 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Clockwork Angel
- By Cassandra Clare
- Genre: Fantasy
Common Sense Media says
Victorian-era fantasy series starts with plenty of violence.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this Victorian vampire novel includes frequent battles with bloodshed, as well as talk of sacrificing humans and other beings. Also, people do get murdered. Although the violence is gory, it all takes place in a fantasy world that includes vampires, shape-shifters, and more.
What's the story?
Set in the Victorian era, this story begins with Tessa moving from New York to London to live with her brother, Nate. Upon arrival, Tessa is disappointed to discover that Nate has sent two women to meet her in his place. Although Tessa is hesitant to go with the strange woman, she is persuaded and accompanies them to meet her brother. But her suspicions were correct: Tessa finds herself held hostage by the Dark Sisters, two warlocks who force Tessa to utilize a secret power that she never even knew she had: Shape shifting. She soon realizes that there is an amazing supernatural world beyond the mundane life that she is used to, a world made of vampires, shadowhunters, warlocks, and demons (not to mention the two supernaturally handsome men protecting her at all times). But will she be able to help the shadowhunters stop the evil Magister before he and his automatons take over the world?
Is it any good?
Clockwork Angel is a captivating novel that Twilight fans will enjoy sinking their teeth into. At the end of each chapter, the author dangles just enough information and action to keep the reader hooked. However, they may feel somewhat disappointed and dissatisfied by the book's conclusion, which leaves most of the mysteries unsolved -- an obvious ploy to get readers to buy the sequel.
Even so, the author succeeds in offering enchanting and diverse characters placed in a well-constructed Victorian London setting. Readers will find the characters' background -- each was orphaned as a young child, has a secret past, and struggles with identity and longing for home -- not only add to the mystery here, but also serve as a catalyst for thinking about themes of "otherness" and what it means to be exiled from a community.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about violence. This book has lots of gory battles -- but all the violence is set in a fantasy context. Does this make it easier to handle?
This is an example of steampunk, which Wikipedia defines as "a sub-genre of science fiction, alternate history and speculative fiction that... involves an era of world where steam power is still widely used -- usually the 19th century and often Victorian era Britain -- [and] incorporates prominent elements of either science fiction or fantasy." Leviathan and its sequel are other examples. Why do you think this genre is popular?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Great book for teens into fantasy!
Although it has violence, it has good strong characters and an interesting story line that will keep kids reading. There isn't a lot of sexual talk or bad language.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
perfect 4 kids
i really think that you should let ur kids read this book. i attended G.L.H JOHNSON WHEN I WAS in the 5th grade.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
story will hook you
Great beginning to the series. Fast paced and interesting
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Nice way to start the trilogy
I read this and couldn't put it down. I really like Tessa. SPOILER! when Tessa "stabbed' herself my heart dropped. I had to know what would happen next. You can totally tell that Will is related to Jace. END OF SPOILER! I like the mystery and elegance that is in it because of it taking place in 1800s London
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Veeery good book
I thought this book was absolutely phenomenal. I only have like two chapters left. But this book is wonderful and very addicting. It resembels The Mortal Instruments Series a lot which is why I think I fell in love with it. I recomend it to anyone and everyone!
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 11 years old
January 11, 2012
AGE
Amazing book! Beware you will become unable to put this book down!
Amazing book! I have not many chapters left and the characters are lovable! Tessa is an amazing role model who accepts being tortured to save her brother... Tessa's brother, Nate is an alcoholic and gambles, but I think that is okay. There is a mention of a brothel a few swears but not major swears. Amazing amazing book!
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 12 years old
April 28, 2012
AGE
clockwork angel review
i'm very young i love this book. well the only sex in this book is kissing i do warn that there are vampires and very little blood i do not recon this book to anyone younger than twelve
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Horrible book! Steer clear
I am absolutely shocked that this book has any positive reviews from parents. This book is extremely violent with gory details. It is full of bad language. It talks about drug use and drinking. The characters talk about visiting a brothel at one point in the book. It is complete garbage and dangerous for children's minds.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Awsome!!!
It does have a lot of violence, but it isn't too bad. There is some language that I don't approve of, but I still loved the book.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Author: | Cassandra Clare |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Fantasy |
| Publisher: | Margaret K. McElderry |
| Publication date: | August 31, 2010 |
| Number of pages: | 496 |
| Hardcover price: | $11.37 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 14 - 14 |
Review It
Register now to save reviews and advice articles to your personal lists!
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already read it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
