Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Release Date: August 2010
Pages: 476
Series: The Infernal Devices #1
4 STARS: I Really Liked It
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 Institutte, 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.
My Thoughts:
This is a great book. Cassandra Clare writes so beautifully. I love the Victorian England time period. The customs and atmosphere sound so interesting.
I love the characters. Tessa, the main character, is someone to root for. From the very beginning her story pulled on my heart strings. I wanted to see her succeed. I liked that she seemed a bit naive and innocent. Of course I don’t want every character in every book to be naive and innocent, but I did enjoy that aspect of Tessa. She was also strong and smart, very smart. Her life had been difficult and instead of hating others and having a pity party she cared for others and wanted to help them. She seemed to love easily, not necessarily in a romantic sense.
Oh Jem and Will. These boys are great. Jem is easy to love and Will is easy to hate. No I’m kidding, I liked Will he just drove me, and Tessa, crazy sometimes. Jem is such a gentleman and is wise. Wise because of circumstances he has endured.
Charlotte, Henry, Sophie, and Jessamine are some other great characters. Cassandra’s characters, no matter main or side characters, they all have depth. These characters have their own flaws and strengths and hold their own secrets.
I’m looking forward to reading Clockwork Prince which comes out December 6th!
Happy Reading!
Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) for details
Sexual Content: mild ( kissing, talk of brothels, talk of prostitutes )
Language: mild ( 1 b****, I forgot to count but I think there were some d*** and h*** )
Violence: moderate ( fight scenes with blood and injuries )
Kathryn Cooper 
I'm nearly done with this and I'm so glad I read it! Your review convinced me. So thanks! It's been awesome. I preordered Clockwork Prince, too. 🙂
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I agree- Cassandra writes great characters. I really did hate Will though. LOL We'll see how I feel about him in the next book. Great review 🙂
Jessica @ Books: A true story
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