Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices, Book 1)
Synopsis
Tessa was on her way to England to live with her only surviving relative, her brother, when she is kidnapped by the Dark Sisters. The sisters force Tessa to learn to shapeshift, a skill she had never known about, in hopes of keeping her brother safe from harm. However, she reaches her breaking point the day that she is told she will be marrying the mysterious and evil Magister. While trying to escape, she runs into Will, a local Shadowhunter and is taken into the Institute for her protection. Tessa must choose between taking up her new skills in order to rescue her brother or attempting to live a "normal" life again.
Review
I enjoyed the Clockwork Angel. I really appreciate the mystery surrounding Tessa's abilities and the possibilities of her journey to discover herself. A few of the elements feel a bit too similar the the Mortal Instruments series, but I believe that Tessa's adventures may be able to make this series stand out. If she doesn't loose herself in one of the boys. The boys (Will and Jem) simply felt a bit flat to me. The only interesting facet of Will (the typical bad boy with a tortured past and a heart of gold) is the mystery surrounding his decision to become a Shadowhunter. Jem is the victim of a debilitating condition, and doesn't manage to make much of an impression in this installment. However, Magnus Bane is a welcome returning character from the Mortal Instruments books, and I hope that we will see more of him as the series continues.
Some reviews have called the pacing in this book a bit slow. I don't agree, action starts in the first few pages, and there are several twists to keep you interesting in the plot. I had no problems continuing to read the story, and finished it the same evening that I started it. The book does leave the reader waiting for the next book, as very few of the questions posed are answered by the conclusion, which may be frustrating for some people.
My Recommendation
This is a great installment if you are a fan of the Mortal Instrument series, steampunk, or historical paranormal novels. Impatient readers may want to wait to read this novel until the next installment is published as it is a cliff hanger. I give it 4/5 - Wait for a sale/coupon.
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