Reading level: Ages 14 and up
Hardcover: 496 pages
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books; First Edition edition (August 31, 2010)
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.
Ok, so this book laid around for a long time because I wasn't sure I would like the steampunk aspect of this story. (I'm still exploring steampunk and my feelings on the genre) But after some convincing by some girls on goodreads I gave this book a shot and I have to say that I think I like this series better than TMI. The characters are so full of life and the plot just sucks you in. Tessa was a great main character. She learned some things about herself that scared her but when push came to shove she used her new found power to help the people around her.
Will you are cute, cocky, and try too hard to be a jerk. will reminds me a lot of Jace (but Jace is winning that swoon race hehe) Jem, you melt my heart, you seem so tough, yet fragile and I could love you forever! Now the part I thought would kill this book for me was actually awesome! The clock work stuff going on was one of the coolest things I've read in a while.
I give this one 5 stars and do yourself a favor, if you haven't read this already go start it now, you won't regret it!