This first book in Clare's Infernal Device series, a prequel to her bestselling Mortal Instruments books, opens as Tessa's pleasant life in 1878 New York is coming to an end when her guardian aunt dies. Upon her arrival in London, where her brother lives, Tessa is kidnapped by the Dark Sisters, who force her to learn to use a rare power-shape-shifting-she didn't know she had. Her rescue by a young man named Will leads her to the Shadowhunters-Nephilim descended from humans and angels-who enforce the magical Accords against demons and other creatures. Tessa gets caught between the various players seeking to use her amid a plot to conquer Britain. The events often read as bleakly as the Victorian London weather, punctuated by Clare's trademark humor, empathy, and authentic characters, who fight their own flaws and tragic pasts as often as they do evil. Mysteries, misdirection, and riddles abound, and while there are some gruesome moments, they never feel gratuitous. Fans of the Mortal Instruments series and newcomers alike won't be disappointed. Ages 14-up. (Aug.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

After journeying from New York to Victorian London in search of her brother, 16-year-old Tessa Gray is kidnapped by the loathsome Dark Sisters, who forcibly train her to use powers she never knew she possessed. Then two mysterious, striking young men whisk her away to the safety of the Institute, a base for demon-hunting warriors, the Shadowhunters, who introduce her to a paranormal world of demons, supernatural beings, and half-angel Nephilim. Tessa's unique powers to shape-shift make her incredibly valuable to both sides in a battle between the Shadowhunters and the Magister, who controls an army of clockwork automatons. Breathlessly melodramatic but compulsively readable, this is the first title in a new, companion series set 100 years earlier than the author's bestselling Mortal Instruments books. Packed with battles, romantic entanglements, and tantalizing foreshadowing, this will have readers clamoring for the next installment. Although prior knowledge of the Mortal Instruments books isn't necessary to enjoy this title, you can bet your sword newcomers to the world will be rushing to read what they've missed.--Rutan, Lynn Copyright 2010 Booklist

Gr 9 Up-Readers of Clare's "Mortal Instruments" series (S & S) will recognize the warlock Magnus Bane and the demon-killing Nephilim, but instead of modern-day New York, this book is set in Victorian London and takes a look at the historical role of the Shadowhunters (aka demon hunters). Tessa Gray, 16, has traveled from America to London to join her older brother. But instead of Nathaniel, she is greeted by the Dark Sisters, two evil women who kidnap her in order to develop her previously unrealized ability to change shape into another person. Their employer, a shadowy figure ominously referred to as the Magister, wishes to exploit Tessa's great power. The teen is rescued by a group of Shadowhunters who are perplexed as to the origin of her ability and unsure about whether her nature is one of good or evil. Together they must discover the identity of the Magister and thwart his devious plot that threatens London. Vampires, warlocks, demons, and steampunk elements such as clockwork monstrosities abound in this supernatural offering. From the erratic and volatile-yet charming-Will to the bumbling and amiable inventor, Henry; to the ethereal and gentle Jem, Clare has made each character unique. The action-heavy plot takes off from the first page, propelling readers toward a dramatic conclusion that fails to answer all the questions raised during the course of the tale, leaving the door wide open for the next installment. Give this book to fans of Libba Bray's A Great and Terrible Beauty (Delacorte, 2003).-Heather M. Campbell, formerly at Philip S. Miller Library, Castle Rock, CO (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Prim, bookish sixteen-year-old Tessa discovers she can shape-change. Only the demon-fighting Shadowhunters, kindhearted Jem, and cruel, handsome Will, can protect her from the supernatural underworld. Steampunk elements and the gritty Victorian London setting distinguish this prequel from the Mortal Instruments series; some plot elements are unoriginal or recycled. Nevertheless, fans will enjoy this page-turning urban fantasy. (c) Copyright 2011. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(Steampunk. 13-15)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.