A review by alexiab
Clockwork Angel, by Cassandra Clare
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Like all 15 year old nerds back in the 2010s I was neck deep in the shadowhunter books, and I read the Infernal Devices series when they originally came out. I decided to give them a reread as an adult because my only memories from the series were “robot people with gross skin” and “the love triangle didn’t work out the way I wanted”, so I had to see if they held up as an adult.
I’m honestly mad that this book was THAT entertaining. I genuinely enjoyed the characters, I remember enough of the Mortal Instruments that I could see the connections to both series with the world building, and the plot was genuinely exciting! While this definitely felt like an entire book of set up with not a ton actually happening, I still felt drawn to the story and I can see how it'll really start kicking it up a notch in the second book. I'm probably giving it more credit than it deserves because I have the nostalgia element driving my connection to the book, but it is what it is.
I’m happy to report that I still have excellent taste in fictional men and I’m still deeply in love with Jem Carstairs, but I can see myself growing to love Will very soon. He’s damaged and self sabotaging, I don’t stand a chance. I want a poly ship, this isn't fair.
While sometimes this felt like a typical YA fantasy I think it genuinely stands out with some great character depth, complicated relationships, and great surprises in the plot.
IM GONNA HAVE TO READ THE NEW ONES ARENT I? Son of a BITCH.
I’m honestly mad that this book was THAT entertaining. I genuinely enjoyed the characters, I remember enough of the Mortal Instruments that I could see the connections to both series with the world building, and the plot was genuinely exciting! While this definitely felt like an entire book of set up with not a ton actually happening, I still felt drawn to the story and I can see how it'll really start kicking it up a notch in the second book. I'm probably giving it more credit than it deserves because I have the nostalgia element driving my connection to the book, but it is what it is.
I’m happy to report that I still have excellent taste in fictional men and I’m still deeply in love with Jem Carstairs, but I can see myself growing to love Will very soon. He’s damaged and self sabotaging, I don’t stand a chance. I want a poly ship, this isn't fair.
While sometimes this felt like a typical YA fantasy I think it genuinely stands out with some great character depth, complicated relationships, and great surprises in the plot.
IM GONNA HAVE TO READ THE NEW ONES ARENT I? Son of a BITCH.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Gore, and Violence