The Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

There have been fewer books that I have awaited so anxiously as I did for Clare's first book in her prequel series - The Clockwork Angel.

(I think the last time this happened it was the last Harry Potter, which I actually pre-ordered. I would have preordered this one too, but alas, I am po'. But next best thing: I convinced my local librarian to buy the book. Devious aren't I?)

Clare has two series going on. The one that is already established is called The Mortal Instruments. There's three books released and there's three more to come (I think..) The three released already are: City of Bones; City of Ashes; City of Glass.

The fourth in that series is pretty much done if not done, and is works to released I think in November? City of Fallen Angels?

The Clockwork Angel is the first book in the Infernal Devices SEries - a Prequel series to the Mortal Instrument series.

On Clare's website she says to read the Infernal Devices series first. But really how is that possible when ther's only one book of them out and three or the other series? If you read the Mortal Instuments Series first it's not going to kill you. It's kind of like Star Wars (Yes I know my geekdom is REALLY showing right now). The first three Star Wars Films that were realeased back int h 70s - back when Lucas was still hungry for it, and still passionate, back before Jar Jar Binks cereal - those three films were number, 4, 5, and 6. This indicated there would be three others that took place before them. Those three disappointments didn't come out until the 90s-2000s (and they never should have.)

So while it may be slightly confusing just for a brief moment, it's not a big deal. I will though, read the entire series from 1-whatever when they're all out in chronological order to follow character arcs.
Did you hear that? I"m going to happily re-read these books, all of them, in order, because I want to see these characters again I want to watch them grow, fall, triumph, all of it. Again and again.

These books are awesome.

They do have the dreaded and often stigmatized "Young Adult Fiction" sticker on the spine. But do not let that dissuade you. These are excellently written. Fantastic characters, well thought out, beautiful, everything.

A great combination of fantasy and realism, there is nothing about these books that is juvenile. These are adult novels, except for the fact that the main characters are upper teenagers to early 20-ish.

I cannot say enoughabout these books. Except that if you like fantasy with some teeth - not the rubbish Twilight stuff - but really well written, well developed, non-angsty characters, excellent storylines, cliffhangers, all of it... go and start reading these books.

NOW.

And on a side note - the little video advertisement of this book - clockwork Angel - that you find on Amazon.com is kind of lame. Don't let it dissuade you.

Realy. Katie. Hailers.. GO READ THESE BOOKS NOW.