tessa declares: “One must always be careful of books, and what is inside them, for words have the power to change us.” That really is true of all good books. The reader comes away changed – changed either in their outlook on the world, their philosophy, or even in their intentions towards their fellow humans. This book does that. The reader will see the battle between light and darkness differently. They will look at the world around them differently and wonder if what they are seeing is really real, or just seems to be real.
Prior to reading this book I had only read two short stories by Cassandra Clare. I enjoyed both but this novel shows the skill and power over words that Cassandra Clare has. It was an incredible novel and I now plan on reading all of her other books.