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Book Review | The Infernal Devices: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
Author: Cassandra Clare
Published on: July 25, 2021
Publisher: Luna Van den Borre
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance
“One must always be careful of books," said Tessa, "and what is inside them, for words have the power to change us.”
First of all, I would never have expected this book to be this good. I've watched Shadowhunters on Netflix and to be honest, it wasn't quite my cup of tea. I did like the plot of the show, but the characters were a bit too much for me, if you know what I mean. However, I started this book because a good friend of mine said it was one of the best books she's ever read. So I gave it a try; and man, am I glad I did. Ever since I read the book, Clockwork Angel has become one of my favorites of all time. And here is why.
Although the story follows the life of Tessa Grey, the story has been written in third person. Most of the time I don't really like third point of view, but this time however, I didn't mind at all. Everything in the book matches well with each other and the built-up of the story is just complete. There really isn't anything that could've made the book better. I haven't read a lot of books that got my attention from in the beginning, but Clockwork Angel is truly an exception to make.
The story takes place in London of 1878 when technology still wasn't a thing. It's really interesting and fresh to read a story in a different century for once. The lifestyle back then was so different from ours, but all in a good way you know. The classy outfits, the years of the fun teasing and playing, the sense of romance, etc. The scene of London was so well written by Clare that it almost felt like living in it. And if that wasn't enough, the description of emotions and feelings were so living, that it almost felt like they were pouring right from the pages.
That brings me by the romantic side of the story. We all see the sexual tension rising between Will and Tessa, don't we? The subtle touches and conversations between these two lovers really are from another world. How love can be so gentle, but also so cruel. By that I refer mostly to Will. We know that Will has a bit of a rough past that he don't like talking about, what makes it difficult for him to open up. With Tessa, however, it seems like he had known her forever. You would think this is a good thing, but as Will begins to realise this, he tries to push Tessa away. This way, their story takes a difficult turn. Their connection gets complicated, but at the same time they know their feelings for each other. But don't lose you're hope folks, I'm sure we will get a lot more romance in the sequels.
Last but not least, there is a strong difference between men and women in the book. As you can guess, the man is seen as stronger and more independent as a woman, which was a bit aggravating in the beginning. For example, female shadowhunters needed to wear a male uniform and on different occasions, there were things like 'because she's a women' mentioned. Of course female emancipation wasn't a thing back then and I'm not a feminist by all means, but as a reader from the 21st century, it made me wonder how this comes. However, I truly need to give Cassandra Clare credits for this, because the fact that she thought of this element is amazing.
As my final advise, I recommend you read this book at all costs. It it such inspiring and I learned a lot from it. It would be fantastic if The Infernal Devices got its own series like The Mortal Instruments on Netflix, but I don't think that's for anytime soon. Now get up and go grab that book!
My Rating : ★★★★★
Published on: July 25, 2021
Publisher: Luna Van den Borre
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance
“One must always be careful of books," said Tessa, "and what is inside them, for words have the power to change us.”
First of all, I would never have expected this book to be this good. I've watched Shadowhunters on Netflix and to be honest, it wasn't quite my cup of tea. I did like the plot of the show, but the characters were a bit too much for me, if you know what I mean. However, I started this book because a good friend of mine said it was one of the best books she's ever read. So I gave it a try; and man, am I glad I did. Ever since I read the book, Clockwork Angel has become one of my favorites of all time. And here is why.
Although the story follows the life of Tessa Grey, the story has been written in third person. Most of the time I don't really like third point of view, but this time however, I didn't mind at all. Everything in the book matches well with each other and the built-up of the story is just complete. There really isn't anything that could've made the book better. I haven't read a lot of books that got my attention from in the beginning, but Clockwork Angel is truly an exception to make.
The story takes place in London of 1878 when technology still wasn't a thing. It's really interesting and fresh to read a story in a different century for once. The lifestyle back then was so different from ours, but all in a good way you know. The classy outfits, the years of the fun teasing and playing, the sense of romance, etc. The scene of London was so well written by Clare that it almost felt like living in it. And if that wasn't enough, the description of emotions and feelings were so living, that it almost felt like they were pouring right from the pages.
That brings me by the romantic side of the story. We all see the sexual tension rising between Will and Tessa, don't we? The subtle touches and conversations between these two lovers really are from another world. How love can be so gentle, but also so cruel. By that I refer mostly to Will. We know that Will has a bit of a rough past that he don't like talking about, what makes it difficult for him to open up. With Tessa, however, it seems like he had known her forever. You would think this is a good thing, but as Will begins to realise this, he tries to push Tessa away. This way, their story takes a difficult turn. Their connection gets complicated, but at the same time they know their feelings for each other. But don't lose you're hope folks, I'm sure we will get a lot more romance in the sequels.
Last but not least, there is a strong difference between men and women in the book. As you can guess, the man is seen as stronger and more independent as a woman, which was a bit aggravating in the beginning. For example, female shadowhunters needed to wear a male uniform and on different occasions, there were things like 'because she's a women' mentioned. Of course female emancipation wasn't a thing back then and I'm not a feminist by all means, but as a reader from the 21st century, it made me wonder how this comes. However, I truly need to give Cassandra Clare credits for this, because the fact that she thought of this element is amazing.
As my final advise, I recommend you read this book at all costs. It it such inspiring and I learned a lot from it. It would be fantastic if The Infernal Devices got its own series like The Mortal Instruments on Netflix, but I don't think that's for anytime soon. Now get up and go grab that book!
My Rating : ★★★★★
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