A Book Worth Mentioning: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

October 11, 2010

I just finished reading Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare. The books by this author are located in the teen section at the library. What, read a teen book?! I must confess, I am not a teen; actually I am far from being a teen. Okay, add another far to the first one...and you'll get a good idea of where I am coming from here.  However, I know a good author when I see one. When I find one, I like to get others interested.

Sometimes good reads are found in places you wouldn't normally look. This is one of those books. Clockwork Angel is a steampunk prequel to her Mortal Instruments series. I usually don't put much faith in prequels. I read a great story, and there's really nothing else I want to know. That is not the case with Cassandra Clare's books.

The characters are always out of the ordinary. They are gifted with their own special powers. Some are Nephilim (the offspring of angels and humans); some are vampires, warlocks, and demons. Whatever their genetic makeup, all are interesting and display a variety of human actions and emotions. I found that Clare's ability to draw you in and keep you there has not waned with the beginning of this new trilogy, The Infernal Devices.

Tessa Gray has been summoned to London to meet her brother. Upon her arrival, she is immediately whisked away, locked up, and abused by the Dark Sisters. After being held for a number of weeks, she is rescued by a Shadowhunter named Will. She agrees to help the Shadowhunters uncover a plot to destroy the world. In return, they offer to help find her missing brother. Later in the book, torn between familial love and loyalty to her new found friends and protectors, Tessa must choose her destiny. Either choice could be dangerous for her.

This quote will always remain a favorite of mine: " 'One must always be careful of books,' said Tessa, 'and what is inside them, for words have the power to change us,' " (Clare pg. 87, 2010). Having worked in the library for 25 years I believe that truer words have never been spoken. Please check out the works by this talented author by visiting your library in person or on the web.

Shari E.