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Clockwork Angel
Clockwork Angel
Clockwork Angel
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Clockwork Angel is the first installment of The Infernal Devices trilogy by Cassandra Clare. After the death of her aunt, Tessa Gray is sent a ticket to travel to London by her brother Nathaniel. On arrival, she is kidnapped and abused by two cruel sisters (Mrs. Black and Mrs. Dark) who work under the name of 'The Dark Sisters', until her eventual saving by a group of people who are referred to as Shadowhunters. The rest of the book is based around her discovering the Shadow world and making a life with the new people she encounters.

Key Information

The book became a best-seller in the New York Times list, debuting number 1 on the children's bestselling list.[1]

The book also contains many quotes referring to famous pieces of Victorian literature, for example, Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest, Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities, and the works of Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Alfred Tennyson.

Plot

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In 1878, Tessa Gray arrives from New York City to Southampton on the invitation of her brother, Nate, who has been working in London for the past few years, following the death of their aunt and foster mother, Harriet. However, she is kidnapped by a pair of warlocks, Mrs. Black and Mrs. Dark, who force her to learn her previously unknown ability to shapeshift at the threat of Nate's safety. They intend to make her presentable to marry their lord, known only as the Magister.

Six weeks later, Tessa is rescued by a pair of Shadowhunters—the older one named Henry Branwell and the younger named Will Herondale - who decapitate Mrs. Black and force Mrs. Dark to flee. Henry and Will take Tessa along with them to the London Institute, run by Henry's wife, Charlotte, and housing two other Shadowhunters: Jem Carstairs and Jessie Lovelace, as well as three mundane innkeepers: Sophie Collins, Thomas Tanner, and Agatha, who she is introduced to. After being examined by the Silent Brother Enoch, Charlotte tells Tessa that she is a Downworlder. However, it is unclear what exactly, other than the fact that she is capable of shapeshifting into anyone by holding any of their personal belongings.

The next day, Jessie decides to take Tessa to shop for clothes and reveals during their stroll through Hyde Park that she despised being a shadowhunter and wished to be a proper lady. The two of them are attacked by a goblin, which Jessie destroys with her parasol. Meanwhile, Charlotte learns from Axel Mortmain, Nate's former boss, that he was forced to work for Alexei de Quincey, head of London's vampire clan and the presumed identity of the Magister, leader of the secretive Pandemonium Club. Later, a vampire named Camille Belcourt visits the Institute and tells Charlotte that de Quincey is holding a party where his clan will prey on humans, in breach of the Accords with the Clave. Tessa disguises herself as Camille and visits the party with Will, where she encounters the warlock Magnus Bane, Camille's lover. The two discover that de Quincey's hostage is Nate, before alerting the Enclave to appear and kill most of the vampires, save de Quincey. The Enclave take Nate back to the Institute to be interrogated regarding de Quincey. Tessa helps Will take his medicine and they briefly kiss, not before Tessa heard the name 'Cecily' being whispered by Will. She is stung.

The following evening, Tessa overhears the heated argument between Jem, Will and Charlotte, the latter assuming that it was due to the previous night's fiasco. Tessa barges in and gives Will a piece of her mind, shortly leaves the Institute in fury and settles near the front stairs. Jem finds her and offers to take her through his favorite places in London at night to which she agrees. They are attacked by automatons hired by the Magister which nearly breach through the Institute before they are put down. Jem collapses and confesses later in his room to Tessa that the demon attack that killed his parents and forced him to move to London also made him depend on a demonic drug that will kill him in a few years. Nate recovers and tells the Institute that de Quincey is holing up in Chelsea. While most of the Enclave head to Chelsea to kill him, Tessa, Will, Jem, Jessie, Nate, and the innkeepers stay behind in the Institute. Mortmain arrives and informs them that Mrs. Dark is about to perform a spell to animate hundreds of automatons de Quincey possesses in Highgate. Will and Jem race there and are able to kill her. However, they find out too late that they had fallen into a trap: Mortmain and Nate, who are working together, lured most of the Shadowhunters away from the Institute so they can get their hands on Tessa, and Mortmain, and not de Quincey, is the real identity of the Magister. Jem manages to save the cat meant for the sacrifice.

In the time Will and Jem are gone, Mortmain attacks the Institute with his automatons, killing Thomas and Agatha. When Nate tries to yank her away, Tessa's clockwork angel pendant, a memento from her late mother she brought from New York City, flickers and pushes him away, enabling her to flee, though she is eventually cornered by Mortmain. He reveals that Tessa's father is a demon and he, in a way, is her creator, because he had contacts with her mundane parents that made the conception possible. Mortmain offers Tessa the chance to go with him in exchange for her friends' safety. However, Tessa tricks Mortmain by making him believe that she is committing suicide, forcing him to flee just as Will arrives.

After the funerals, Charlotte informs Tessa to stay at the Institute, despite the latter's belief that she is not welcome after what happened. Tessa attempts to get close to Will, only to be rebuffed harshly, making her storm off in anger. She seeks solace in Jem and retrieves back her clockwork angel. Will visits Magnus, who is waiting for Camille to come out of hiding, and asks him for help.

Cover

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The cover features Will Herondale and Tessa's Clockwork Angel charm.

Sequel

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The sequel to Clockwork Angel is titled Clockwork Prince.[2] The sequel was released December 2011. The third book in the Infernal Devices series is titled Clockwork Princess; it was released on March 19, 2013.

Reception

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On 17 October 2011, Clockwork Angel nabbed the No. 1 spot on YALSA's ‘Teens’ Top 10′ of 2011, beating out the likes of Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins and Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick. Clare also made an acceptance video thanking the fans who voted.

References

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Clockwork Angel

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Clockwork Angel is a novel by American author , serving as the first installment in trilogy, which was originally published on August 31, 2010, by Margaret K. McElderry Books. Set against a backdrop of Victorian-era in 1878, the book introduces readers to the expansive universe as a prequel to Clare's earlier series. The narrative follows orphaned teenager Tessa Gray, who travels from New York to in search of her missing brother, only to be kidnapped by the sinister Dark Sisters and drawn into a hidden world of demons, , vampires, and the demon-slaying . Rescued and taken to the Institute—a sanctuary for —Tessa discovers her rare ability to and becomes entangled in a larger conspiracy led by the enigmatic villain known as the Magister, who seeks to unleash automatons and demonic forces upon the world. The story weaves together elements of romance, particularly through Tessa's relationships with the brooding Shadowhunter Will Herondale and the gentle Jem Carstairs, alongside high-stakes action and intricate lore about the Shadowhunters' eternal war against the demonic. Clare's world-building masterfully blends historical detail with supernatural intrigue, featuring mechanical inventions, ancient , and a diverse cast of Downworlders. Upon its release, Clockwork Angel debuted at number one on the New York Times bestseller list for children's chapter books and remained on the list for 25 weeks, cementing its place as a commercial success within the young adult fantasy genre. Critics praised its lush, melodramatic atmosphere and seamless integration of steampunk aesthetics into the urban fantasy framework, though some noted occasional pacing issues amid the dense exposition. The book won the Louisiana Young Readers' Choice Award (2013) and was nominated for awards such as the Grand Canyon Reader Award (2013), and contributed to the broader acclaim of Clare's Shadowhunter Chronicles, which have sold over 50 million copies worldwide. Cassandra Clare, a #1 New York Times bestselling author, drew from her experiences writing the Mortal Instruments series to expand this interconnected universe, which has since been adapted into films and a television series.

Publication history

Development and writing

conceived Clockwork Angel as a to her series, expanding the lore by setting the story in 1878 Victorian to explore the historical roots of the supernatural world. The idea originated from a vivid of a girl and boy in Victorian attire standing on amid foggy weather, which Clare experienced while promoting City of Bones in the city; this vision evolved into a focusing on ancestors of key characters. Initially, the project stemmed from a proposed spin-off centered on Simon Lewis from , but during a writers' workshop in , it transformed into a full and the start of trilogy. Clare began intensive development following the completion of City of Glass in 2009, with the writing process informed by her desire to delve into the ' past after establishing their modern world. She outlined the story using a "macro-plot" for major beats and a "micro-plot" for chapter-specific details, allowing flexibility to adjust elements that did not align during drafting. The manuscript received editorial input from Margaret K. McElderry Books, her publisher, which helped refine the integration of the prequel elements with the broader series continuity. To shape the narrative, Clare conducted extensive research into Victorian history, aesthetics, and mechanics, starting with a six-month immersion in era-specific materials from 2009. This included reading fiction and nonfiction set in or written during the Victorian period, listening to audiobooks and plays to absorb the cadence of 19th-century dialogue, and hiring a to source primary documents such as letters and diaries from American travelers in Europe. Her lifelong fascination with the era, influenced by authors like the Brontës and , drove the historical accuracy, while elements drew from concepts like Charles Babbage's , reimagined as functional magical technology to power the story's automatons and mechanical threats. Revisions emphasized character development, particularly for protagonist Tessa Gray, whose arc was adjusted to highlight her intellectual growth and resilience through literary allusions, ensuring her transformation felt organic amid the supernatural elements. Early drafts incorporated feedback to balance Tessa's bookish perspective with the high-stakes drama of her allies, Will Herondale and Jem Carstairs, refining their dynamics to drive the plot forward.

Release details and editions

Clockwork Angel was first published on August 31, 2010, by Margaret K. McElderry Books, an imprint of , in format priced at $24.99. A trade paperback edition followed on September 1, 2015, also published by Margaret K. McElderry Books. In the , the novel was released on September 6, 2010, by . The book has been translated into more than thirty-five languages worldwide. A 10th anniversary edition was published in 2019, featuring bonus content such as eight color character portraits by , original chapter heading art by Kathleen Jennings, a new cover by Dan Funderburgh, the first chapter of with an introductory note from the author, and details on character birthdays integrated into the portraits. In summer 2025, LitJoy Crate released a of trilogy, including fully annotated versions of Clockwork Angel, Clockwork Prince, and Clockwork Princess by . An audiobook version, narrated by and lasting approximately 14 hours and 36 minutes, was released on August 31, 2010, by Audio.

Cover art

The original cover art for Clockwork Angel was designed by illustrator , who also created the covers for Cassandra Clare's preceding trilogy. The artwork depicts a shadowy silhouette of the character Will Herondale in period attire against a foggy Victorian skyline, overlaid with intricate gears and the central statue rendered in ethereal blue tones that evoke the novel's titular motif. Key symbolic elements include the integration of angelic wings with mechanical components, such as brass gears and cogs, which visually represent the fusion of angelic lore and machinery prevalent in the story's world-building. This design choice highlights the thematic tension between organic, otherworldly forces and artificial, clockwork constructs. Nielsen collaborated closely with author and editor Karen Wojtyla during the development process, incorporating specific details—like high-collared coats and tailored silhouettes—to authentically capture the era's aesthetic while aligning with the characters' profiles. International editions feature notable variations to suit regional markets; for instance, the edition published by adopts a darker, more gothic illustrative style with enhanced shadow play and stylized engravings, diverging from the US version's photographic elements. In , released refreshed trilogy covers by Nielsen, retaining the core clockwork and blue-toned motifs but with refined compositions for mass-market paperbacks.

Background and context

Author background

Cassandra Clare, born Judith Lewis Rumelt on July 27, 1973, in Tehran, Iran, to American parents, spent much of her childhood traveling extensively around the world with her family, including time in France, England, and Switzerland before the age of ten. This nomadic lifestyle, which included a month-long trek in the Himalayas as a toddler, fostered a deep love for reading and storytelling, as books provided continuity amid constant change; she began writing her own stories during high school in Los Angeles, including a tale titled "The Beautiful Cassandra" inspired by Jane Austen. After college, Clare pursued a career in entertainment journalism, working for various magazines and tabloids in and , including , where she covered film and television. In 2004, she began writing her debut young adult novel, City of Bones, drawing on her experiences in , and transitioned to full-time authorship by 2006 after selling a , "The Girl’s Guide to Defeating the Dark Lord." Published in 2007 as the first book in series, City of Bones became a #1 New York Times bestseller, establishing Clare as a prominent voice in young adult urban fantasy and selling millions of copies worldwide. The series' success, fueled by fan enthusiasm for the expansive Shadowhunter lore, prompted Clare to develop prequel ideas exploring the universe's history, leading to Clockwork Angel in 2010. Clare's writing was shaped by a blend of personal and literary influences, including her childhood immersion in global cultures and mythology, as well as classic literature; she has cited Charlotte Brontë's as a pivotal teenage read that ignited her desire to write, praising its blend of gothic romance and . Her interest in urban fantasy drew from contemporary authors like , whose works blending myth with modern settings informed her approach to weaving supernatural elements into real-world backdrops. These influences converged in her early career shift from to fantasy, culminating in the creation of the universe that propelled Clockwork Angel.

Place in the Shadowhunters universe

Clockwork Angel is chronologically positioned as a within the universe, set in 1878 during the in , over a century before the events of series. This placement establishes it as the earliest major narrative in the chronicles, bridging the historical foundations of Shadowhunter society to later installments, including The Last Hours trilogy set in 1903. Through ancestral characters, it connects directly to the modern-day protagonists of , providing backstory that influences their lineage and heritage without altering the core events of those stories. The novel expands the lore of the Shadowhunters universe by introducing key institutions and factions, such as the London Institute—a central stronghold for demon-hunting —and the Downworlders, encompassing vampires, , faeries, and other supernatural beings who coexist uneasily with humans and . It also presents The Magister as a shadowy whose schemes highlight early threats to the Shadowhunter world order, laying groundwork for recurring themes of alliance and betrayal in subsequent series. These elements serve as foundational building blocks, enriching the overarching mythology while emphasizing the historical evolution of Shadowhunter customs and conflicts. Interconnections to the broader universe are woven through familial ties and artifacts; for instance, characters like Will Herondale link to descendants who appear in The Mortal Instruments and The Last Hours, underscoring the enduring Herondale family legacy. The book further solidifies the origins and importance of the Mortal Instruments—the Cup, Sword, and Mirror—as pivotal tools in Shadowhunter rituals and battles, tracing their role back to this era. As the opening installment of trilogy, Clockwork Angel contrasts the urban fantasy of with a steampunk-infused , blending clockwork automatons and Victorian machinery into the framework to explore an earlier, more mechanized phase of the ' world.

Setting

Victorian-era London

Clockwork Angel is set in 1878, during the height of the , capturing the essence of as a bustling metropolis transformed by the . The novel depicts the city's streets shrouded in thick, coal-induced fogs—known as "pea-soupers"—that reduced visibility to mere feet and symbolized the era's environmental toll from rapid industrialization. Horse-drawn carriages clattered over cobblestones amid gaslit alleys, where the hum of factories and the clamor of markets underscored the shift from agrarian to urban life, with 's population swelling to over 3 million by the late due to migration and . This backdrop of innovation and grime provides a gritty realism, with the Institute—a key location—drawing inspiration from the prevalent in Victorian , evoking structures like those designed by that blended medieval grandeur with modern engineering. Social divides permeate the portrayal, highlighting stark class disparities where the wealthy elite resided in opulent West End townhouses, while the crowded East End slums plagued by and . Women's roles were rigidly confined to domestic spheres, expected to marry, manage households, and uphold moral standards, with limited opportunities for or beyond or , reflecting broader societal constraints on female agency. Orphanages, such as the real-life London Foundling Hospital, loomed large in the era's welfare system, housing thousands of abandoned children amid high and inadequate support for the destitute. Immigrant experiences added layers of tension, as arrivals from , , and beyond faced and exploitation in the city's underbelly, often relegated to low-wage labor in factories or docks, mirroring the challenges of newcomers like protagonist Gray from New York. The atmospheric contrast between shadowed poverty and Shadowhunter privilege amplifies the novel's tension, with the underclass's squalor—rife with crime and vice—juxtaposed against the insulated world of the elite, evoking the era's moral and economic chasms. Author drew on Dickensian influences for this urban grit, loosely structuring the narrative after to evoke London's dual nature as a city of light and shadow, while incorporating historical details like foggy thoroughfares and social hierarchies without altering core events. This methodical research ensures a vivid, authentic recreation of Victorian , blending historical fidelity with narrative immersion.

Supernatural and clockwork elements

In the world of Clockwork Angel, Shadowhunters, also known as Nephilim, are half-angel half-human warriors descended from the biblical Jonathan Shadowhunter, tasked with protecting the mundane world from demons and maintaining the balance between the human and supernatural realms. They possess enhanced physical abilities amplified by runes—ancient symbols derived from the language of angels, drawn on their skin using stele to invoke specific powers such as increased strength via the Strength rune or rapid healing through the Iratze rune, which accelerates tissue regeneration but cannot mend certain magical wounds. These Nephilim are organized into a hierarchical society governed by the Clave, with regional headquarters called Institutes that serve as sanctuaries, training grounds, and operational bases for local Enclaves, such as the London Institute central to the story. Coexisting with Shadowhunters are Downworlders, a collective term for supernatural beings born from the intermingling of humans and demons, bound by the Accords—a outlining alliances, territories, and prohibitions against harming mundanes. Warlocks are immortal offspring of demons and humans, marked by distinctive physical traits like cat eyes or blue skin, and they wield innate magic without need for , often serving as healers or enchanters while navigating tensions with Shadowhunters over independence. Vampires, created through a demonic that grants and retractable fangs for blood consumption, form structured clans with a nocturnal society, allying uneasily with Shadowhunters against greater threats but clashing over hunting rights. Werewolves, afflicted by lycanthropy from demonic bites that transform them into powerful wolves especially under full moons, organize into packs emphasizing loyalty and hierarchy, their relations with Shadowhunters marked by mutual suspicion yet cooperative pacts during wars. Faeries, ethereal beings from the and Unseelie Courts with potent glamour magic and a predisposition to trickery, maintain ancient neutrality in treaties but harbor deep-seated resentments from historical subjugations by angels and demons. Unique to the narrative's steampunk-infused , clockwork innovations represent a perilous fusion of Victorian and demonic forces, most notably in the form of automatons—lifelike mechanical creatures animated by trapped souls or energies, constructed with brass gears, mechanisms, and harvested organic components to mimic human form and movement. These infernal machines, engineered by the Axel , blend precise artistry with unholy power sources drawn from the realms, enabling them to operate autonomously and pose a hybrid threat that challenges traditional magical defenses. Key artifacts underpin this supernatural framework, including the , a rune-etched wooden box designed to contain and trap demon essences or energies, historically used by to summon or bind lesser demons for interrogation or ritual purposes, though its potential for misuse in empowering mechanical constructs led to restrictions post-Clockwork War. Seraph blades, forged from the rare angelic metal adamas and activated by invoking an angel's name, serve as the iconic weapons of , extending into glowing, demon-slaying swords that burn with heavenly fire upon contact with infernal beings, their lightweight hilts allowing for swift, precise combat.

Plot summary

Arrival and discovery

In 1878, sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray, an orphan from New York, travels across the Atlantic to following the death of her aunt, with the expectation of reuniting with her older brother, Nathaniel "Nate" Gray, who had sent her the ticket and promised to meet her upon arrival. Upon docking at the port, however, Tessa is greeted not by her brother but by two sinister women known as the Dark Sisters—Mrs. Dark and Mrs. Black—who claim to have been sent by Nate and escort her to their residence under false pretenses. Instead of a warm welcome, Tessa is immediately abducted and imprisoned in the Dark House, where the women reveal their intention to train her in harnessing a latent ability, threatening harm to Nate if she resists. Over the course of six weeks, Tessa endures coercive experiments that awaken her rare shapeshifting power, known as the Change, allowing her to transform her physical form into that of another person by holding an object belonging to them, such as a locket or glove from the deceased. This discovery immerses Tessa in the hidden underbelly of Victorian , where she first glimpses the existence of Downworlders—demons, , vampires, and other beings—and the arcane threats lurking amid the city's fog-shrouded streets. The Dark Sisters' manipulations hint at a broader orchestrated by a mysterious figure called the Magister, who seeks to exploit Tessa's ability for his own nefarious purposes, though the full scope remains shrouded in secrecy at this early stage. Desperate for escape during one such forced transformation, Tessa cries out, drawing the attention of William "Will" Herondale, a young Shadowhunter investigating a related murder. Will, accompanied by his parabatai James "Jem" Carstairs, stages a daring rescue, freeing Tessa from the Dark House and bringing her to the Institute, a gothic sanctuary in London operated by the Shadowhunters—a secretive order of demon hunters who protect the mundane world from supernatural dangers. At the Institute, Tessa finds temporary refuge under the protection of its inhabitants, including head Charlotte Branwell, who pledge to help locate Nate while unraveling the Magister's emerging plot.

Conflicts and climax

As the narrative progresses, the central conflict revolves around the Magister's ambitious scheme to deploy an army of automatons—mechanical beings infused with demonic energies—to overthrow the and dominate the supernatural world. The Magister, a shadowy figure manipulating events from afar, seeks to exploit Tessa Gray's rare ability, which allows her to transform into other beings by touching their possessions, as a means to infiltrate and control key figures in his plot. This rising threat intensifies when investigations reveal the Pandemonium Club's involvement in producing these clockwork creatures, linking the automatons to a broader aimed at destabilizing the Clave's authority. Within the London Institute, interpersonal tensions exacerbate the external dangers, particularly among the young Shadowhunters tasked with protecting Tessa. Will Herondale's secretive and often abrasive behavior creates friction, as his unexplained rejection of romantic advances and volatile moods strain his relationships with both Tessa and his parabatai, Jem Carstairs. Jem's ongoing health struggles, stemming from his addiction to the demonic drug yin fen, add emotional depth to these dynamics, forcing him to confront his mortality while supporting the group's efforts. These internal conflicts are compounded by doubts about the Institute's leadership under Charlotte Branwell, as the Clave questions her decisions amid mounting evidence of betrayal from Tessa's brother, Nate. The story builds to major battles that heighten the stakes, beginning with clashes against Downworlders aligned with the Magister, such as a deadly at a gathering hosted by de Quincey, where battle forces and uncover initial evidence of the automaton threat. These confrontations escalate into demonic incursions, pitting the Institute's residents against infernal creatures summoned to aid the clockwork army. The peak of this action occurs during a on the Institute itself, where hordes of s breach the defenses, injuring residents and forcing a desperate stand against the mechanical onslaught. The climax unfolds with a shocking during the Institute attack: the true identity of the Magister as Axel , a mortal driven by revenge against the for past grievances, rather than the suspected de Quincey. This disclosure exposes the full scope of 's manipulation, including his orchestration of Tessa's powers through her heritage tied to a demonic experiment, and clarifies the clockwork angel amulet's role as a protective artifact concealing her abilities while serving as a key to his grand design.

Resolution and setup

Earlier, during a raid on de Quincey's vampire ball, the battle vampires allied with the Magister and confront initial automatons. , shapeshifted into the vampire Camille Belcourt, slays de Quincey, the vampire leader, while Will and Jem dismantle several automatons, destroying the immediate threat at the gathering and rescuing Nate. In the aftermath of the Institute assault, unveils his full scheme to harness Tessa's shapeshifting ability to create an invincible army of mechanical demons capable of overthrowing the and dominating the . Although Mortmain flees with vital components of his invention, the repel the automaton horde. Tessa fully embraces her role within the Shadowhunter community by choosing to reside at the London Institute, integrating her rare powers into their efforts against demonic threats despite her non-Nephilim heritage. Her dynamic with Will Herondale evolves amid tension following an impulsive kiss and his defensive rejection, highlighting his guarded nature, whereas her connection with Jem Carstairs strengthens into a supportive partnership marked by mutual vulnerability and trust. Key revelations provide emotional closure while forging lasting impacts: Mortmain discloses his unrequited obsession with Tessa's mother, Elizabeth Gray, whose refusal spurred his vendetta, and claims partial responsibility for Tessa's anomalous birth as a fatherless with transformative abilities tied to demonic essence. Nate Gray's complicity in Mortmain's plot emerges, leading to his near-fatal poisoning and a severed bond with Tessa, compounded by the deaths of allies like and the broader toll on the Institute's defenders, which solidifies Tessa's commitment to her new family. The narrative concludes with lingering dangers from Mortmain's enduring clockwork legacy and his evasion, as he retains knowledge of Tessa's powers for future machinations against the . These unresolved elements, including potential reinforcements from his international network, establish hooks for the series' continuation, emphasizing the ongoing war between magic and machinery.

Characters

Main characters

Tessa Gray is the protagonist of Clockwork Angel, a sixteen-year-old American orphan who arrives in Victorian seeking her brother, only to discover her own heritage as a with the rare ability to by transforming into other people upon touching an object belonging to them. This power, stemming from an angelic artifact embedded in her body, marks her as a unique Downworlder, initially untrained and naive about the Shadow World, but her arc evolves from a vulnerable outsider reliant on others to an empowered figure grappling with her identity and autonomy amid threats from those who seek to exploit her abilities. Resourceful and bookish by nature, Tessa's motivations center on reuniting with her brother and understanding her place in a hidden society of demons, vampires, and . William "Will" Herondale is a brooding, sharp-witted Shadowhunter residing at the London Institute, characterized by his dark good looks, caustic humor, and a volatile temperament that masks deep-seated trauma from his past. As a skilled trained to hunt demons, Will's motivations are driven by fierce loyalty to his parabatai bond and the Institute's mission to protect the mundane world from threats, though his hidden emotional scars lead him to push others away with sarcasm and cruelty. His arc hints at a journey toward vulnerability and redemption, particularly through his interactions that reveal the pain fueling his defensive demeanor. James "Jem" , Will's gentle and steadfast parabatai, is a frail Shadowhunter plagued by a chronic illness resulting from childhood by demons, which left him addicted to yin fen—a demonic essential for his but slowly him. With his silvery , refined features, and talent as a violinist, Jem embodies quiet and clarity, often serving as the emotional for those around him, including Will. His motivations revolve around upholding his duties as a Shadowhunter while managing his deteriorating and preserving his unbreakable with Will, highlighting themes of and quiet strength in his arc of enduring suffering without bitterness. The dynamics among , Will, and Jem form the emotional core of the narrative, with Tessa's arrival introducing hints of a that tests the deep parabatai bond between Will and Jem, as their contrasting natures—Will's passionate darkness and Jem's measured light—both draw her into the ' world and challenge her sense of belonging. This interplay underscores Tessa's integration, as she navigates alliances forged through shared peril and mutual protection at the Institute.

Supporting and antagonistic characters

The supporting allies in Clockwork Angel primarily reside at the London Institute, where Charlotte Branwell functions as the authoritative head and strategic leader, overseeing Shadowhunter operations and providing refuge to newcomers like Tessa Gray. Her husband, Henry Branwell, contributes as an eccentric inventor whose experimental gadgets offer both utility against supernatural threats and moments of amid the tension. Antagonistic forces are embodied by the Magister, Axel , a cunning and influential who orchestrates diabolical schemes against the using clockwork automatons infused with demonic elements. The Dark Sisters, Mrs. Black and Mrs. Dark, act as his manipulative subordinates, employing dark abilities to further his ambitions and advance subplots of and . Among the Downworlders, Magnus Bane emerges as a recurring charismatic ally, lending his magical expertise and sharp wit to support the Institute's efforts against common foes. In contrast, Alexei de Quincey, the lord of , functions as an early antagonist, fueling political intrigue and highlighting divisions between Downworld species and Shadowhunters through his alliances with the Pandemonium Club. These peripheral figures enrich the narrative by driving subplots of Institute governance under Charlotte, inventive humor via Henry, and Downworld diplomacy, while interacting with the protagonists to underscore themes of alliance and enmity without overshadowing the central conflicts.

Themes and analysis

Identity and heritage

In Clockwork Angel, Tessa Gray's arc revolves around her discovery and acceptance of her hybrid warlock heritage, which grants her the rare ability to shape-shift into other forms but stems from a demonic lineage that lacks the pure angelic blood essential to Shadowhunters. This revelation forces Tessa to confront her outsider status within the Institute, where she repeatedly questions her belonging and legitimacy among those defined by their Nephilim bloodlines. As analyzed in Cassie N. Bergman's study of steampunk heroines, Tessa's journey embodies a postmodern exploration of identity duality, evolving from passive confusion—"if he isn’t like me, then it means he isn’t completely my brother. He’s my parents’ son. But whose daughter am I?"—to an empowered embrace of her powers as a tool for agency and survival. The theme of cultural displacement further underscores identity struggles through the characters' ethnic heritages amid Victorian London's pervasive and class rigidities. Will Herondale's Welsh roots contribute to his sense of alienation, manifesting in his sharp wit and defiance against English Shadowhunter norms that marginalize non-Anglo identities. Similarly, Jem Carstairs, born to a Chinese mother and English father in , navigates overt prejudice as a "foreign" element in the Enclave, his silver hair and frailty amplifying perceptions of otherness in a society rife with Orientalist stereotypes. Bergman's analysis highlights how these backgrounds enrich the narrative's portrayal of diversity, forcing characters to reconcile personal heritage with imposed societal exclusion. At a broader level, the posits supernatural bloodlines as inexorable dictators of fate—warlocks bound by demonic parentage, elevated by angelic descent—yet contrasts this with the redemptive power of chosen family at the London Institute. Bonds forged through shared trials among , Will, and Jem transcend genetic ties, offering a counterpoint to hereditary curses and privileges. Author emphasizes this motif in discussions of the work, questioning "is it love, or blood ties? Can what your blood relatives did in the past still reverberate in your own life?" Emily Miller's examination of female protagonists reinforces this, noting Tessa's shift toward a surrogate family as a nurturing that redefines belonging beyond . These explorations of identity duality echo Gothic literary traditions, where hidden monstrous or hybrid natures disrupt Victorian ideals of purity and selfhood, as seen in the novel's automatons and demonic incursions that mirror internal conflicts. Bergman's connects this to broader steampunk-Gothic fusion, using Tessa's transformative abilities to probe the era's anxieties over authenticity and the .

Technology versus magic

In Clockwork Angel, the integration of elements manifests through automatons, which serve as a perversion of traditional by infusing mechanical constructs with demonic essences, thereby symbolizing the encroaching threat of industrialization upon , mystical order of the world. These automatons, resembling figures powered by a hybrid of and infernal energy, represent a deliberate fusion of Victorian-era with otherworldly forces, highlighting the genre's retrofuturistic aesthetic where steam and amplify rather than replace enchantment. As noted in analyses of , this blending underscores the narrative's exploration of as both wondrous and corrupting, where machinery mimics but lacks true , evoking the era's toward . The main antagonist, the Magister (revealed as the mortal inventor Axel ), embodies a that weaponizes to harness demonic powers, deliberately blurring the boundaries between rational progress and inherent evil in pursuit of domination. 's creation of an army, animated by souls trapped within mechanical bodies, illustrates his belief in technology's superiority over organic , viewing Shadowhunters' angelic heritage as obsolete in the face of industrialized warfare. This approach critiques the of Enlightenment-era , where scientific advancement enables the subjugation of entities, transforming into a tool for exploitation and moral decay. Such thematic tension positions as a foil to the protagonists' reliance on inherited , emphasizing how technological ambition can corrupt ethical boundaries. Central to this conflict is the symbolic clockwork angel artifact, a mechanical locket containing an angelic form that Tessa Gray activates, embodying the perilous hybrid potential of while warning of its dangers in overriding natural existence. This device, forged from bronze gears and imbued with celestial power, allows Tessa to transcend her human limitations temporarily, yet it underscores the risks of merging and , where creation borders on abomination. In the , it highlights the dual-edged of such inventions: empowering the individual against mechanized threats but risking the erosion of authentic identity and . Literary examinations of the series interpret this as a for the seductive yet hazardous allure of techno-mystical hybrids in a mechanizing society. Overall, Clockwork Angel reflects Victorian-era fears of eroding , portraying industrialization not merely as but as a force that dehumanizes and desecrates the spiritual through relentless . The novel draws on historical anxieties about factories and machinery displacing artisanal crafts and , reimagining them in a fantastical context where invades the domain of demons and angels. Author has described this as confronting with a whose technological menace challenges their magical , echoing broader cultural dreads of a soulless . This critique positions the story as a on the cost of technological dominance, where the loss of enchantment signals a deeper societal peril.

Reception

Critical response

Clockwork Angel received generally positive reviews from professional critics, who praised its intricate world-building, engaging characters, and blend of elements with . highlighted the novel's authentic portrayal of Victorian , noting that "mysteries, misdirection, and riddles abound," while appreciating Clare's trademark humor and empathy in developing characters who grapple with personal flaws alongside supernatural threats. Similarly, commended the seamless integration of the Shadowhunter universe into a steampunk Victorian setting, describing protagonist Tessa Gray as an "everyday heroine" who becomes entangled in demon-slaying adventures, though it observed that the tale "drags in places." Critics also noted some drawbacks, particularly for readers new to the series. School Library Journal acknowledged the action-heavy plot that propels readers from the first page but pointed out that "some plot elements are unoriginal or recycled," potentially making the dense lore challenging for those unfamiliar with Clare's broader mythology. Booklist described the book as "compulsively readable," emphasizing its appeal as a that builds tension toward future conflicts. The book earned nominations for the Young Readers' and the Grand Canyon Reader Award. The novel achieved significant recognition, debuting at number one on the children's bestseller list and maintaining a strong presence on the chart.

Commercial performance and fan impact

Clockwork Angel debuted at number one on children's bestseller list upon its release in August 2010 and remained on the list for 25 weeks, marking a significant commercial success for author and the prequel series to her novels. The book quickly established itself as a key entry in the fantasy market, contributing to the broader franchise, which has sold over 50 million copies worldwide across all installments. Its strong initial performance underscored Clare's rising prominence in YA literature, with the trilogy as a whole driving sustained interest in her interconnected universe. The novel's release fostered substantial fan engagement within the burgeoning Shadowhunters community, including author-led promotional tours across multiple cities that drew dedicated readers for signings and discussions. These events helped solidify a passionate , evidenced by online platforms where Clockwork Angel has garnered an average rating of 4.23 out of 5 from over 1,080,000 ratings on as of November 2025, reflecting widespread reader enthusiasm and discussion. Furthermore, the book's integration into Clare's empire played a pivotal role, expanding the Shadowhunters lore that later inspired adaptations like the Shadowhunters series (2016–2019), thereby amplifying fan interactions through conventions, , and cross-media content. Marketing efforts for Clockwork Angel leveraged synergies with the Mortal Instruments brand, including tie-in merchandise such as replica pendants inspired by protagonist Gray's clockwork angel amulet from the book, which appeared in promotional materials for the series. This cross-promotion generated significant online buzz, enhancing visibility within YA circles.

Legacy

Sequels and series continuation

Clockwork Prince, the second installment in The Infernal Devices trilogy, was published on December 6, 2011, by Margaret K. McElderry Books. It continues the story in Victorian London, where Tessa Gray delves deeper into her mysterious abilities amid rising dangers from the Magister's clockwork army, while tensions within the Shadowhunter Institute intensify. The narrative expands to include elements of betrayal, curses, and shifting alliances, with character developments focusing on Will Herondale's guarded past and Jem Carstairs' vulnerabilities, extending scenes to Paris for broader intrigue. These escalations heighten the threats to the Shadowhunters, forcing Tessa to navigate her loyalties and identity more profoundly. The trilogy concludes with Clockwork Princess, released on March 19, 2013, also by Margaret K. McElderry Books. As the finale, it resolves the central conflict with the Magister, Axel , whose scheme to eradicate the culminates in a desperate battle involving his automated forces. The between , Will, and Jem reaches its emotional peak, intertwining personal sacrifices with the broader fight, as uncovers the full extent of her powers to aid in the defense. Across the trilogy, recurring themes of mortality and redemption underscore the characters' arcs, particularly through Jem's struggle with his life-shortening affliction and Will's path toward for past mistakes, emphasizing love's endurance against time and loss. arc wraps up the 1878 storyline, setting the stage for later series like The Last Hours (2020–2023), which follows the next generation of characters, including descendants of Will, Tessa, and Jem, in 1903 London and Paris. The books were released with gaps of approximately 15 months each—Clockwork Angel in 2010, followed by Clockwork Prince in 2011 and Clockwork Princess in 2013—creating sustained anticipation among readers during the trilogy's rollout.

Adaptations and media extensions

The graphic novel adaptation of Clockwork Angel was published by Yen Press on October 30, 2012, as the first volume in a manga-style series covering The Infernal Devices trilogy. Illustrated by HyeKyung Baek, the adaptation faithfully recreates the novel's Victorian London setting, Shadowhunter lore, and key relationships among characters like Tessa Gray, Will Herondale, and Jem Carstairs, condensing the story into visual panels that emphasize the blend of steampunk and supernatural elements. Subsequent volumes, (2013) and Clockwork Princess (2014), extended the graphic adaptation to the full trilogy, allowing fans to experience the series in a comic format that highlights dynamic action sequences and intricate costume designs. An edition of Clockwork Angel, narrated by , was released by Audio on August 31, 2010, spanning 14 hours and 36 minutes. Ehle's performance captures the emotional depth of Tessa's journey and the period dialogue, making it a key audio extension of the for . The story's elements extend into the television series (2016–2019), where protagonist Tessa Gray from Clockwork Angel is referenced multiple times, including in season 1, episode 4 ("Raising Hell") and season 2, episode 20 (""), linking the prequel timeline to the main Mortal Instruments narrative. Fan-driven media extensions include widespread of characters like , Will, and the clockwork automatons at conventions such as and , fostering community engagement with the book's aesthetic. Film rights to series, including Clockwork Angel, were optioned by in 2013 for a potential movie, but the project did not advance to production and lapsed without further development. In May 2020, it was reported that a television adaptation of trilogy was in development at , with a pilot script written, though no further production updates have been confirmed as of 2025.

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