Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices, #1) in And So It Begins Reading Challenge

Dec 04, 2012 Zey rated it it was ok

Shelves: ya, meh, disappointing, annoying-heroine, i-dont-know, just-ok, fantasy, paranormal, vampires, authors-gone-bad

It took me forever to finish this book. Yes, and that is not an exaggeration. It usually just takes me a day or two to finish reading a book, no matter how dreadful that book is (Mind you, It only took me half the day to finish Fallen; which, by far, is the most horrible book I have ever had the misfortune to read. With the exception of Mein Kampf and Fifty Shades of Grey).

So what went wrong? I love The Mortal Instruments series, I am fascinated with the Shadowhunters and the Downworlders, sur It took me forever to finish this book. Yes, and that is not an exaggeration. It usually just takes me a day or two to finish reading a book, no matter how dreadful that book is (Mind you, It only took me half the day to finish Fallen; which, by far, is the most horrible book I have ever had the misfortune to read. With the exception of Mein Kampf and Fifty Shades of Grey).

So what went wrong? I love The Mortal Instruments series, I am fascinated with the Shadowhunters and the Downworlders, surely, I am much obliged to love Clockwork Angel too, right? It is supposed to be brilliant after all, what’s with the Victorian Era’s Shadowhunters? You can’t go wrong with a historical fantasy, especially if it is set in London, right? But then, I’m not impressed. I found it hard to engage in the story, much more, focus on it. The whole time I was reading this book, I felt like I just wanted it to end, not because I was eager to know what will happen to the characters or to the story, but because I just wanted to finish it for the sake of finishing it and then move on with the other books on my list.

The truth is, it is not even a bad book. It is quite a decent book, actually. But it just failed to hold my attention and interest. I don’t know if it’s the book or it’s just me. Maybe because I don’t see the point of writing a spin off series of another series that is still currently in progress, or maybe because Cassandra Clare has already exhausted her supply of creative juices in TMI and was not able to introduce anything new here, or maybe because I was just not in the proper state of mind for this book? Nevertheless, I have to admit, this book BORED me.

I do not relate with any of the characters. Though Tessa is a much decent heroine than Clary Fray, she is just too bland for my taste, and she has her fair share of bitchiness too. (view spoiler).

I am also not impressed with William Herondale. I can forgive Jace’s douchebaggery because, let’s be honest here, the guy is funny and charming in his own way. But Will is just plain rude. I might also forgive his rudeness if the reason for his behavior is at least explained in the book. But no, it seems like Clare thought it will be fun for readers to be kept in the dark and constantly guess what’s wrong with her characters. But no, that won’t do for me. I guess that’s the reason why I can’t relate to this book. I don’t understand the characters. Hell, I don’t even know what Tessa is. Don’t get me wrong, I know this is a series and not all revelations must be dropped in the first book, but at least give us something to invest upon. How can I find the enthusiasm to read the next book when I couldn’t even care less what will happen to the characters I don’t understand, in the first place?

I kept on waiting for some background story of Will, so that at least, I can give him some sympathy (If he’s even worthy of it) but he remains abstract throughout the book. There is a fine line between keeping a character mysterious and making him a complete stranger.

I guess, the only character I like in this book is Jem’s character. And I like him because I got to read his history and why is he like that. Meaning, I understand what he’s going through because his background is revealed in the book. That is just a proof that you do not have to make your characters as abstract as possible just to make him intriguing, Ms. Clare. Jace’s background story was revealed as early as City of Bones, and that made me love him. I don’t feel the same about Will because I couldn’t get passed his rudeness. He’s not even as funny as Jace. In fact, this book lacks the wit of the TMI books.

Another thing that bugs me is that it just feels fake, the Victorian London, the characters’ way of speaking, the way they dress, they all feels fake to me. It doesn’t feel legit, If you what I mean?
Although I did not enjoy this book, I am much obliged to read the next one because I can’t just drop this series with all those unanswered questions bugging me.

It drives me mad, really. It seems like Cassandra Clare is taking advantage of the success of TMI to make more money by writing a shitty spin-off. I feel cheated and betrayed and angry. Damn capitalism.
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Mar 19, 2010 Nicole rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, signed-by-the-author, angels-nephilim

Oh my goodness... SO AMAZING!! I was apprehensive about this book, totally unsure of what to expect. But it was absolutely brilliant! It was so different than the City of Bones series, but at the same time there were so many things that were the same and so familiar. I cannot wait for the second book to come out, and the third...

Cassandra Clare has a way of making me jealous. Her writing style is so great and I wish I had the talent she did. Maybe in time, I be half as good as her. And I can onl ...more

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Mar 16, 2011 CrystalBookSnob rated it really liked it

Shelves: reviewd

I was so excited when I first saw this book in the store because it was the cover that caught my eye. When I realized that it was a book related to the Mortal Instruments series, I was a little bit turned off because there was something about the look of them that I didn't like. But then I noticed that Clockwork Angel was stating that it was the prequel to the whole series and I really got excited. After waiting until I was finally finished with school, I put Clockwork Angel on my list at the li ...more

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Sep 07, 2010 Quantum Thief- Behind the Mask rated it it was amazing

I just love love love love love love this book i cannot wait for Clockwork Prince!!

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May 02, 2012 Cat rated it it was amazing

Shelves: all-time-favorites, 2014-favorites

I didn't think I could love a character as much as I do Will Herondale. ...more

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Oct 02, 2010 Angela rated it it was amazing

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Review: Clockwork Angel is book one in the Infernal Devices, Young Adult Series, by Cassandra Clare. Infernal Devices is a prequel to Mortal Instruments and is set in London, England in 1878.

This story is about Tessa Gray, her brother, the Nepheilum, downworlds, and the occasional mundane.

The story begins with William ‘Will’ Herondale fighting a demon and gloating about his kill.
Will is a 17 year old boy, who claims he spends his time drinking, gambling, and in the company of women with questio ...more

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Jul 30, 2011 Anasheh Satoorian rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

My Thoughts: FINALLY! FINALLY! FINALLY! These were just one of those books that I had been meaning to read for so long now and it just kept being pushed back. But now that the series is over I had no excuse to start reading this ASAP! I am a huge fun of the Immortal Instruments (especially the first 3 books) and had the privilege of meeting Cassie Claire last summer in a San Diego book signing. She herself personally could not stop raving about how much she loved writing the Infernal Devices and ...more

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Jul 23, 2012 Kirstyn rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorite-authors, beautiful-cover, supernatural

Back in the Shadowhunter World and it's awesome! I love the characters, Ms. Clare always does a fantastic job of writing amazing books with strong characters. The plot was nonstop, and I definitely didn't see the ending coming. It's great when books can still surprise you and you don't know what's going to happen next. I'm Team Will; it's something about those Herondale boys ;) On to Clockwork Prince!! ...more

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Jul 06, 2009 A rated it it was amazing

4.5 stars... I think I may be reaching saturation level with steampunk for the year. I bet Bitter Seeds will top off the tank.

Still, Cassandra Clare does not disappoint. Time, hurry up so I can read the next book... I want to know what the deal is with Tessa and Will!!! ...more

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Sep 28, 2011 Heather James rated it it was amazing

I found this book very hard to put down. I think I preferred it to The Mortal Instruments actually. I loved all of the characters - even though at first they all felt a little too similar to their TMI counterparts... And the world that Clare creates is very convincing and vividly depicted.

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Mar 28, 2013 Renee marked it as to-read

Getting ready for a buddy read! Yes, I'm joining the clockwork club.

***Had to set this one down and ultimately return to the library to stay on my release deadline. Will come back to it later*** ...more

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