Review : Clockwork Angel ( The Infernal Devices #1 )

Clockwork Angel ( The Infernal Devices #1 )

Author: Cassandra Clare

Publication date: August 21st, 2010
Published by: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Genre: YA Fantasy, Steampunk
Formats: E-book

Magic is dangerous—but love is more dangerous still.

When sixteen-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.

May read for Young Adult Blogger Book Club. #YABBC 

It's been awhile since I've given a book a full 5 quills. 

I've been pretty nit-picky lately, but gosh did Clockwork Angel have it all ! I haven't read The Mortal Intruments... yet. And have been pretty hesitant about reading it too. So when I was told that I didn't have to read TMI to enjoy this one I was happy to board the train. But gosh, I didn't expect such loveliness! ;P

First off, it's Victorian London! There's just something about that era that compels me to read it. Add with the addition of my new-found interest in steampunk...

Let's try to keep this review short and sweet?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I couldn't very well put it down. I had to keep turning the pages, needed to know more about Tessa and Will and Jem and all there is to know about shadowhunters.

Tessa the main protagonist, allows the reader to discover the shadowhunter world along with her. We feel her dread, her loss, her frustrations along with her. I enjoyed her voice as I did the rest of her characters. All the characters were so wonderfully written, be it Charlotte, Henry, Magnus, Thomas, Sophie, Jessamine .

Especially so the two boys, Will and Jem.

Will Herondale is the snarky, bad boy who you can't help but love and hate at the same time. He's got his secrets and angst and what not. I'd grow so frustrated every time the douche would not express his feelings or thoughts. Spit it out god dammit! 

He may be mean but I just knew there had to be a good reason behind his misguided actions. Yes I had many a urge to slap him now and then but *sigh*, soft-spot for bad guys you see.

And there's the lovely, lovely Jem Carstairs. He's a sweetheart I tell you. See's the silver-lining in any situation. There's a hint at a love triangle in the next book. Makes me apprehensive but I hope it's worth it.

This book has got kick-ass demon fighting, the clockwork creatures!, a great backdrop, great characters, had bits that might have been over the top in places. (Ah, who cares! You love these guys right?! ) and made sure I kept reading. That makes it a winner in my eyes. Clockwork Prince here I come!

Fans of TMI may or may not enjoy it as much the modern day counterparts since the shadowhunter theme is recurrent in those books too. But hey, this book has given me the drive to maybe read City of Bones.. finally... Atleast before the movie comes out.

*Spoiler Alert*

Before I finish, here's an extra from Cassandra Clare's website. Will's perspective on the attic scene. *wink wink*

So how did you find the book? Liked it as much or were you disappointed? Let me know. :)

Rating : 5 Quills

quill design: QioDen

Review - Thirteen Reasons Why

Author: Jay Asher

Publisher: Razorbill

Publication date: October 18th, 2007

Cover Source: Goodreads

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker—his classmate and crush—who committed suicide two weeks earlier.
On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he’ll find out how he made the list.
Through Hannah and Clay’s dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers.

Wow..Just wow. I was left with no words after reading this one. Wish I'd picked this up sooner! Nothing except reading this fantastic book will help you understand what I am going to try to inadequately express via this review. One thing is for sure, Jay Asher you know how to write.

It is weird to say that I loved a story line involving suicide, one of the leading causes of death among the youth. It certainly is not an easy topic to write about, you have to get the message across but keep the story-line from slipping. Jay Asher you couldn't have done better.

We find out at the beginning that Hannah is dead. But before she commits suicide she makes sure to leave behind 7 tapes in which she states the reasons for her death. We hear 13 different stories of 13 people and how their actions however minute or insignificant, it might have seemed to them, pushed her into taking this serious step.

I loved the chapters being numbered according to the cassette tapes and how the book is written in both Hannah's narrative from the tapes and Clay's reactions and thoughts. At first I was skeptical and was sure it wouldn't work out but it actually helped me to understand and relate to both of them.

The characters were all very realistic and nothing made me feel like this or that person couldn't have done this, or that reason seemed far-fetched. They all were just like real people any of might have or will meet in our life.

This is the second book to make me think about how the littlest of little things, the things we say, do, react to may have a much more significant meaning to someone else than it might have to ourselves (the first being Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver). This one even more so as it was from the view point of a person who was forced to bear with it.

Overall, a beautifully written book with lots of emotions and it really does leave you thinking about your actions and our effect on someone else. I laughed, I cried and I felt every emotion this book was meant to convey. If you haven't read this yet, pick it up right now!!! You'll find it to be just what you need.

Rating : 5 Quills

quill design: QioDen