Clockwork Angel

by Cassandra Clare
Clockwork Angel cover
Good Books rating 3.93
Fantasy
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  • ID: 6929
  • Added: 2025-12-06
  • Updated: 2025-12-06
  • ISBN: 9781442409460
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2010-08-31
  • Reviews: 3

When Tessa Gray arrives in London to find her missing brother, she is thrust into a world of supernatural creatures and dark secrets. Kidnapped by the sinister Pandemonium Club, she learns she possesses a rare ability to transform into others, making her a target for the Magister's sinister plans. Seeking refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, Tessa finds herself drawn to two enigmatic brothers, James and Will, each harboring their own dangerous secrets. As they delve deeper into a plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa must navigate her growing feelings and make a choice that could change the course of history. /n/nSet against the backdrop of Victorian London, Clockwork Angel is a thrilling blend of magic, romance, and adventure. The novel introduces readers to a richly imagined world of steam-powered machinery and arcane magic, where the line between friend and foe is often blurred. With its compelling characters and intricate plot, this prequel to the Mortal Instruments series is a must-read for fans of fantasy and historical fiction.

Reviews
Reddit - YAlit · 2025-12-06
good 3.50

The character work is excellent, and the pacing is solid, though it slows down a bit after a compelling beginning. The reviewer found the story engaging overall.

The reviewer praised the excellent character development in 'Clockwork Angel,' which made the story deeply engaging. They found the pacing to be solid, although it did slow down a bit after a compelling start. Despite this, the reviewer remained hooked and enjoyed the overall narrative. The blend of mystery, romance, and adventure was particularly appealing, and the atmospheric setting added to the reading experience. The reviewer appreciated the complexity of the plot and the unpredictable twists that kept them engaged.

Quick quotes

    Excellent character work, very solid pacing (though I think it was a little slow after a compelling beginning for a bit before I locked back in)

    The Victorian London setting is fun and atmospheric.

    The plot is complex and unpredictable.

Goodreads · 2025-12-06
excellent 4.30

This book is super compelling and better than entertaining. The characters and setting are well-developed, making it a captivating read.

The reviewer found 'Clockwork Angel' to be incredibly compelling, far surpassing mere entertainment. They appreciated the depth of the characters and the rich Victorian London setting, which added to the overall atmosphere of the story. The plot was engaging and kept them hooked throughout. The reviewer enjoyed the blend of mystery, romance, and adventure, making it a standout read. They highlighted the complexity of the characters and the unpredictable nature of the plot, which added layers to the narrative.

Quick quotes

    This book was better than entertaining - it was super compelling.

    I think it's chiefly because - if you have ever read a single one of my...

    The Victorian London setting is fun and atmospheric.

The Guardian · 2015-09-06
great 4.00

The book was a refreshing change focusing more on the supporting characters rather than the Shadowhunters themselves. The reviewer was blown away by the narrative and setting.

The reviewer was particularly impressed with how 'Clockwork Angel' shifted focus away from the typical Shadowhunters and delved deeper into the supporting characters. This approach added a fresh perspective to the story. They were blown away by the narrative, which they found engaging and well-crafted. The Victorian London setting was a highlight, providing a rich backdrop for the plot. The reviewer appreciated the complexity and unpredictability of the story, which kept them engaged throughout.

Quick quotes

    Clearing my mind, I delved into Clockwork Angel and I was blown away.

    I love how this book focused more on not Shadowhunters themselves, but...

    The Victorian London setting is fun and atmospheric.

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