Magic is dangerous—but love is more dangerous still. 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.
No matter how many books I read that Cassandra Clare wrote I'm still surprised at how quickly she is able to draw me in. It is without a doubt a gift she has and I'm grateful for it. I wasn't sure how the Infernal Devices series would match up to the Mortal Instruments. But after finishing this opener, I think I might actually be leaning towards this new series. I found myself invested in all the characters this time around instead of just one or two.
No two are alike and I loved them all. The villains were perfectly awful, the surprise twists were unexpected, and the good guys had me rooting for them every step of the way. The reappearance of old friends like Magnus Bane was a fun addition and the new central cast of characters hooked me for sure. Tessa, Will and Jem are of course my new favorites, but I also loved learning more about those in the background like Sophie, Agatha and Thomas. Everyone had me interested and I couldn't wait to learn more.
Obviously if readers love the premise and Shadowhunter world from the Mortal Instruments series, there will be no question that they'll still be enchanted this time around. We get a little more information on their ways, and the central family names. The Lightwoods and Herondales piqued my curiosity to a record high. The pace was as quick as always and I turned the pages as fast as I could. The battles maybe could have lasted a little longer but the last one still had me reeling. I'm without a doubt anxious for the sequel, The Clockwork Prince, to hit the shelves. Hopefully December will come quickly and I'll have an awesome surprise waiting for me under the Christmas tree.
I gave The Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices, #1) 4 shamrocks!!!!
I'm reading this one right now, and I'm so hooked! Glad to hear that you liked it. :)
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