After reading The Mortal Instruments series and enjoying it as much as I did, I couldn't wait to begin reading the first of the prequel series, The Infernal Devices titled Clockwork Angel. I had such high hopes in terms of execution and writing. and this was definitely achieved. Yes, although we're revisiting the world of Shadowhunters and demons, what was even more exciting was that it was set in Victorian London using Steampunk influences. This blew me away (hahaha!). 
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 Magic is dangerous--but love is more dangerous still. 
 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: James, 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. 
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 Clockwork Angel is a novel full of endless suspense, mystery and was such a thrill-ride to be on. Most of the action-packed scenes I recalled of, involved either the Shadowhunters in combat against the clockwork creatures or the vampire clan. This book is even darker than the three Mortal Instruments books combined. I loved it! There was also a whirlwind of romance thrown into this world. The main being between Tessa and Will, but there is also a little between Tessa and Jem. Also we find out about one of Magnus's early lovers. 
 First off in terms of characters, I loved Tessa even more than Clary. Tessa like Clary, begins not knowing anything about this world of Shadowhunters and Downworlders. They are both suddenly thrown into it, and slowly learn more about themselves and this reality that they are now living. I believed Tessa had coped with this far better than what Clary had. I don't know how I do since Tessa finds out that she is a warlock, and therefore quite excluded from everyone, whereas Clary was welcomed as one of the Shadowhunters. Tessa had more struggles to deal with just because of the time period in which she is apart of (e.g. female etiquette and mannerisms etc.). She matured a lot throughout the course of the novel, and I can't wait to see more of her character development including her continual usage of her talents. 
 I liked Jem more than Will. I can't say much more because I am reminded so much of those boys in The Mortal Instruments. I feel like Jem should get Tessa in the end, just because of Will's arrogance (although it isn't as great as Jace's). All the minor characters were awesome, and just added a little extra buoyancy to this rocking boat...on the Thames!! hahaha! 
 Prequels are a tricky thing. Sometimes they seem almost forced - like the author was told to write a prequel and they came up with some lame explanation for why things are as they are. In this case though, Cassandra Clare delivers a story that can stand on its own. Yes, she has done it again! . There was lot of humour also jammed into this, looking to be successful prequel trilogy. 
 Title: Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1) 
 Author: Cassandra Clare 
 Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry 
 Publication Date: 31/08/2010 
 Pages: Hardcover, 479. 
 Source: Bought