Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion
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Clockwork Angel
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Clare, Cassandra - Clockwork Angel ("Buddy Read" - revisted) Feb. 22nd, 2012
LIST OF CHARACTERS – from Shelfari• Theresa 'Tessa' Gray: Tessa has spent the first sixteen years of her life being overprotected by her aunt after the death of her parents in a carriage accident when she was three. She lives almost all her life in books, dreaming of having the kind of adventures the heroines she reads about do—until she is forced to travel from New York to London when her Aunt dies. She is left in the hands of only a pair of mysterious—and sinister—women called the Dark Sisters, who seem to have been 'hired' by him. The Shadowhunters of the London Institute may be Tessa's only hope of finding Nate, but their mysterious world of demons and Downworlders holds many dangers for her—especially when she realizes she might be more a part of it than she'd thought.
• Wiliam 'Will' Herondale: Seventeen-year-old Will is the sort of young man nice Victorian girls
were warned against. He drinks, gambles, and enjoys the company of ladies of questionable virtue—at least, as much as he enjoys anything. Will hates everyone and everything, with the possible exception of Jem, and even that's in some doubt.
• James 'Jem' Carstairs: Brought up in the Institute in Shanghai, Jem's parents were killed by a demon who allowed Jem to live—but with a terrible price to be paid. Frail and silver-haired, Jem seems an unlikely demon-killer, but his skills and swift intelligence make him a formidable foe. He finds a kindred spirit in Tessa as both of them feel they are torn between two worlds, neither belonging completely to one or to the other.
Some spoilers here I think (I haven’t read them all), so I’ll hide the rest of them.
(view spoiler)
When responding, please put your answers in BOLD, if you can, not the questions.
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Prologue – Chapter 2
1. I don’t read many Young Adult books, and have never read one set in Victorian England. Is this a genre or setting which you read a lot?
2. For the most part, the POV throughout the book is from Tessa perception. Why do you think the author opened the prologue from Will’s? What is your impression of him? Of Jem? Of their friendship/relationship?
3. The book is named after Tessa’s mother’s necklace. What is the significance of that?
4. Do you blame Tessa for going with the Dark Sisters? Did she use enough common sense? (The coachman was enough to scare me off; but then, I’m such a wuss!) Did she have any other alternative? We had the reader’s advantage of knowing the emblem of the two snakes was on the weapon that killed the young girl in the alley, so I can’t fault her for that. And “The Pandemonium Club,” is pretty much a wash, IMHO; it could be named that just in fun. Comments. (BTW, do you think the Dark Sisters had access to Nate at all, or was that just a bluff? If so, how did they get his ring?)
5. What would a closer look at the globe in Sisters’ office have revealed?
6. Mundanes, Shax demons, Nephilim warriors? What do you think of the world building so far? Are you grasping enough of it to make it interesting? Is it too much info dump, just right, or too little and causing an overload of too many unanswered questions?
7. Though Tessa is not impressed with it, I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised by the ability that Tessa has. Taking on someone else’s appearance could come in quite handy, don’t you think? (Of course, I could do without the pain, vomiting, passing out, and someone kidnapping me for it, LOL!) Comments.
8. Whoever could the Magister be? Is he someone high up in the government or just in the upper echelon of whatever underworld society to which Tessa had been spirited away? What does he want with Tessa? And why does he need to marry her?
9. What was Miranda?
10. Is the reason Will showed up in Tessa’s room valid? Do you think she would have made it out of there on her second attempt without his intervention?
11. Why was Mrs. Dark trying to kill Tessa and not Will? I’m glad to see the last of the Dark Sisters (I hope - but maybe that was only one down)! Still, ugh, they stumbled across a slaughterhouse. What does that mean? And is Will an angel? Is Tessa alright? Will there be a lasting effect from her wound?
Dragana’s Questions for Chapter 3 - Chapter 5
In chapters 3-5 we are introduced to the Institute and his residents. I find them all intriguing and full of secrets.... So excuse me if I ask a lot of questions, but I would like to know what you think. :)
12. What are your impressions about Institute and Shadowhunters role in general? Is it a little bit sad to fight without pause until you die? Is it just me, or did you find it strange that complex is so big and can host hundreds of warriors but is mostly empty.... Where are they?
13. What do you think how did the maid Sophie got the scar on her face? And why does she hate Will? Did you believe the explanation she gave to Tessa or you think there is something more?
14. Do you agree with Tessa and dislike Jessamine? To quote Tessa: what is so dreadful about Institute? Why does Jessamine hates it there?
15. Jem is back again to tease Will. But he is obviously not well. What do you think is the problem?
16. Then there are Charlotte and Henry. I thought they were such a cute couple. But then this sentence near the end of chapter 5 got me all puzzled: "she had been advised enough times—not to force on Henry affection he probably did not want" Obviously, there is some secret there also...
17. I find myself often smiling over puns and teasing in this book. What is your favorite scene/dialog so far?
18. Yes I know that I forgot our main heroine Tessa completely. She is so cute struggling and trying to be a proper lady... And failing. I noticed some blushes and shy (and not so shy) glances. What do you think, in whom will she fall in love - Will or Jem? Or someone third we did not meet so far...
19. Any other mystery / secret / weird behavior you noticed and is bugging you? Tell us your observations or share your crazy conspiracy theories. ;)
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapter 6
20. Wait a minute. You mean the Dark House that Tessa stayed in for six weeks with the Dark Sisters was a brothel? Or am I confused?
21. What was that young girl with the “dull-brown mousy hair”? Why did her lips make a “grinding” sound and her voice sound like “gears grating”? And what is this army “born neither of Heaven nor Hell” all about?
22. Is Jessamine too much or what? LOL! What do you think of her plans for Tess? She spoke of Henry conducting experiments in the cellar – what kind? Did Henry really just marry Charlotte to gain access to the Institute, or does he truly love her?
23. Golden vines with diamonds growing from the tips? Oh, dear! It is a wonder any of the Nephilim are left. What did you think of how Jessamine took the goblin out? And her distraught reaction afterwards? Her showing Tessa her “doll house” – and subsequent conversation? Comments.
24. So, Mr. Mortmain knew what Charlotte and Henry were all along. And he introduced Nate to the Pandemonium Club! Charlotte is tenacious, to say the least, isn’t she? At least she is a good poker player, LOL!
25. Uup! We have a name to put to The Magister. De Quincey. And he is a vamp. Comments.
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapter 7 26. So, I’m thinking Sophie received her scar from her previous employer’s son. You? She believes Will and he are in the same type of man. Do you? Could Will prove her wrong before the end of the book?
27. What did you think of Henry Branwell’s laboratory? His clockwork girl or automaton? I must say, I wasn’t expecting it (her?) to have a human heart.
28. No questions here, but I have to tell you, I was LMAO over the scene with Henry’s Phosphor. You?
29. Were you surprised that Tessa did NOT reveal that Jessamine killed the goblin to Will or Jem? Which one will find out first?
30. Comments on Henry wanting to examine Tessa’s necklace? Would you let him, if you had something of equal sentimental value?
31. Eep! Lady Belcourt sounds a shady character at best. The first thing I thought of was “double agent”, LOL! Do you have any concerns about her before reading Chapter 8?
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapter 8
32. Whatever does Will mean by “demon pox” and why does Charlotte say there is not such thing?
33. So, what did you think of the beautiful vampire, Lady Belcourt? Do she and Will have some sort of “romantic” or flirtatious history? What about her statement regarding de Quincey being the “most dangerous vampire in London” and “any vampire living with London is subject to his whim” – not to mention breaking the law by torturing and killing humans? And is Lady B tempting Tessa just a little too much with the possibility of Nate being at the party at de Quincey’s?
34. What was the freakiest to you about Tessa’s transformation into Lady Belcourt?
35. What did Lady B mean by Tessa NOT regretting it? Pretty cryptic, that. Comments.
36. Alright, I translated the phrase: Amor Verus Numquam Moritur and it means True Love Never Dies. Do you believe Lady Belcourt’s story and motivation against de Quincey with regards to her forbidden love of a werewolf?
37. Are you picking up any clue from Tessa’s readings of The Shadowhunter’s Codex?
38. Well, Tessa’s clockwork angle necklace is back safe in her hands. Phew! Do you think Henry altered it in any way? Did his cleaning it help it to work better, somehow?
39. We learn our suspicions of Sophie’s scar were correct. Comments. I wonder who her employers were. Do you think it is relevant?
40. What did you think of Charlotte’s comments to Tessa on love and waking up?
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapter 9
41. What do you think of Tessa attempts to conduct herself like a Baroness? Why do you think Tessa is unable to “touch” Lady Belcourt’s thoughts? Will she eventually be able to?
42. Why would Jem warn Will not to start a fight with Gabriel Lightwood? Did you expect the dislike to steam from a woman virtue? And Gabriel’s brother is worse? That Christmas party must have been a doozy. BTW, on the audio, Gabriel Lightwood has a bit of a slip (“wag” for “rags”).
43. Did any other member of the Enclave stand out to you? If so, why?
44. So, is the possible “clockwork army” the one that is “born neither of Heaven nor Hell”?
45. I thought Charlotte was much older too. Did you? Were you surprised by the unanimous vote?
46. Do you have faith in Henry’s Phosphor invention? Will it be perfected by the date of the party? Otherwise, I’m thinking they’ll just have to use darkness as their signal. LOL!
Kylie’s Questions for Chapter 10.
47. Was Will calling Tessa by Tess a way of calming her down, or was it more than that?
48. How educated is Will, he comes across as a jock, but then he goes quoting from A Tale of Two Cities.
49. So you do you think Will saw Tessa or Camille in the carriage?
50. What caused the sadness that Tessa sees in Wills eyes, even when he smiles?
51. Will they get Nathaniel out alive? What did he do that was such a grievous crime to be drunk to death?
Kylie’s Questions for Chapter 11
52. Did you expect that the Phosphor would work the way it did or like me you were expecting temporarily blinded vampires?
53. What I don't understand is through the whole battle with the Vampires, Tessa didn't drop her shift of Camille. I would have thought that would be the first she would do when she ran to her brother.
54. Why is it a bad thing to bite a vampire? I know his blood burnt Tessa, is it even more lethal to a Nephilim.
55. Will Nate survive or will he turn into a vampire? I wonder what else they have done to Nate.
56. Wonder how they treat Shadowhunters who consume vampire blood?
57. What will happen now that de Quincey escaped? Will Charlotte be blamed or will a war start with the Night Children?
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapter 12
58. Okay, what do you think of Brother Enoch? Do you think this Silent Brother will be able to help Nathaniel?
59. So, Nathaniel is not supernatural. What might Tessa be, beside “one of Lilith’s Children”? Does this rule out her being related to Nathaniel by blood? Could she be his half-sister? Was she rescued at birth, and therefore not related even to the parents who raised her (before her aunt)? What other power – rare power – could she have?
60. What a dilemma! Would you be able to leave your brother, or someone you love, to unknown care?
61. Book Quote: “Whatever you are physical,” he said, “male or female, strong or weak, ill or healthy – all those things matter less than what your heart contains. If you have the soul of a warrior, you are a warrior. Whatever the color, the shape, the design of the shade that conceals it, the flame inside the lamp remains the same. You are that flame.” What did you think of Jem telling Tessa this?
62. Who could Cecily be?
63. Well, we have our answers about what happens when someone bites a vampire. Thank goodness for holy water.
64. What did you think of Tess & Will’s first kiss? (And he did call her Tess right before he kissed her.) What was the “that” that happened? Was she too forward? Why did he send her away?
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapter 13
65. It seems Thomas’s interest in Sophie is a complete surprise to her. This chapter also reveals that Sophie had a bit of an unrequited crush on Will. Or am I misinterpreting things?
66. Whoa! Jessamine has taken a fancy to the unconscious Nate. Comments.
67. What is with Will not wanting Nate treated at the Institute? Could it be that he knows where Nate goes, Tessa will surely follow?
68. Man-oh-man! Will surely is in a piss-poor mood; he has lashed out at Charlotte and Henry. Comments.
69. And then Tessa has lashed out too, hurting Charlotte! What did you think of her tirade about not having the same goals and their despising mundanes?
70. I wasn’t a bit surprised it was Jem who followed Tessa, were you? He seems to be the peacekeeper. What did you think of their discussion about Will?
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapter 14
71. Tessa asks Jem some excellent questions about Will and his “fake” drunkenness. She gains some insight into his history. What did you think of it? In your heart, did Will’s parents have any rights? What could have happened for Will to purposefully leave them? Jem tells her, “I’d imagine it’s precisely BECAUSE I’ve never asked him why.” I think this is a very telling statement of why Jem & Will’s relationship is so long-standing. What do you gleam about both of them from it?
72. We learn about Jem’s background also; that his parents were killed by a demon named Yanluo. Do you think Jem killed Yanluo? What else was he keeping secret from Tessa? Is he keeping it secret from the others too? Do you think it has something to do with his illness? Just a thought: maybe Jem won’t be cured until Yanluo is dead?
73. The coachman returns. How did that happen? Is he a replication or just the same “automaton” – only repaired? He delivers a message of war. And the Magister wants Tessa now! Eek! Man-oh-man! The Institute’s doors didn’t open fast enough for me. I just knew something bad was going to happen when Jem and Tessa went out.
74. What did you make of Tessa feeling something was “strange, different”? BTW, do you think Will is going to be even angrier with Tessa? Will this give him a reason to push her further away?
75. Not a lot of questions for this chapter – as it was action-packed. Did you like the way the action was written?
Dragana's Questions for Chapter 15 76. Am I the only one with the impression that Will was not happy because Jem wanted to talk to Tessa? Jealous maybe? Or protective of Jem?
77. So now we know what is Jem's 'illness'. Do you think he gave up looking for a cure? Would you ever stop?
Other thoughts/comments about Jem's story?
78. And now we know who is Sophie's secret crush. Poor Thomas. :(
I think that Jem is not even aware that she is in love with him. Do you? Do you think that Sophie has any chance?
79. Scene with Nate asleep in bed and Jessamine beside was so cute to me. Did you expect this kind of dedication from her?
80. And the final chapter scene... Nate is missing. What do you think what happened? Did he leave by himself or someone took him away?
Dragana's Questions for Chapter 16
81. Tessa still not changed. I don't know about you, but no matter what I could not stay in those filthy things all night...
82. Ok, so Nate is found. Do you find anything about this situation weird?
83. Do you approve of Tessa and her aunt protecting Nate? Do you think he is innocent, spoiled or something else?
84. Will & Tessa have a private conversation in a corridor. But nothing is resolved; did you expect that Will would say/do something different?
85. I got to quote Will from his and Tessa's conversation: “And I think that you do not understand that sometimes the only choice is between acceptance and madness.” Does he mean about Jem's situation or about himself when he says this? What do you think?
86. What do you think about Nate’s story why he came to London, how he started working for Mortmain etc. Whole truth or did he skip/change anything?
87. Full moon tonight... They must stop Magister before it is too late and his army is complete. Will Clave approve attack? Did Nate gave correct information? Will they use Tessa again as distraction? What do you think?
Lisa Kay's Questions for Chapter 17
88. Do you believe Nate show them the right house in Chelsea?
89. What do you think of Benedict Lightwood’s edict that Jem and Will are to young? (Drat! I thought they would be then if someone should come for Tessa at the Institute, but now they are gone too.) Why was Nate so surprised by this announcement? Or am I reading too much into it?
90. Jessamine wants to play cards? What a poor choice for an addict, because never doubt that is what Nate is. Do you agree?
91. Did Will mean anything else when he told Tessa it would soon “all be settled,” right after she said she wanted to go home to New York?
92. Were you suspicious of Mortmain showing up? Think he was really giving information, or seeking some?
93. Drat! Supposedly both of the Dark Sisters are alive. That can’t be good. Comments. Who will be able to do something about the binding spell? Charlotte, Henry, Tessa, Will?
94. Do you think Will saw Jem kiss Tessa’s hand? Did Sophie? Are they making assumptions? Are you?
95. I knew Jem’s blood was going to allow that automaton into the Institute’s doors, did you? Poor Agatha. Comments.
96. Eek! I wasn’t expecting Mrs. Dark to be carrying her sister. Nor her cryptic denouncement of de Quincey. Comments.
Lisa Kay's Questions for Chapter 18
97. Did the identity of the Magister astound you?
98. Did the title of the chapter give you any clue as to Nate’s betrayal? I must admit I was suspicious, but I didn’t expect his utter “devotion.” And let’s not forget the vanity! I thought maybe it was going to be fear that was the motivating factor. You?
99. On a scale of 0-10, with 10 being the best, how cool was the little metal angel? But where and why did it vanish?
100. Okay, what is with the cat in the cage? I guess it has something to do with necromancy and not a binding spell. Comments?
101. Finally, an explanation as to why a villain stops to explain the other side’s plans. That always bugs me in books, but here Mrs. Dark reason makes sense.
102. I must admit that I thought Nate was letting something into the Institute, not getting a message out. How about you?
103. Good for Jessamine! No questions here, just three cheers. Comments.
104. Will goes off alone! That was a surprise to me. Comments.
Lisa Kay's Questions for Chapter 19 105. Well, Jessamine sure lost points in my book, leaving Thomas like that. Did she have any other choice? Of course, she compounded it by blaming Tessa for all that happened. Sounds like she is a bit power-hungry herself, true?
106. Off and on throughout this chapter Will was having flashbacks to his twelve year old self and “that blasted box” – what do you think that is all about?
107. What do you think Thomas was going to tell Will about Sophie before he gasped his last breath? Something important about her ability, or his profession of love?
108. Well, we got some answers, but plenty of mystery remains. Whose gold watch, engraved with the initials of J.T.S., did Mortmain have in his hand?
109. What will Mortmain do with the Pyxis? Will he be able to access it? How were he and Nate able to vanish? With simple magic?
110. What did you think of Tessa’s Boadicea ruse? Were you worried? Impressed?
111. Still, I’m a bit frustrated that we don’t know exactly what Tessa is yet. You? Though, I must admit to being greatly relieved Mortmain wasn’t her father. Getting a little sick of the incest theme that has been popping up in recent books. Comments.
I think I'm going to be joining you on this one, Lisa Kay! I have this book gathering dust on my shelf. It's time to finally get to it!
Great, Aneeqah! I'm sure I speak for CaroB in welcoming you. ☺
I think I'll join in, I wanted to reread this before the next one. Will probably come in late.
Wonderful, Willa! ☺
Lisa Kay wrote: "Great, Aneeqah! I'm sure I speak for CaroB in welcoming you. ☺"Thank you! It's been too long since I last did a buddy read. =)
I'm in! My library has it so I don't have to spend a dime.
Great, Dragana! Welcome to the "buddy read"! ☺
I don't want to fully commit cause I'm doing a buddy read that I'm not sure will be finished by the 22nd. I never got to reading this first go round and now everyone is group/buddy reading the second. Hopefully I'll finish in time.
Do you want me to put you under "Lurker", Gin, or under "Participant" - if other BR finishes in time?
Is there a difference?
LOL! Really! Not much, but the "Participant" means you might commit! ☺ I'll put you there?
Thanks. Hopefully we'll finish in time
Never done a buddy read before, and i have this book unread in my collection so i'll give it a go.
Great, Kylie! Welcome to the your first "buddy read"! ☺
Count me in!!! I read the first chapter, but then stopped when I realized there was no way I would finish in time to read the second one with the group.
Gotcha, Kim L! The good news is, when we go on to book #2 the DQs will already be written for us, LOL!
LOL, I didn't think of that, but you are right, Lisa Kay. :D
Was just wondering what the daily reading was as its the 22nd for me tomorrow (I live in Australia) not sure what chapters to read ech day etc.
Kylie, there looks to be a prologue, 20 chapters, and an epilogure spread out over 476 pages. (Average 21.6 pages per chapter.)What does everyone want to do? Three or four chapters a day?
Kylie, I think you would be safe reading the prologue and the first three chapters.
3 chapters please. I'm doing another BOM and plus I have school.
I agree with 3 chapters.During work days I have less time for reading, so I am not sure I would be able to keep up....
The prologue is medium size. Does that mean you only want to do it and on through to the end of Chapter 2?
I have it on audible.com... however, at 21.6 pages per chapter, I think about 50 to 55 pages?
This is the first time I have participated in a buddy read with this group. Exactly how does it work? You guys read a certain amount of pages then answer questions each day?
Well, each "buddy read" is a little different, Gin. The main thing is that we have fun, so NO STRESS! On this one, we are going to read a certain amount each day and post DQs. You can read ahead, or fall behind. You can answer only those questions you want or none at all (the last of which would make you pretty much a "lucker").
Thanks for clearing that up. I have my book and I'm ready to start tomorrow. So it's through ch 2 then tomorrow?
Before I say yes, let's check with Dragana. I bet she says yes. Remember, anyone can read ahead, but just don't spoil anything for others. Of course, if the date for that reading if up, then you are not spoiling. Understand?
Actually that happened recently in one of my "buddy reads". Someone, who always keeps up with the reading, fell behind. You know, Real Life and all that. Anyway, I could tell they lost interest. (It happens.) Then someone posted something and they were like, "WHAT!" And rushed back to the book to catch up. They were pretty funny and good-natured about it. It was cute.
I always fall behind on my buddy reads. Heads up y'all.
Yeah, school will do that.
I'll do my best. Weekends are busiest for me. I'm a weekender and I work 12 hrs. You probably won't hear from me till evening time then
That is fine, Gin. I have so long days coming up here myself. I'll be putting in a lot of driving.
That's why I love audio!
Yeah, but the person I'm driving doesn't want to listen to this book. :(
Scratch that! Well, hopefully you'll enjoy the company of this other person.
If you're driving a long time maybe you can compromise, LK. An hour of what you want to listen to, an hour of what they want to listen to.
Nice idea, Sashana, but they are very ill, so they get priority.
I posted a list of characters in message #2 above. I inserted a spoiler for those listed after the first three. So, check them out at your own risk. ☺
Nothing But Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
Clockwork Angel (other topics)Clockwork Angel (other topics)
Authors mentioned in this topic
Cassandra Clare (other topics)Cassandra Clare (other topics)
Cassandra Clare (other topics)
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.
★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩
CaroB and I are planning a "buddy read" of the first book in the Infernal Devices series. This can be read without having to read any of her Mortal Instruments series. Anyone is welcome to join in the discussion questions (DQs) or just pop in to say "Hi!"
Planned start date: February 22, 2012
EXPECT SPOILERS!
Participants So Far
CaroB
Aneeqah
willaful
Dragana
Gin
Kylie
Kim L
Lisa Kay
Lurkers
Sashana
Cheryl