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

Nice Escape...

I was surprised that I enjoyed this book as much as I did. The pace seemed slow, however, I never found it to be dull. The story unfolded nicely and was easy for me to visualize because of the vivid descriptions. The characters were intricate and eventually a love triangle unfolded that is dealt with more heavily in the following book, "The Clockwork Prince". I really enjoyed the London setting and the British accent that the narrator adopted for several of the characters. I was greatly disappointed when I found that she did not perform the second book in the series, and found that this abrupt transition disrupted the overall feel of the story. I don't believe the third book is available through Audible yet but I hope that when it is, they utilize the talents of Jennifer Ehle.

Narrator Makes This One!

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Yes. Like most of Clare's books, you won't find much original in the plots, but the characters and dialogue sparkle. They are witty and enjoyable. Listening to her books is always a fun place to escape.

Jennifer Ehle's narration makes this one something special. More than the written words would have been.

Her interpretation of the dialogue is wonderful and inspired. I laughed out loud very often. Her Will and Magnus were spot on. Her Jem sympathetic. Loved listening to her. Listened more than once back to back just because I enjoyed her reading so much. I wish I could read aloud like her.

If you’ve listened to books by Cassandra Clare before, how does this one compare?

I have listened to all of Clare's books. This is my favorite. Not necessarily because of the plot, though I do like the Infernal Devices novels more than I like The Mortal Instruments, but really, it was the narration that nailed this one for me.

What about Jennifer Ehle’s performance did you like?

Everything.

Was Clockwork Angel worth the listening time?

Yes, yes, yes.

Any additional comments?

If you enjoy UF or Steampunk, I think it one is worth your time. It clips along and the characters are a lot of fun. There is nothing new here in terms of completely original plot or characters, but still a very fun ride.

Very Good

A very interesting book with well developed characters. I do believe that it is a bit deeper than most Young Adult books which makes it more enjoyable for adults that like a lighter read from time to time. It may not be and epic adventure but it is a worth while read/listen.
Narration was good, I believe that someone else could have added more depth to the production but Ehle isn't too bad. (her accents are very weak) Character voices are a little bland but emotions and inflections are pretty good.

Much better than the modern day version

The shadow hunters book set in the modern day was suggested by Audible. If I hadn’t listened to the appended sample of this book at the end, I would never have bothered to try it.
The present day story was way too YA -rather than fantasy -for my taste This book - the Victorian version., is much less simplistic, has more plot twists and an appealing cast of generally complex/flawed characters.

The narrator has a very pleasant mid-Atlantic accent which does not grate when she narrates the British characters and thankfully she makes little attempt to mimic a UK accent (which very few Americans can do -James Masters excepted).

great book, period piece

not exactly like mortal instruments books, but still good. narrator has a good voice until she tries to hit higher notes. it grates on my nerves a bit then, but she doesn't do it too much.

A somewhat predicable yet entertaining tale

Any additional comments?

Ms. Clare has developed a quite different and interesting paranormal universe nested within our own mundane one, which I enjoyed very much. At the same time she seemed to fall back on fairly standard plot devices and the requisite romantic triangle which gave the story a very predicable arc. So much so, that I started making bets with myself about how things would turn out...and won. Thanks largely to Jennifer Ehle's narration, which was both subtle enough not to feel the accents were contrived and distinctive enough that I knew who was speaking at all times, I was drawn into the world and enjoyed meeting the characters enough that I will definitely listen to the next books in the trilogy.

Love these books

I started with the mortal instruments series and even though it can be read in any order, I prefer to read prequels second. The story gets filled in for you after the fact and you have a bunch of lightbulb moments. But so far it has been amazing and I love finding out the pasts of characters that I already feel like I know. Great read.

Love It!

This story makes you love and hate Will and Tessa all at once. I started this book after finishing the last book of The Mortal Instruments series, City of Heavenly Fire. Worth the credit!

OMG I love it!

What did you love best about Clockwork Angel?

Everything

Who was your favorite character and why?

I like Tessa, she's strong, witty and a cool character. Will and Jem are great too and I really enjoy Henry. Henry is funny.

What does Jennifer Ehle bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I love her. I how her reading voice, her character voices and how she brings them to life.

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

I got through it in 6 days

Any additional comments?

Love this series. Can't wait for Clockwork Prince.

Couldn't get into it at first. Great book!

What did you love best about Clockwork Angel?

I got the audiobook about a year ago and couldn't get into it. I absolutely love The Mortal Instrument series but didn't know why I didn't like it at first. Once I got into the book I couldn't stop listening. Always while on my way to and from work. Love the narrator as well, I think she got me through it.