Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Clockwork Angel


In Clockwork Angel, Cassandra Clare continues crafting her world of fantasy, one filled with demons, vampires, warlocks and humans alike. A prequel to her first trilogy, The Mortal Instruments series, the story is set in England during a time when young ladies were deemed fit only to hide behind layers upon layers of fine cloth and to sit pretty. The main character, Tessa, is no exception to the rules of that era; baffled by the odd behaviors of a group of warriors who call themselves Shadowhunters. On a trip to meet her brother in London, Tessa soon uncovers a power she never knew she had and a world she never knew existed.

Clare takes the reader on an action filled journey, with surprising twists weaved in as Tessa looks for her brother and tries to discover her own history. The reader will also come across familiar characters from The Mortal Instruments series and recognize certain surnames along the way.

Clare’s characters and storyline are easy to follow and understand; good for an afternoon of fantasy filled adventure. Each chapter is accompanied by a quote from a poem that Tessa would be familiar with, and accordingly, suits the chapter as well. I look forward to reading book two in the new Clare trilogy, The Infernal Devices.

“ ‘Not human?’ said an unfamiliar female voice. ‘Well, if she isn’t human, Enoch, what is she?’ The voice sharpened in impatience. ‘What do you mean, you don’t know? Everyone’s something. This girl can’t be nothing at all….’ “