Throwback Thursday: Clockwork Angel (Infernal Devices)

The YA genre today is papered with stories of witches, zombies, vampires, etc, but Clockwork Angel (Infernal Devices) by Cassandra Clare was surprisingly refreshing.  Yes, there are elements of the supernatural fantasy and yes, there are vampires and warlocks but it is done in a way where although that is part of the storyline it is not overwhelming.  The characters are wonderfully developed and the background is so exquisite that at times you actually feel like you're reading a movie (I love it when a book takes me to that visionary place)!  

As generally expected, there is a female protagonist who does not know her power in the beginning but that knows she is of some importance fairly early on.  There is also an element of a love triangle building, however in this book there is very little romance (I imagine throughout the series this will grow).  Clare, does an excellent job at growing the intensity and providing ample twists and turns throughout the book to keep the reader fully engaged.  The pace picks up drastically near the end and it leaves you hungry for more...so much more!  I cannot wait to sink my teeth into the next in the series, Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices, Book 2)!   

Summary (Courtesy of Goodreads):

Orphan Tessa Gray, sixteen, crosses the ocean from New York to find her brother Nate in Victorian London, her only possession a clockwork angel necklace from her mother. She is ignorant of her power to transform; the Dark sisters are not. They kidnap her for the Magister, who wants to marry Tessa and claim her power.

Shadowhunters, warriors of angel blood, battle demons and keep the peace in the Downworld of vampires, warlocks and other supernaturals. Orphan teen Shadowhunters Jem, Will, and Jess rescue Tessa and agree to help save Nate. Vengeful vampire Lady Camille Belcourt and her current lover, warlock Magnus Bane provide entrée to the Magister's secret Pandemonium Club.