Madison Meeks – Opinion Editor

mvm7037@psu.edu

[Spoilers for “Clockwork Angel”]

Adventure, fantasy, and historical elements: “Clockwork Angel” by Cassandra Clare has them all. 

“Clockwork Angel” is the first book in “The Infernal Devices” trilogy. This trilogy acts as a prequel to Clare’s New York Times-bestselling series “The Mortal Instruments.”

“Clockwork Angel” is set in Victorian London in 1878. The novel follows Tessa Grey, who moves to Southampton to live with her brother Nate. Suddenly, Tessa gets kidnapped by two Warlocks, Mrs. Dark and Mrs. Black. The two warlocks threaten her brother and force Tessa to learn the extraordinary ability of shapeshifting. With this new ability, the warlocks plan to force Tessa to marry their lord, the Magister. 

Six weeks after her kidnapping, Tessa is rescued by two people who identify as Shadowhunters, half-human angels who fight demons. These two Shadowhunters are identified as Henry Branwell and Will Herondale. 

After saving Tessa, Will and Henry bring her along to the London Institute, the home of the London Shadowhunters. The Institute houses two other Shadowhunters, Jem Carstairs and Jessica Lovelace, and three others are known as Mundanes, ordinary people. These include Sophie Collins, Thomas Tanner, and Agatha. 

Tessa is examined by Brother Enoch, concluding that Tessa is a Downworlder. These individuals are half-human, and half-demon and can be such creatures as vampires, warlocks, and werewolves. Sadly, Brother Enoch is unable to distinguish what kind of Downworlder Tessa has become. He does discover that she can shapeshift into any person by holding one’s belongings. 

After discovering that Tessa is a Downworlder, Jessica decides to take her out to shop for clothes. As the two walk through Hyde Park, Jessica discloses her lack of desire to to be a Shadowhunter and wants to be a proper lady. Suddenly, the two are attacked by automation, leading to battle. While Jessica may not want to be a Shadowhunter, she can definitely hold her own in a fight, beating the automation. 

While Tessa and Jessie are battling in Hyde Park, Charlotte, head of the London Institute, learns that Tessa’ brother once worked for Axel Mortmain, a man connected with Alexei De Quincey. At the moment, Quincey is assumed to be the identity of the Magister. 

Is Alexei De Quincey the Magister? How is Tessa going to deal with the changes in her life? Why was the Magister after Tessa? Read the book and find out.

“Clockwork Angel” is perfect for fans of fantasy adventure novels such as the “Harry Potter” and “Percy Jackson” series.