Overall: 5/5 Stars
Characters: 5/5
Setting: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Plot and Themes: 5/5
Awesomeness Factor: 5/5
Review in a Nutshell: Clockwork Angel is a fantastic introduction to a trilogy that will take over your life.

“Only the very weak-minded refuse to be influenced by literature and poetry.” 

// Content Warning: Violence, Death, (Drug) Addiction, Illness//

– Premise –

Clockwork Angel takes place in London, 1878, as Tessa Gray searches for her missing brother. However, her search brings her into the world of Shadowhunters, demons, warlocks, and vampires. 

“It is as great a thing to love as it is to be loved. Love is not something that can be wasted.” 

– Setting –

Cassandra Clare’s The Mortal Instruments series introduced me to the world of Shadowhunters, but this series takes it to the next level. I loved seeing how the Shadowhunter and Downworlder world worked in the 1800s. Also, I love the Victorian/Steampunk setting for this book. The two types of worlds and genre blend together beautifully and make for a fascinating setting. 

“One must always be careful of books,” said Tessa, “and what is inside them, for words have the power to change us.” 

– Writing –

Cassandra Clare’s writing is addictive. She writes with a mix of pretty prose and witty humor that keeps you glued to the pages. Her books never fail to make me laugh out loud. In addition to that, there’s also an immense amount of heart in this book. 

“There’s plenty of sense in nonsense sometimes, if you wish to look for it.” 

– Plot-

The plot is fast-paced, with plenty of action and adventure to turn the pages. There’s also a decent amount of angst and melodrama that sucked me in, and it never felt like it was too much (something I found myself thinking in her first series).

“If no one in the entire world cared about you, did you really exist at all?”

– Characters – 

I. Love. These. Characters. I just want to give them all a hug, and some chocolate. Admittedly, they can feel a bit similar to previous Cassandra Clare characters, but they’re much more well-rounded. This is also one of the rare series where I love the love triangle (yes, in case you were wondering– there is a love triangle). All three characters are so well developed, and there’s no fighting or arguing over who gets the girl. They all just want each other to be happy, even if it means they aren’t. It’s so pure and sweet and I love them all.

“It’s all right to love someone who doesn’t love you back, as long as they’re worth you loving them. As long as they deserve it.” 

– Conclusion –

Pros- Fantastic characters, amazing world, entertaining writing & plot
Cons- Honestly, my only cons are my feelings about the author (just look up Cassandra Clare controversies if you want to hear about them all)
Overall- 5/5 stars. 
Clockwork Angel is the first book in Cassandra Clare’s best series, by far. Full of humor, action, fantasy, and romance, you won’t want to put it down. 

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