Clockwork Angel: A Timely Tangle of Frustration and Familiarity
When I first picked up Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare, I was intrigued by the promise of a steampunk adventure woven into the familiar fabric of the Shadowhunter universe. Having previously dabbled in Clare’s The Mortal Instruments, I was curious to see how her tale would unfold in a Victorian backdrop. Unfortunately, my reading experience quickly soured, especially when held up against Colleen Houck’s Tiger’s Quest. Trust me, after that, Clockwork Angel ended up feeling like a mere 1.5-star endeavor.
From the very first page, I found myself sighing over a line that declared, "Magic is dangerous—but love is more dangerous still." That dramatic flair felt reminiscent of soap operas, leading me to roll my eyes rather than feel swept away. It wasn’t just the plot that irked me; the characters felt like recycled versions from Clare’s earlier works. Tessa Gray is, for all intents and purposes, just a different shade of Clary Fray, with her predicament of missing family members and sassy remarks. For a story sprouting from a creative well, her lack of originality was disappointing.
Let’s unpack Tessa. From her petulance about appearances (seriously, critiquing Brother Enoch’s looks while he’s trying to save her brother?) to her penchant for being ungrateful towards those who lend a hand, Tessa’s attitude was bothersome. I found myself yearning for a protagonist who could elevate the narrative rather than mire it down with judgmental quips and impulsive actions.
Will Herondale joins this cast as the brooding warrior, wearing the same archetypal coat of cockiness that could have been borrowed from Jace. Meanwhile, Jem is the gentle heart of the group reminiscent of Simon, but without much unique flair beyond that. The beauty of Jessamine, albeit a bit more ruthless, echoed Isabelle’s vibes, creating a sense of déjà vu with each character introduction.
Clare’s dialogue and character interactions felt painfully untrue to the period. I was left questioning the civility of Victorian society while reading exchanges that lacked that refined sharpness one might find in Austen. Characters, like Jessamine, were shockingly rude without consequence, and I couldn’t wrap my head around how their supposed sophistication coexisted with such blatant disrespect.
As the plot progressed, the stakes crescendoed, only for the finale to fizzle out into a tangle of clichés. The so-called twists felt more like predictable plot devices, leaving me underwhelmed rather than on the edge of my seat. If I had hoped for a clever twist, I was sadly mistaken when it became clear that key characters were just pawns in a contrived game.
Despite my frustrations, I acknowledge that not all aspects of Clockwork Angel are bleak. Clare’s knack for action scenes remains fairly engaging, and there are moments that promise an intriguing narrative, even if they’re overshadowed by the repetitive themes and character flaws.
In conclusion, if you can overlook unlikable protagonists and the regurgitation of character traits, Clockwork Angel may still find an audience among avid fans of Clare’s world who relish in familiarity amid steamy suspense. However, for those seeking innovation or emotional depth, it’s worth considering other options, like the richly layered tales found in Tiger’s Quest. As for me, while I splashed through this Victorian puddle of predictable drama, I was left longing for a more meaningful plunge into a world filled with originality and genuine character growth.
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