Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

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: Jem, 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. 

From Goodreads.com

        

             I admit I am a fan of Cassandra and her writing. I picked up her Mortal Instruments series by accident and fell in love. When I received the opportunity to get a hold of Clockwork Angel I took it.

            Cassandra, in my opinion, is the queen of research. Her YA books are filled with so much information, you get lost in it sometimes. She takes these stories to a whole different level. The background information in Clockwork Angel makes you feel as if you are actually living in that day and age. It is amazing what a setting can do to a story.

            On the other hand, Cassie creates characters that pull you in. From her strong female heroine, to her dashing gentlemen, you find yourself relating to each individual on a different level. I won’t give any spoilers away to those of you who haven’t read it yet, but you definitely find yourself falling in love with each and every character, not just the main ones. Cassie’s use of language, emotions, and customs of that time period bring you closer than before to a time filled with Shadowhunters, Downworlders, and a battle between good and evil.

            Cassie is an excellent writer, and Clockwork Angel is a wonderful book one of a series. I cannot wait till the next installment! I recommend this book to anyone who loves history, good old fashioned good vs. evil, romance and the choices we face everyday to become the people we ought to be. 

If you read this book, let me know what you think! :)