Review: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

3 oatmeal butterscotch chip cookies.

Cover Love: Yes. I do love it and the guy looks just the kind I would go for!

Why I Wanted to Read This:
I loved the Mortal Instruments series. This prequel looked like one I would really enjoy. Here's the synopsis from Good Reads:

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.

I Kept Reading Because:
One of the students from my school read it recently and raved about it, clamoring for the sequel, so, I wanted to get this finished before the second one, Clockwork Prince, came out. Also, Venessa from S&S sent it to me and I wanted to finish it in good faith for her!

Romance?: The start of one, or two.

What I Liked (& Didn't):

This was a book of quarters. The first quarter was very intense and had a lot of action. The second one was kind of slow moving and that didn't really pick up till the middle of the third quarter. Then it stayed intense until the end. I had a hard time getting past the slow part!

There were a few times I didn't really like Tessa and by the end, I really didn't like Will. I am really hoping that the second one gives us more answers as to why Will is how he is, because I do not find myself rooting for him!

There were a few really well written twists that I didn't see coming. I always like that.

I was glad to see some strong changes in Tessa and I hope she continues to embrace her power and grow with it. I really liked her power!

I would like to see a few of the other characters fleshed out more. Some back stories for them anyway.

To Sum Up:
I didn't feel this was as a strong as The Mortal Instruments books, however, it was a good start to the series. I am sure the second one will be a much more engrossing read!

Book sent from S&S. (I also bought a copy for my library!)