Clockwork Angel
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 2010 |
| Founder | Cassandra Clare |
| Products | Young adult fantasy novel |
Clockwork Angel serves as the opening installment of The Infernal Devices trilogy authored by Cassandra Clare. After the passing of her aunt, Tessa Gray journeys to London at the behest of her brother Nathaniel. Shortly after arriving, she is abducted and mistreated by two merciless sisters known as 'The Dark Sisters' until Shadowhunters intervene and rescue her. The narrative chronicles Tessa’s exploration of the Shadowhunter realm and her efforts to forge a new existence.
The novel launched at the top position on the New York Times children's bestseller list, marking a significant commercial achievement.
Plot
Set in 1878, Tessa Gray arrives in Southampton from New York City following the death of her aunt Harriet, having accepted an invitation from her brother Nate. Upon arrival, she is captured by the warlocks Mrs. Black and Mrs. Dark, who coerce her into developing her shapeshifting abilities under threat to Nate’s safety, intending to present her as a bride to their master, the Magister.
After six weeks, Shadowhunters Henry Branwell and Will Herondale rescue Tessa, killing Mrs. Black and forcing Mrs. Dark to escape. They bring Tessa to the London Institute, overseen by Henry’s wife Charlotte and inhabited by Shadowhunters Jem Carstairs and Jessie Lovelace, alongside mundane innkeepers Sophie Collins, Thomas Tanner, and Agatha. Silent Brother Enoch's examination confirms that Tessa is a Downworlder with distinctive shapeshifting powers.
Jessie accompanies Tessa on a shopping trip in Hyde Park, where they repel an attack by goblins. Meanwhile, Charlotte receives information from Axel Mortmain—Nate’s former employer—that he was compelled to serve Alexei de Quincey, leader of London’s vampire clan and suspected Magister of the secretive Pandemonium Club. Vampire Camille Belcourt warns Charlotte that de Quincey intends to stage a human hunt at a party that breaches Accords with the Clave.
Disguised as Camille, Tessa attends the event with Will and encounters warlock Magnus Bane. They discover Nate is being held captive and notify the Enclave, who eliminate most vampires except de Quincey. Nate is taken for interrogation. Tessa assists Will with his medication; they share a brief kiss before she overhears Will murmuring 'Cecily.'
Following the party incident, tensions escalate among Jem, Will, and Charlotte. Tessa confronts Will but departs angrily; she then accepts Jem’s invitation to explore London by night. They survive an assault by automatons sent by the Magister; Jem reveals his reliance on a deadly demonic drug after surviving a demon attack in childhood.
Nate recovers and identifies de Quincey’s location in Chelsea. While most Enclave members pursue him there, Tessa and others remain at the Institute. Mortmain arrives, disclosing Mrs. Dark’s scheme to animate automatons in Highgate. Will and Jem thwart her but fall into Mortmain’s trap; he is unveiled as the true Magister collaborating with Nate to capture Tessa.
Mortmain launches an automaton attack on the Institute, resulting in Thomas and Agatha's deaths. During the assault, Tessa’s clockwork angel pendant activates to shield her from Nate’s grasp, enabling a brief escape before Mortmain corners her. He reveals that Tessa’s father is a demon and claims partial involvement in her creation through contact with her mundane parents. Mortmain offers safety for her friends if she cooperates; instead, Tessa deceives him into believing she will take her own life, forcing his withdrawal as Will arrives.
After funerals for those lost, Charlotte encourages Tessa to remain at the Institute despite ongoing tensions. An attempt to grow closer to Will ends in rejection; she seeks solace with Jem and retrieves her clockwork angel pendant. Meanwhile, Will turns to Magnus Bane for help while Camille remains in hiding.
Cover
The front cover displays an image of Will Herondale alongside Tessa's Clockwork Angel pendant.
Sequel
Following Clockwork Angel, the next installment titled Clockwork Prince was published in December 2011. The series continued with the third volume, Clockwork Princess, which was released on March 19, 2013.
Reception
On October 17, 2011, Clockwork Angel secured the top position on YALSA's 2011 ‘Teens’ Top 10’ list, outperforming notable works such as Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins and Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick. The author Clare expressed her gratitude to readers through a video message.