Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

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. 

-Published August 31st 2010 by Margaret K. McElderry

Food to Eat While Reading: Deceptively Devilish Pops 

Deceptively Devilish Pops
from The 2012 Book Blogger's Cookbook

This prequel trilogy to Cassandra Clare's other books can be read by itself without any prior knowledge of the world.  Those who have read the other novels will delight in the allusions and revelations of how things came to be.

This book is a bit dark and there are a few scenes I'd rather skip over, but all in all, the book is a clean adventure romance. 

Set in London, this steampunk fantasy pulls you into the inner workings of secret societies. 

Tessa's relationships with Will and Jem are exciting to follow.  Will is secretive and conflicted, while Jem is sweet and understanding. 

The story played out in my mind like a movie.  I could see the clockwork army and the vampire claves with vivid intensity.  Cassandra Clare has a way of making me feel like I'm really there. 

Tessa's character arch is fascinating.  As she finds out more about herself she changes and grows.  I am interested to see how she progresses in the rest of the trilogy.  

Dark shadows and secret societies inhabit this stunning beginning of a brand new adventure, romance from bestselling author Cassandra Clare.