Author: Cassandra Clare
Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
(After reading it a second time I would probably only give it a 4 star, even though I gave it a 5 the first time, so 4.5.)
Goodreads Summary:
Magic is dangerous--but love is more dangerous still.
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 Institute, 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 Take:
This review is written after reading the book for the second time. I'm really glad I decided to read this book again because I realized so much more the second time through!
First, the Infernal Devices is SO much like The Mortal Instruments. Supposed love triangle, the heroine finding out she's not who she thought she was, a jerk of a love interest and the shadow hunter world.
When I first read this book this is what I thought about it:
- amazing!
- I HATED Will. Asshole.
- *loved* Jem :)
- The story was kinda unpredictable
- the ending took me by surprise
After reading it again, I came to these conclusions:
- I like Will more. He's still a huge ass, but he's tolerable. Clare better have a good reason for making him this way. But I can't imagine what would be worse than what Jem's gone through, and he's not like Will at all.
- I'm more in love with Jem. I mean seriously, he's the boy I would pick, especially for Tessa. She seems too sweet to put up with someone like Will.
- I hate to say this, but there is no love triangle. Tessa isn't into Jem at all :{ All her thoughts are Will, Will, Will. No Jem and it breaks my heart. Jem likes Tessa, but Tessa doesn't see anything more in Jem. It's just him trying to win her affection.
- There was too much detail in some parts. Got boring to read those parts.
There are still a lot of questions left unanswered like: What is Tessa? What happened to the villain? What is the villain exactly? There are more too but they would be too much of a spoiler to ask.
Will definitely be reading the next book, but I really hope Tessa uses her head. Bad things happen to people but giving an excuse to be a dick is going to be pretty tough.
The chemistry between Tessa, Will, and Jem is sizzling hot, without being trashy. I was amazed at how Clare was able to make the simple act of riding in a carriage together completely sexy and romantic, and the balcony scene between Tessa and Will when really sends sparks flying. Tessa is a real part of the Institute and has grown into her role as a shape-shifter. Such a strong female character is wonderful for female readers, yet she has a soft side, too. Just a wonderful read that takes you to a different time and place.
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