Book Review: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

When orphan Tessa Gray arrives in London from New York, she expects to be met by her brother, Nate, and whisked into a new, happy life. Instead, she is kidnapped and held prisoner by the Dark Sisters. Somehow, the Dark Sisters knew what even Tessa didn't - that she is a Downworlder with the rare power to Change at will into another person. Coerced into learning to use her dark magic by threats on Nate's life, Tessa believes escape is impossible.

But when she is unexpectedly rescued on the same night it's revealed she's being groomed as the bride of a mysterious man known only as the Magister, Tessa finds herself entangled in a hidden world full of magic, demons, vampires, werewolves, and the descendents of angels that keep the Law - Shadowhunters. Tessa's rescuers are pale, ethereal Jem and dark, volatile Will. Both boys hide secrets from their past that Will is determined to keep locked away from Tessa.

Taken in by the Shadowhunters despite her Downworlder power, Tessa wants only one thing - to get Nate back from the clutches of the Dark Sisters. Working together with the Shadowhunters, she must untangle a web of Downworlder deception that only begins with the Dark Sisters. Battling a clockwork army, a coven of treacherous vampires, the mysterious Magister, and her growing feelings for Will, Tessa must decide who and what she wants to be - and if she really wants to uncover the dark secrets that lie hidden in her own family's past.

Cassandra Clare fans will recognize the 19th century version of Clary and Jace's world in this Mortal Instruments prequel that is every bit as fabulous as her first three books! Lush description of the London streets of Tessa's world, heart-pounding suspense and action, and the intertwined mysteries of who Tessa, Jem, Will and Nate really are will keep you turning the pages faster than a clockwork soldier can throw you through a wall - which is pretty creepily fast. And, best of all, a younger, still fabulous Magnus Bane graces the pages of Clockwork Angel!

Megan
(now reading The Eternal Ones by Kirsten Miller)