Cassandra Clare’s Clockwork Angel is the first book in the Infernal Devices trilogy, which is a prequel series to The Mortal Instruments. This book is set in Victorian London, and the story follows Tessa Gray, a sixteen-year-old girl who arrives from New York to find her lost brother, Nathaniel. Upon arrival, she is kidnapped by the Dark Sisters, who reveal that Tessa has the ability to shapeshift into other people, something she was unaware of. Rescued by Shadowhunters including Will Herondale and Jem Carstairs, Tessa is drawn into a world full of demons as well as magic. She is determined to find the truth about her powers and her brother’s fate. This causes her to become entangled in a deadly plot arranged by the mysterious Magister who wants to use her abilities for his own purposes. The main characters are Tessa Gray, Will Herondale, and Jem Carstairs. Other characters include Charlotte and Henry Branwell, Jessamine Lovelace, and the Magister. Tessa wants to find her missing brother and uncover the truth about her mysterious abilities. However, the Magister and his allies stand in her way. Additionally, Will’s cold and secretive nature makes it difficult for Tessa to trust him. To protect herself, Tessa trains with Shadowhunters and helps them investigate the Magister’s plans. Along the way, she forms bonds with Jem and Will leading to complex emotions to form. By the end of the book, Tessa learns that her brother betrayed her by allying with the Magister. Though heartbroken, she decides to stay at the London Institute, as she wants to stay and find out more about her origins. The conflict is far from over, but she finally has found a place where she belongs.
The most compelling aspect is the love triangle between Tessa, Will, and Jem which is both heartfelt as well as tragic. Will’s hidden pain and Jem’s quiet kindness made them interesting characters. I would recommend this book to fans of The Mortal Instruments, historical fantasy lovers and anyone who enjoys romance intertwined with adventure and mystery.