A review by thebalancedbookshelf
Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

As popular as this series and this world is I wasn’t convinced I would like it as much as everyone else. For some reason I felt like these books wouldn’t be that well written and I was completely wrong. 

From the first chapter I fell in love with this story. This being set in Victorian London really did a good job of winning me over. This holds a lot of the signature marks of fantasy books I am familiar with but in a way that was still refreshing and yet nostalgic. I did not see a lot of the twists happening and didn’t anticipate what was going to come next. 

This book starts off right away immersing you in the world and the magic. I loved learning with Tessa about the Shadowhunters and other Downworlders. I loved The Institute and each of the characters who inhabited it. I loved Tessa’s determination to find her brother and her willingness to do what was needed of her. I also enjoyed seeing her relationships grow especially because of her apprehension to this new life. 

Aside from the world building I loved the hints at possible relationships. I am a sucker for a good love triangle and I do feel like this series is going to go in that direction. The clear attraction of Tessa between Jem and Will is great and I know where it will end up but I am happy to go along for the ride. 

This book just really took me by surprise and swept me away. The writing was phenomenal and you forget while reading that this is a YA book and the characters are 17. I love when a book can really transport you into the world, and this one does that. I am definitely going to be continuing on and I can’t wait to see more from each of the characters.