Showing posts with label cassandra clare. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cassandra clare. Show all posts

Monday, 27 January 2014

The Infernal Devices: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare *Spoiler Free*


Title: 
Clockwork Angel

Author: 
Cassandra Clare
Series:
The Infernal Devices 
Book Number: 
1

Description: 
Magic is dangerous - but love is more dangerous still... When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray arrives in England during the reign of Queen Victoria, something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Friendless and hunted, Tessa seeks refuge with the Shadowhunters, a band of warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons. Drawn ever deeper into their world, she finds herself fascinated by - and torn between - two best friends, and quickly realizes that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.
Rating: 
**** 


While a little slow to start, I did enjoy the book. The first half was a slow read, but I found that with the first two of the Mortal Instruments as well. The first half, for me, was more about getting to know the characters which isn't nearly as fast paced or grabbing as the latter half in which you see some action. Had the entire book had the pacing of the last half, this would easily be 5 stars but because it was a little slow to start I've knocked off a point. 

There are characters that I both loved and loathed, but I like that. While the book is set in a place that is not only in the past but in a world that obviously doesn't exist it is the human characters and characteristics that make this relatable. There are just the right amount connections to a world people know, and some great connection to the shadow world we learnt about during the Mortal Instruments.

The writing is great, and the pacing is good. Even the slow section of this book is fast compared to others I have read. I managed this in about a week, which for a 400+ page book is good for me. I tend to be a slow reader, and my spare time is few and far between. 

If you haven't read this book,  I would suggest it. If you have check out my spoiler review and discussion. It will be up on Wednesday, so be sure to check back or here.

Wednesday, 22 January 2014

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare *Spoiler Review and Discussion*


So, today I have a review and discussion of Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare. The first book in The Infernal Devices series, with it being followed by Clockwork Prince and Clockwork Princess. If you haven't read this book check out my spoiler free review here and go have a read. It's a great book and world to dive into.

I found myself liking Will at the beginning, but from pages 200 onwards I am wondering why people seem to love him so much. While witty at points, and funny at first his harsh manner is something I really didn't like reading.

Jem was a favourite of mine in this book. I liked that we saw more of him as the book developed, and I feel like Clare really gives you a chance to believe that Tessa could end up falling for both boys. She seems drawn to Will, even if he isn't the nicest of people, and Jem's calm and friendly manner also seem to capture her attention. 

Henry is a favourite of mine. It's nice to see someone that isn't perfect, that might not fit into the world like the other shadow hunters. He has such a good nature about him, he really cares but sometimes always his plans don't work out so well. I hope he plays a role in the future books because I really feel like he might just save the day at one point.

I really liked that we got to see Camille. I thought I would hate the vampire, much like I did in the Mortal Instruments but he bitter nature is given reason in this book. She is a woman scorned and that never fairs well when the woman is a bitchy vampire. 

Magnus! Need I say more than that? If you have read the Mortal Instruments I don't think you can hate Magnus. He might be a downworlder, but he is fabulous. He is one of my favourite character in TMI, and I'm glad he is in this series. I can't wait to learn some more of him, and from the way the Epilogue finished he will be in the next two books.  

The only character that I could do without was Jessie. I was annoyed with her from the moment she was introduced and while that is probably the idea I still could see the books being just fine without her snotty attitude. 

 My only complaint about this book is the fact that it doesn't contain quite as much romance as I thought. The blurb has you already thinking they are all going to fall madly in love, but there are no declarations and only one or two kissing incidents with Will. You get a chance to really know the characters that form the love triangle. I thought I would love Will, but for this book I'm Team Jem. I hope Clockwork Prince and Princess contains some more romance/love because I've heard this series has one of the best YA love triangles about. 

So, let me know what you think of the book. Did you love it? hate it?