Clockwork Angel

The Infernal Devices, Book 1

By: Cassandra Clare

Narrated by: Jennifer Ehle

Length: 14 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

Magic is dangerous—but love is more dangerous still.

When 16-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.

©2010 Cassandra Clare (P)2010 Simon & Schuster

interesting

great telling of the back story of the mortal instruments gives a great deal of background of the characters am looking forward to book two again a book that is hard to put down

such a beautiful book

So well written and enough twist and turns to keep you intrested. there was never a part of the book I wanted to skim, I was hooked every min and can't wait until the next one comes out. Clare has made another fan with this one, I just downloaded another of her novels.

Not steampunk or adult.

Though the reading was well done, the author leaves a lot to be desired. The first half of the book drew me into the world and from the narrative of a young girl in apparently the late-1800s.

The portrayal of Tessa, the young female lead was done well. Her narrative staying close to that of a young, well read woman of that time. The rest of the characters however lack variety and depth. I was disappointed that the other reviews failed to mention that this book is clearly written for a young crowd. The author often explains what is obvious to reader and in ways that take you out of the story. Lines of dialogue spoken only for the readers' benefit when we should already know what is meant. The supporting characters are out of place being so young. Displaying experience and depth of knowledge that even the magic could not rightly explain.

I really wanted to like the story. I was so invested for 60-70% of the book, but once the glimpses into teen relationships reared it was too late. The book devolved into a sort of Twilight narrative. Disappointing.

Lovely!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. The story is wonderful and very intriguing. Who is Tessa Gray? What is Tessa Gray? That, plus the shadowhunter universe that Cassandra Clare created with the Mortal Instruments franchise... how not to recommend others?

Who was your favorite character and why?

Tessa. I love Will and Jem too, a lot, but Tessa's POV made me feel like I was her.

Which character – as performed by Jennifer Ehle – was your favorite?

Henry.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes.

Great start to this series!

Where does Clockwork Angel rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Good narrater and great characters

What other book might you compare Clockwork Angel to and why?

This book series answers several questions from The Mortal Instruments series

Great Book and Performance

I have always loved this series and this audiobook makes it possible for me to listen while I travel and move through daily life. I plan on ordering the others in the series.

A+ Must Read!

Cassandra Clare is just absolutely brilliant and this series is so captivating. It is great for literature-lovers and shadowhunter fans!

Unique and Imaginative

I think this is a great novel, and the characters resonated with me. Narration was superb. I didn't give the story a full 5 stars because the author engaged in a writing habit I hate: namely, having the characters interrupt the flow of action to ramble long explanations for the purpose
of tying up loose ends. Seems like this author is talented enough to tie some things together in a less predictable and clunky way. Still, definitely recommended!

Complex Characters and Story

I almost gave up on the book in the beginning. I'm glad I stuck with it. In the end, I was very captivated by the story am torn between reading the second book in the series or going back and reading this book again. It is so complex, I believe a second reading would reveal many details I missed. The narration was fabulous. I would recommend this book.

Enjoyed it

I didn't like it as much as I did The Mortal Instruments, but I still enjoyed and look forward to the rest of the series.