Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Author: Cassandra Clare

Genre: Young Adult Fiction/ Steampunk

I’ve never read anything from the steampunk genre before and when I heard all the buzz surrounding Cassandra Clare’s book, I thought I’d give it a go. 

Clockwork Angel is the first installation in the Infernal Devices series, an extension from Clare’s popular Mortal Instrument series (which I’ve never read before). I read somewhere that it was okay to pick up Clockwork Angel even if you’ve never read any of her earlier series, so that’s just what I did. 

The book tells the story of Tessa who travels to England during the Victorian era to join her brother after the untimely death of her aunt. Upon reaching her destination, she is taken against her will by ‘the dark sisters’ who claimed that they have abducted Tessa’s brother as well. 

As a prisoner of ‘the dark sisters’, Tessa is exposed to a talent that she was never aware she had and another world where vampires, warlocks and demons existed. She is however rescued by the Shadowhunters who offer her safe refuge until her brother is found. 

Whilst under the protection of the Shadowhunters, Tessa finds herself attracted and torn (Surprise! Surprise!) between two friends, Jem and Will who have completely opposite characters. 

Clockwork Angel was quite an enjoyable read in terms of the adventure. It was filled with machines, warlocks and demons but the characters in the book failed to engage me. I thought Tessa’s character was not strong enough and thus I did not find her appealing. As for the romance bit, it was sort of predictable. The minute they introduced both Jem and Will, I knew she’d be attracted to both of them.   

What I really liked about the book though was the mix of magic and machines. I may pick up the second installment of this book but it would be more for the adventure rather than the romance. I did enjoy reading a book from the steampunk genre and hope to read more of it. So, if you have recommendations, do list them out for me. 

XOX,