Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

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.  (back cover comments via Amazon)

Since the back cover does this book much justice I will try not to summarize the story. 

After extremely enjoying the Mortal Instruments Series –TMI – (featured at the bottom, well done YA, draw to the characters, action-packed) by Cassandra Clare, I was desperately awaiting the release of Clockwork Angel.  This is the first book in the new series, Infernal Devices; which is a Victorian Era Steampuck spin off from the TMI series.  Set a little less than 150 years prior, we have cross over of heritages of some of our characters in the TMI series.  

I had a slow start to this book for me, since it’s not a continuation of TMI, I understood that Clare had to set up the book, which is a recap to what we learned previously.  As soon as the action started it picked right up for me.  I was thoroughly back in the Shadowhunter/Downworld realm that Clare designed for us. 

She has an unusual knack for twisting the story and I can’t wait to follow along, try to figure it out, and reach the end as I read her stories.(all a good thing)  I was immersed in suspense from about midway through.  Who will the Magister be, Who will find Tessa’s heart, all questions I wanted to know. 

As you can see, Clare kept me involved in the book.  Tessa, our main character, is era specific, yet we can still relate to her.  Of course, she is an avid reader, so she won my vote.  Our new friends, James and Will, will be exciting to watch as the series develops. 

Ultimately – I liked it, I gave it 3 slices and I’m waiting for her next in this and the TMI series.  

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City of Ashes, City of Bones, City of Glass