Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

As always, Cassandra Clare's characterization, plot, and use of suspense is flawless in Clockwork Angel. If you love the City of Bones series, or even if you don't, you will be blown away by this novel. The action is non-stop, the suspense is killer, and the dark twists will leave you breathless.

I very much like the main character, Tessa. She references Jane Eyre a couple of times (which gives her major points because Jane Eyre is my favorite novel) and demonstrates that she is extremely well-read. Tessa also has intelligence, ingenuity, and can hold her own in a fight. I believe that Tessa's one flaw is her blind faith in her brother, despite all his flaws (you'll see what I mean).

Something that has always impressed me immensely about Cassandra Clare's writing is her ability to produce beautiful, intricate, living worlds. The places, people, and creatures that she creates are just so much more tangible than many other fantasy novels. I also admire her ability to create fighting sequences that aren't boring; they flow and make complete sense.

I believe I like Clockwork Angel better than City of Bones. The character of Tessa is more compelling than that of Clary. I really enjoyed traveling through this story with her. I also found Clockwork Angel's mysteries to be more intriguing and the plot more interesting. (Yes, Cassandra Clare actually wrote a book with a better plot than City of Bones. I know... I didn't think that was possible either.) You should note that I do love historical fiction, and the fact that this story takes place in Victorian England is probably one of the reasons that I like this book even better than City of Bones. However, you do not have to love, or even like, historical fiction to enjoy this novel. It is chock full of demon-slaying, evil geniuses and romance.

Team Jem for the win!