Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

This month for Tales to Tomes, we read Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare.  Clockwork Angel is the first in the Infernal Devices series and is a companion to The Mortal Instruments series, only set in an earlier generation of the Shadowhunters.  Many people have posed the question . . . Should I read these series in a specific order?  I answer it like this . . . Who cares?!?  I have now read both series' firsts, and they both stand strongly alone with unique characters and plots, and those that are the same only strengthen the tales!

As for the story, let's get a quickie synopsis . . . Tessa, the shape shifter meets bad boy Shadowhunter Will, after a kidnapping and rescue from the Dark Sisters.  Tessa's brother goes missing, only strengthening the bond between Tessa and the Shadowhunter clan.  And, add Jem to the story, a Shadowhunter shining where Will lacks . . . Charlotte, a strong, caring leader . . . Henry, a surprise fighter . . . and a number of "real" characters that you grow to love and love to hate.

Clockwork Angel is filled with it all . . . action, paranormal elements, love, lust, mystery, friendship.  It goes beyond just a fun story filled with good guys versus bad guys.  It stretches beyond the black and white.  It challenges the beliefs of the time period, and delves into the very modern world issues of understanding and acceptance of differences.

For those who have already read the book and are dying to read the next in the series, mark your calendars for December 6, 2011, for Clockwork Prince will be hitting bookstore shelves!  And, just last week, the cover for the new release was revealed at BEA and those of us Armchairing it even got a sneak peek via Mundie Moms.  Click on over and take a peak.  Do you love it as much as I do?!?  Do you get excited as me for the next in the series by just viewing that cover?!?

I think that my thoughts shared demonstrate just how much I enjoyed this piece of art, but one thing that I loved the most about the book was the amazing book-ish quotes you can find throughout.  As an example, let me just leave you with a few of my favorite . . .

"One must always be careful of books," said Tessa, "and what is inside them, for words have the power to change us." (page 87)

Tessa . . . "Are you laughing at me?" . . . "Not at you," said Will, grinning, "more because of you.  I've never seen anyone get so excited over books before. You'd think they were diamonds." (page 94)

He didn't know what books meant to her, that books were symbols of truth and meaning . . . (page 97-98)

For other reviews via Tales to Tomes members (and more!), link below and then read what others had to say.