Young Adult Book of the Week

Young Adult Book of the Week:

Spotlight:

Revisiting YA Fiction

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Not sure about the rest of you, but after reading Veronica Roth’s final installment of the Divergent trilogy, Allegiant, I was almost done with young adult fiction (at least for a while). Must there always be so much death? So much sadness? I stood quite firm in my belief that it was time for a break from YA—we had a good run, but it was time for a trial separation. I was venting this to family and coworkers alike, when my cousin suggested picking up Cassandra Clare’s Clockwork Angel. “You won’t be disappointed,” she said. “But isn’t it the one with the demons and tattoos?” I replied. “Yes, but there’s happiness and it’s fabulous”. I relented—curious how a book about nineteenth century steampunk London filled with Shadowhunters (people who kill demons and warlocks) running about could be both happy and fabulous.

But it is. Tessa Gray begins the novel landing in London after journeying from America. In search of her brother, she is kidnapped and dropped into a world of demons and Shadowhunters—left to carve her own path.  The characters Clare creates are soulful and self-deprecating.

Added bonus: for those of you are travelling over break—the audio book is fabulous and read by Jennifer Ehle (Elizabeth Bennett from the BBC Pride & Prejudice with Colin Firth!).