Mundie Moms

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Clockwork Prince Read Along Day #1: The Prologue



Welcome to Day 1 of the Clockwork Prince Read Along. You can follow the entire read-a-long and find each of the day's posts here. Remember there's no right or wrong way to participate. Your comments can be as long or a short as you'd like them to be. You can answer one or each of the questions asked, it's totally up to you, BUT, in order to be entered into the CP giveaway (which you also had to sign up to win), you do need to be actively participating in the read-a-long. 

Today's discussion is about: The Prologue
  • Oh Will! We learn a few things in this chapter. One, Will can talk to ghosts. Two, the Silent Brother prisons can not hold the dead or living (interesting), and Three, Will's looking for a potion to not be in love? Okay rip my heart out. Poor Will. What are your over all thoughts with the prologue?
  • What do you make of the A Tale of Two Cities quote at the beginning of the Clockwork Prince? What do you think Cassie's trying to tell us about CP with this quote, if anything?

Please DO NOT POST SPOILERS. There's some fans who are joining the read-a-long who are reading Clockwork Prince for the first time. 

52 comments:

  1. I loved the Prologue and oh, how my heart aches for Will!! I also loved the atmosphere of it all. I also remember the first time I read it wondering why Will can hear the ghosts while others can't.

    I love the quote in the beginning. Trying to think of the first time I read this, I was thinking that it had to do with Will. About how Tessa makes him want to be a different him.

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    1. OH WILL! That's all I can say with this prologue. I agree, the atmosphere was haunting, and beautiful in it's own way. I wondered the same thing. I wonder if Will's ability will have anything to do with CP2.

      I also couldn't help note if there's a correlation between the mention of the Silent Brothers and Will's ability to see ghosts.

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    2. Oh you know, I didn't even think about that. Now you have my mind spinning lol!! This prologue really did break my heart. I don't even want to think what CP2 will do to me after this one!!

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  2. The thing that was the most interesting for me was WHY Will can talk to/see ghosts. CC has said that not every Shadowhunter is able to, so why Will? It also makes me wonder if it's important for CP2. Maybe the person who died in CP (people who have read the book will know who I mean) is a ghost now and will give the Shadowhunters valuable information. But I agree with what Katie posted, the prologue definitely ripped out my heart.
    I have to think about the A Tale of Two Cities quotation and might answer the question in another post.

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    1. I thought the same thing! Cassie wouldn't throw Will's ability in there if it didn't mean something. I'm so curious.

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    2. That's an interesting thought, Cat. I didn't think about that person. I was thinking of another.

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    3. Can tell who you mean without spoilering others? I'm really curious now.

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    4. Why should Will talk to ghosts or what kind of information does he need? from ghosts? Because Tess can anyone, can't she....

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  3. Just stopping by to wish you all luck with the readalong! Infernal Devices is probably my favorite YA series of all time, and I'm pretty sure Clockwork Princess will KILL US.

    That prologue, that prologue broke my heart. Poor Will!

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    1. Thank you Wendy! The Infernal Devices is one of my all time favorites too!! Cassie slayed me with Will in this prologue.

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  4. That not being in love potion. Oh swoon. I originally thought it was for Tessa but then when Will admitted it was for him...yikes!

    I also thought it was interesting that he could talk to ghosts. It is a unique quality and I loved that it was thrown in the mix.

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    1. I thought it was for Tessa at first too, but then when he said it's for him.... *sigh* Poor Will!!

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    2. So did I!
      A piece of my heart was toally ripped out of my chest when Old Mol disappears and he says "it's for me" Aaaaaaah!!! Oh Will I so wanna give you a hug and make you feel better! :'(

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  5. Will Herondale absolutely breaks my heart. I am really hoping for a good ending for him.
    Also looking forward to finding out why Will can see ghosts, and what significance that is going to have in the last book.

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    1. YES to everything you said. I'm dying to know why it's important for us to know Will has this ability.

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  6. 1)Poor Will when he says: "It is for me". this sentence broke my heart.
    2)I have no idea why he can talk to ghosts.... He is so alone, he do not realy love anybody that is why he is reactive to pain of ghosts?
    3)A Tale of Two Cities quote at the beginning of the Clockwork Prince sounds like Will tells to Tessa :)

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    1. Quote wise, that does sound exactly what Will tells to Tessa. Interesting....

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  7. My heart goes out to Will. Why would anyone feel the need to fall out of love? What does it say about how he feels about himself that he doesn't deserve love? I hope the end for him is a happy one. Him being able to talk to ghost has to play some important part in the future.

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  8. I think it'll be important that Will can speak with the ghosts. Cassie wrote it for a reason.
    This prologue broke my heart but I really loved the mood - the frog, the bones, the cold, the colors, the noises. It was scary and it's ironic that Will reveals his love for Tessa the first time in a graveyard.
    As for the qoute. I think it's about Will's feelings - the love and the hopelessness.

    Mihóczy Mercédesz
    mihoczym@freemail.hu

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    1. I agree. Cassie totally set the mood with this scene, and I loved it.

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  9. Okay, this is seriously just a weird thought that popped into my head.....what if Jem dies in CP2, and Will's still tied to him and able to communicate with them that way? I'm guessing Will's ability to talk to ghosts has something to do with what's going to happen in CP2.

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    1. It popped into my head, too. I really don't like that idea because it means that Jem dies. But if he must die I think it would be better if he could communicate with Will.

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    2. I think too that it is an important momentum that Will can communicate with ghosts. Maybe he will have to speak with somebody who will die or has already dead. Black sisters, Tessa's brother, Starkweather's granddaughter? Jem or Charlotte?

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  10. Poor Will. This prologue broke my heart. I think he deserves a good ending, but Jem, too. I hope A Tale of Two Cities ending won't be the ending for Clockwork Princess.

    gallai.regina@gmail.com

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  11. Ok, this prologue is amazing. Will can talk with ghosts... that was the moment when I thought that if Jem dies than maybe they can talk each other. And I thought that Will has a few other secrets. "It is for me"...well, what can I say???

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    2. oh and I haven't read the "A Tale of Two Cities yet, but I want to:)

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  12. I really loved this prologue. My inital thoughts when reading it was 'where's this even going'? And when I reached the last line my heart broke for Will! His pain is unbearable especially when we find out he doesn't want to use it for Tessa but himself. Poor Will :(

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  13. I gotta say that the prologue is one of my favorite parts in CP, it’s so short yet it’s so meaningful and it gives you such an insight into Will’s suffering and inner struggle.
    I think that the quote from Tale of Two Cities is most perfect to start the book, I think it clearly describes where Will stands right at that moment, fighting the things he is feeling, those feelings he thought he would never have to fight again yet there they are, something that makes him wanna forget that he can’t embrace them yet he can’t help feel that way either and even though he is dying inside in a way there is nothing he can do and like the dream it always ends up in nothing…

    The prologue I think shows you Will in his true light, his vulnerability and his desperation. The part that kills me is at the very end when Ol’ Mol tells him that he ought to be able to find a way to get to this girl to hate him, when the truth was that he wanted the potion for himself… it just goes to show I think how much this love he is feeling is tearing him apart, to the point that all he wishes is to make it stop.

    The fact that Will is one of those Shadowhunters that can hear the dead is I think a very important piece of the puzzle, why would Cassie throw that in there, if she didn't want it to mean something?

    The prologue is heart wrenching of course a good clue of what's to come I guess...

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  14. I love the prologue. Even though I'm team Jem, I can't help but feel for Will. Maybe if Jem dies, Will will be able to communicate with him...

    As for the Tale of Two Cities quote, I don't know. It's been quite a long time since I've read it, and I don't remember much.

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  15. Though I very much want Tessa and Jem to end up together, my heart breaks to see Will so distraught over her feelings for him. The prologue gave me a bit of the creeps, because I am absolutely afraid of ghosts (the auditorium at school is rumored to be haunted) and adding the fact that the living AND the dead can be held in the Silent City, makes it all the more creepy; I also cannot stand the mental image I get of the Silent City whenever I read about it. The beginning quote, and all the references to A Tale of Two Cities in the books, has made me very much want to read it. I've got the book on hold at the library, and I cannot wait to get my hands on it and see why Tessa enjoys it so much.

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  16. I love the prologue because it tells you about Will. It tells us that he is in love and wants not to be in love. i love the way it shows a vulnerable Will and the quote just shows what Will wants. Will has found someone who can change him which is what the quote talks about. The prologue is most loved because it opens up the events to come.

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  17. The prologue, to me, was very daunting. I believe Cassie is giving some rather pertinent detail for the plot here. I mean, Will being able to converse with ghosts. THIS is important. I can't wait to see how Cassie spins this one. It saddens me to think of Will trying to keep Tessa at bay and the reason for him wanting the potion.

    I sure hope the quote from A Tale of Two Cities is not the most foreshadowing of dire pain and sacrifice but I fear it will come to fruition. Only time will tell.

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    1. If Will pulls a Sydney Carton then I will be very, very upset (read absolutely devastated). I cried while reading AToTC and my CP2 tears would probably fill a whole tub.

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  18. Oh this prologue broke my heart, who would want something to not be in love, only someone with a broken heart. And the first time I read this I was so team Will (who wouldn't be) and thought thats it, we won't see Will and Tessa be together.
    I also thought it very interesting that the Silent Brothers prison can hold no prisioner, intreagued to see where this goes. It didn't surprise me Will can talk to ghosts, I believe he is made for big things, can't wait to see where this takes us.
    And the Tale of Two Cities quote, well it just set the dark heartbreaking tone for my favourite book of all time

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  19. First time reader here. OMG, Will! How I have missed missed you! I wish I hadn't waited so long but I'm thrilled to read CP with your wonderful read-along.
    For me the quote is all about Will and his fear of falling in love. He's very much about control and with his heart he has no control. What a sad and beautiful quote. And what an amazing prologue. Already I'm lost again in this wonder world of TID. Ah, yes---London is calling...

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    1. I must add that I loved how much information we were given in a few short pages. Especially intriguing with the news of yet another of the Silent Brothers abilities. And already my heart breaks for Will. How desperate he must be to seek out a potion. Or is it his dedication to Jem?
      This was Shelley, one half of Tsk Tsk posting. ;)

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  21. I’m surprised so many people didn’t see Will’s declaration at the end as obvious. This is my first read through and the moment he said he wanted a type of reverse love potion I knew it wasn’t for Tessa, but indeed for himself. I think it’s part of Will’s character to be somewhat self-loathing and haunted by his own thoughts to the point that he believes love is not something he deserves. And I can relate to wanting to make yourself fall out of love. I wouldn’t force someone else to take that kind of potion either, especially if you know there’s someone else, just as Will knows Jem is there for Tessa. I do feel for Will though. Love sucks.

    As for the Tale of Two Cities reference, I can’t say I understand it. I haven’t read it so I’m not sure where the quote comes from but from what it states in those few lines, it sounds like a situation of falling in love and perceptions changing because of it, but knowing in the end that it doesn’t change anything else. Sounds to me like either Will or Teassa or both could end up in some sad love affair, which makes me sad. But I wonder if Will’s “reproaching remorse” and “old voices that were believed silent for ever” might have something to do with his parents, not just his revelations about feeling deep affections for the first time. It also makes me wonder if his paranormal gift has brought him into contact with his parents who I assume have died, but I can’t remember if they died or if they are simply out of contact. As for his ghost abilities, I don’t see it as too unusual. True, not all Shadowhunters can do it but some can. So Will just has this knack. Of course, it could be a useful knack down the road but I don’t know if it’s really plot important. It’s probably more impactful character development wise. Again, I keep thinking about his parents and the falling out that sent young Will to the Institute in the first place. If they’re dead, is he talking to them now? For all I know, they’re still alive and in exile. My memory usually clings to details like that…

    What I really want to know, is why on the Angel’s name is Magnus (or as I like to call him Uncle Maggie…he can kill me for that later hehehe) sending Will to a ghost for what I’m guessing are potion ingredients? What potion or spell could Uncle Maggie be up to? I know last we saw the warlock, Magnus was with Will who was begging his help. I assume these nightly strolls to see Molly have something to do with that. And why is a ghost pedaling in such artifacts, I have no idea. Who is Molly? How does she know about the Shadowhunters and Downworld? Who knows—maybe the only significance to Will seeing ghosts is simply that Uncle Maggie needed the items in dead Molly’s possession? Like the bones of an unborn child, how creepy. The note about prostitutes, suicides, and stillbirths I thought was particularly chilling.

    And I’m not surprised the Silent Brother’s city can hold more than just the living. They’re a sect of Shandowhunters after all. Molly better watch her semi-corporal back if she wants to stay out of prison for trading illicit goods. Good luck on finding that wedding ring though! (Then again, how did she lose it in the first place?)

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  22. The prologue, as with everything of Cassie's that I've read, is amazing. Finding out that Will can talk to ghosts is quite surprising. Will Cassie use this quirk of his later on? Molly seems like an interesting character, though a bit more shady than everyone else. Will she find that ring and move on? My guess is that she's been dealing things to Shadowhunters and Downworlders for a LONG time. The Silent Brother's prisons can hold the living and dead? Makes me wonder how long ghosts could be trapped there... It also makes me wonder how they would ever keep a ghost locked up in their prisons. Will wants a hate potion... Things might spice up a bit if he starts trying to close off and hate everyone. Maybe he should try thinking about Tessa being a duck? I mean, stranger things have happened..

    The quote gave me chills. I think Cassie's telling us a bit about what Will will be like, seeing as he wants to make himself hate Tessa. It also makes me think that someone of importance will die. Or Cassie's just trying to make us all panic...

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    1. shipmalec@yahoo.com By the way! :D

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  23. I love this prologue, Cassie has a of getting mu whole attention a breaking my heart all in a few pages.

    I was surprised that the Silent City can hold the dead... aren´t they ghosts? wouldn´t they be able to escape? I hope I get some answers because I really want to know how they do it!
    Molly is a bit creepy and by a bit I mean... REALLY creepy. I don´t know maybe it is the whole deal with the rings but I really didn´t like her. Besides I get a little jealous when women talk to William... he is MINE.

    Last but not least... the ending! When he said he was looking for a potion of reverse love I thought that he would give it to Tessa, but when he said that it was for him my heart just shattered. Why?!?! WILLIAM!! I just love him so much.
    -Andrea Morazan

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  24. The prologue was a great start to the book. Oh Will is all I have to say too! It broke my heart to small, little pieces when I read that last bit. But it made me curious as to why he wanted to fall out of love with Tessa.

    The quote, when I had first read it, I thought to be about Will and Tessa for sure. I wasn't really sure for which stand point it would be from. Looking back with knowing the ending, I can see quite the foreshadowing of Will's and Tessa's relationship, and his feelings towards it.

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  25. Ah I have a love/hate relationship with this prologue. Love because, as always, Cassie's writing is beautiful. Within a few pages, she manages to set a tone for the whole story and gives us insight into the characters. Hate because my heart breaks for Will. It's so sad to re-read this prologue, especially after knowing what happens later on.

    I've always been intrigued by the Tale of Two Cities allusions in this series. It is possible that the Jem/Tessa/Will triangle is supposed to mirror the Darnay/Lucie/Carton triangle. Though Will and Carton's situations are extremely different, they are both complex, damaged characters and I can see where Will would compare himself to Sidney. I am really worried that this will be a foreshadowing of the series' end. I could see Will sacrificing himself so the love of his life could be with someone else. I hope that instead of being a foreshadowing, the mention of Tale of Two Cities is simply to show what would have happened if Lucie had fallen for Carton instead.

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  26. I felt really sad about Will! It was beautifly written, but, WILL!;;

    *Tal Rejwan*

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  27. I feel so sorry for Will. Nobody should have to go through what he has to. I wish I could just hug him.

    Christy Fleenor

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  28. I was re-reading your comments and the intro to yesterday's discussion and was wondering, where are you guys reading that the Silent City can NOT hold the dead or the living?
    I went back to that part when Mol is talking to Will and what she says was "the prisons of the Silent Brother, beneath the earth can 'old either the living or the dead, you know that Shadowhunter"

    Are you reading that is can NOT somewhere else?

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    1. I think that was a typo. I'm pretty sure we all know that the Silent City CAN hold both the dead and the living. Just a minor mix up. :)

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    2. Thanks :) I could have sworn I saw someone else mention in the comments that they were surprised by it not being able to hold both too so I thought I may have been missing something hidden within the strange language… I have read this book so many times now trying to connect the dots that sometimes my eyes cross lol

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  29. The Tale of Two Cities reference also made me think of Jace reading it to Clary...Cassie has a thing for Dickens doesn't she?

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  30. Oh Will.. He can make you laugh, smile, swoon and hurt all at the same time! Potion to not be in love?! Oh Will, you're ripping every girl's heart right now.
    Oh btw, does Will seeing and talking to ghosts mean something, something big maybe? Does anyone remember Jace talking to a ghost??

    Cassie does have a thing for Dickens and a lot more classical authors at that.. and I think that's what makes her books even better. But to answer the question, I think the quote is a very appropriate one. It was very Will-like.

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  31. Poor Will carried the weight of the world, doesn't he!

    The Prologue depicts Will's quests as he's trying to fix certain situations in his life.

    I definitely think the quote from A Tale of Two Cities relates to Will, and I hope that the last line, "A dream, all a dream, that ends in nothing..." isn't foreshadowing Will's giving up on happiness.

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