The Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

The first time I saw this book in Target, and read the first line, "The demon exploded in a shower of ichor and guts," I knew that I wanted to read it. "The Clockwork Angel" was a good book, but I cannot imagine how it will lead to two additional books. It ends with a cliff hanger so severe that I practically rolled my eyes. This book is also a prequel to the series "The Mortal Instruments," so perhaps I should not be reviewing it all as I have not read the other books. I liked this one for the period setting, though I honestly felt that the prose began to sag after the carefully polished prologue. I enjoyed the various gothic elements of a heroine in danger who must fight to save herself, and her confused relationship with several handsome young men.

More or less the book is all it appears to be and nothing more. It was amusing escapism, but I felt that the story lacked much real depth. There were too many characters, too much plot, and not enough development of any of them. This is a typical problem in the fantasy genre, and the major reason I rarely read fantasy books anymore.The book is written to interest, according to the back of the book, ages 14 and up. I might limit the age range to 14-16. At that age range, I would undoubtedly have loved the book and the series. Ultimately, I got the escapism and amusement I was looking for, so I would recommend it to anyone who likes fantasy novels for younger readers.