Clockwork Angel: A Mixed Adventure into the Shadowhunter World
When I picked up Clockwork Angel, the first book in Cassandra Clare’s The Infernal Devices series, I was drawn in by its promise of Victorian-era magic and adventure. After thoroughly enjoying Clare’s The Mortal Instruments, I was eager to see how she would weave the intricate threads of love, danger, and magic in a historical context. Unfortunately, I found myself judging Clockwork Angel with a critical eye, especially since I was concurrently immersed in the far more engaging Tiger’s Quest by Colleen Houck.
From the very first page, the tagline, "Magic is dangerous—but love is more dangerous still," made me roll my eyes. It set the stage for what felt like an overly melodramatic romance that didn’t quite hit the mark for me. While I appreciate the intricate world-building Clare typically excels in, I found myself frustrated with the characters—many of whom felt recycled from her previous series.
Characters and Characterization
Tessa Gray, our protagonist, is all too reminiscent of Clary Fray from The Mortal Instruments. Both girls are on a quest to save someone dear to them, and they share a similar unwillingness to express gratitude for those who help them. Tessa’s tendency to judge others based on their appearance felt especially annoying, making her unlikable. When she critiqued Brother Enoch’s looks during a dire situation, I couldn’t help but sigh in disbelief.
Then there’s Will Herondale—let’s just say, if I had a penny for every time I felt he mirrored Jace Lightwood, I’d be a wealthy book blogger. His cocky remarks are entertaining but also make it hard to root for him. Jem, the gentle counterpart in the love triangle feels somewhat bland, echoing Simon from Clare’s earlier work. Jessamine, though slightly more complex as a character, also adds to the stale character dynamics I perceived throughout the story.
Themes and Writing Style
The core theme revolving around love versus danger has potential, yet, unfortunately, it often feels overshadowed by the characters’ incessant bickering and the eye-rolling melodrama. Clare’s writing style, while engaging at times, fell short when it came to striking the right emotional chords. The pacing, in particular, was frustrating; I found myself longing for deeper exploration of character backstories instead of the quick updates on their mysterious connection to the overarching plot.
One aspect I can’t deny is the action scenes. They were enjoyable and well-crafted, but they couldn’t save the overall narrative from feeling like a photocopy of its predecessor.
Concluding Thoughts
Despite my rantings, I must admit Clockwork Angel isn’t the worst book I’ve ever read. There are moments of genuine action and excitement that spark intrigue, albeit few and far between. If you enjoy Clare’s writing style and are a fan of her world, you might find some enjoyment in Clockwork Angel. However, if you seek well-rounded characters and originality, you may walk away feeling frustrated.
In the end, this book has made me reflect on the importance of character depth. As I navigate my way through Clare’s universe, I find myself yearning for more authentic connections rather than recycled tropes. If you’re curious about the Shadowhunter world, give it a read, but don’t set your expectations too high. It appears I might need a good dose of Colleen Houck or other fresh narratives to cleanse the palate!
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