Author: Cassandra Clare
Title: Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices, #1)
Other Titles in Series: Prequel to The Mortal Instruments
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Release Date: 31st August 2010
Narration: Jennifer Ehle
Ratings:
Story: 5 Stars (I loved it!!!)
Narration: 4.5 Stars (Fantastic to listen to!!!)Â
Publisher’s Summary:
Magic is dangerous—but love is more dangerous still.
When 16-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.
My Review:
Let me just start by saying that this is probably my favourite book by Cassie so far. I am sure that that opinion will change once I have completed the Clockwork Prince however I am currently only on Chapter 5 of it.
What a stunningly beautiful world Cassie has creating in this Victorian prequel to her best selling, award winning series the Mortal Instruments. The streets of London have never seemed more appealing than in this beautifully crafted tale of love, loss and betrayal.
Tessa Gray, arrives in London a normal girl who expects more than to meet up with her brother, and live a normal victorian woman’s life.
This is all turned upside down when she is taken prisoner by two unusual women, who call themselves the Dark sisters. They claim to have imprisoned Tessa’s brother, and tell her that if she does not do what they instruct they will kill him. They show Tessa that she has an amazing gift, the ability to shape change, and they train her how to utilise this ability during her captivity.
Just as the Dark sisters are preparing Tessa for the mysterious Magister, Tessa is rescued by the Shadow Hunters of London, led by the smart mouthed quick witted and devastatingly handsome Will Herondale, and is given refuge in the London Institute.
This is where the fun really begins, as the Shadow Hunters led by the amazing Charlotte Branwell, endeavour to discover who the Magister is and what he wants from Tessa.
I loved all of the characters in this story, and could not at this stage decide between the two main love interests, Will and Jem, if my life depended on it. I love Will’s passion, and quick wit, but I love Jem’s sincerity, loyalty, strength. Tessa is one of my favourite YA Heroines to date. She is strong, brave and honest, and overcomes enormous obstacles to find her brother. Despite all that she is put through in this book, she still manages to love those important to her, even if they hurt her. She is an amazingly strong girl, particularly in an era when women were not supposed to be forthright and open, and when the were supposed to be demure and placid.
And as for romance, WHOA, the scene in the attic between Tessa and Will is AMAZING!!! Who could have guessed that the removal of a glove could be so sensual.
This story is a  little darker than the Mortal Instruments series, but it is not a bad thing. It helps create the atmosphere of the Industrial London of the Victorian Era, which is part of what make this such a successful Steampunk novel.
The Narration was great, but did get a little bit grating when the characters were supposed to be yelling or screaming, but over all it was well done.
While I love the Mortal Instruments Series, the Infernal Devices just take my love that one step further. Cassie has created a masterpiece in the story, and I am desperate to find out how this story progresses and eventually ends, and as we all well know with Ms Clare, none of our be loved characters are ever entirely safe.
I will be continuing listening to Clockwork Prince over the next few days, so stay tuned for my non spoilery review.
If you haven’t read the Clockwork Angel yet, I say what the heck are you waiting for, get out there and get in now, as it is the perfect time to discover the realm of the Shadow Hunting Nephilum and Downworlders. It is one of my favourite books of all time.Â