"Clockwork Angel" does not need to be more steampunk

“First, the setting and period. Purportedly, “Clockwork Angel” is a steampunk novel, although the only real steampunkish thing about it is the time period (set in Victorian London) and the presence of a slew of killer automatons. To me, this does not a true steampunk novel make, as “Clockwork Angel” lacks either necessary quality (the centrality of steam-powered aesthetic/technology, or the socio-economic critique) to be truly considered a work of the steampunk subgenre. Furthermore, the character dialogue feels as though an American author is trying—unsuccessfully—to write in the Victorian period. In truth, this novel could have taken place in any other time period, in any other country, and it still would have been the same book.” -Thea James, Tor.com

“Clockwork Angel,” by Cassandra Clarke is a period story through and through. It’s based in London in the 1800s. It’s also a steampunk novel, but apparently not enough of one. What else could be added to make it “steampunk enough?” More automatons? Perhaps some of those classic steampunk goggles?

A story does not need to embrace every aspect of a genre to be in that genre, that’s not how it works. The author can make the setting of her writing whatever she wants, and she did a fantastic job of making this one. This book’s world-building imbues a feeling of wonder into it, expertly describing 17th century London with a vividness not seen often in young adult novels.

This book could not have taken place anywhere else, plain and simple. The setting of London is pivotal to the plot. Setting it anywhere else would have made it a different story. London in the 1800s was special, unlike any other place during that time. It’s unique and to say the novel could have taken place anywhere shows a misguided thought process.

The year the story takes place was specifically chosen as well and could not have happened at any other time. The special aspects of this period are important to “Clockwork Angel.” The carriages, the clothes and the buildings are all pivotal in the overall plot and evidently, make the book extraordinary. Similar to the place, changing the period would alter everything that makes this novel one of a kind.

“Clockwork Angel” is an incredible work of fiction, as are the rest of the books in the Infernal Devices series. While there are some imperfect things about it as with all written works, the “Clockwork Angel” series delivers joy to its readers every year. It’s kept its magic even after almost 10 years.

Image: Everfalling