Gathered Nettles: Two Sisters Obsessing over YA Lit

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

I immediately decided to dive in to this book because it seemed to have all the trappings and enchantments of the original series except this one was set in Victorian England (be still my beating heart). I was sold! Add to the mix, demons, a young female protagonist who is coming to grips with her magical abilities, two potential love interests who are intriguing characters in and of themselves, a complicated history and lore, and I was hooked.

I found myself drawn to Tessa, the central character in the story; she’s discovering the world of shadow hunters while we are, and she’s innately kind. For some reason I thought this was an entirely fresh approach. Oftentimes when I do encounter a strong female lead, she’s beautiful, sassy, showy, and completely sure of herself. The fact that Tessa was none of these things, and yet still complex and approachable, helped connect me with the story.

I felt like I was growing with Tessa, meanwhile her vulnerability made her interactions with the two lead male characters that much more engrossing. As the reader, I could completely identify with this slightly gawky, yet intelligent, book loving heroine. Tessa and I were connected, and by the end of the book I was as much invested in her fate as she was in discovering out her true identity and origin.

I can’t wait to follow her story in Clockwork Prince. 

KH