Shadow and Bone Read-Along: Fourth & Final Week Discussion Questions

Welcome to the fourth and final

week of the  

Shadow and Bone Read-Along,

hosted by

Vonnie @ Vonnie's Reading Corner

and

Maria @ A Night's Dream of Books!

Shadow and Bone

(The Grisha #1)

Leigh Bardugo

Hardcover, 368 pages

Henry Holt & Co.

June 5, 2012

Fantasy, Paranormal Romance,

Young Adult Fiction

Purchase Links

Amazon US (Print)

Amazon US (Kindle)

Barnes & Noble

(includes a link for the Nook edition)

The Book Depository UK

Fourth Week Discussion Questions

Chapter 18 - "After"

A Night's Dream of Books

1.)   Alina asks Mal to do something for her, something which he flatly refuses to even consider.  What is it?  Why did Alina make this request?

She asks him to kill her.  He's understandably shocked, and tells her he can't do such a thing.  The reason for her request is her fear that she will be compelled by the Darkling to help carry out his terrible plan, which will mean the deaths of many.  It will also involve great destruction. 

2.)   What were your thoughts and feelings when Alina had her beautiful, magical encounter with the stag?

I felt that I was Alina at that moment....I stood there, looking into the stag's eyes, into his soul.  It was a beautiful, eternal moment.   Animals are so noble, so free -- even if they're 'tamed' -- and so very wise, as well.  I loved that the stag didn't run from Alina, but stood there, very still, as she gently ran her hand over his muzzle.  Then he and Alina looked into each other's eyes.  It's so wonderful, so magical, when a wild animal, innocent in its wildness, allows a human to approach that close.  There was an instant bond between Alina and the stag.  They were kindred spirits, and so, she could not do what she was supposed to do -- kill him.  The stag mirrored Alina's own magnificent power.

3.)   How did you feel about the Darkling when he took what Alina would not -- the stag's life? 

If there were any doubts in my mind about him before this -- and there were -- this very sad, horrible event totally convinced me that the Darkling was utterly evil.  When he coldly killed the stag, I felt a surge of hatred toward him.  For him to kill such a beautiful, noble animal, just to take the antlers and thus ensure the expansion of his own magical power -- this, to me, was an unpardonable act.  It was also completely disgusting. 

I think this event is also the author's way of strongly protesting the sport of hunting.  I am in complete agreement with her.  It is indeed horrible to kill a magnificent animal for the mere purpose of displaying its stuffed head (whether it has horns, antlers, or is simply a head) on a wall.  This is purely a display of macho egotism, and those who engage in such a 'sport' don't know -- and probably don't want to know -- what a terrible thing it is. 

From this point on, I felt absolutely no attraction to the Darkling.

  

4.)  Why is it the Darkling, and not Alina, who initially controls the amplifying power of the stag's antlers?

Because, according to the legend about the stag, whoever killed it would be the one able to control the amplifying power of the antlers. 

5.)  What, according to the Darkling, would have happened if word of Alina's flight from the Little Palace had spread?

She would probably have been killed by a Fjerdan assassin.  Ravka's enemies did not want the Sun Summoner to be an ally of the Darkling.  They feared the combined power of the two of them, and rightly so. 

6.)   What role do you think Genya might have played (if any) in the King's sudden illness?

I'm not sure that she did play a role in his illness.  However, since she has the talent of improving a person's appearance through the magic in her hands, perhaps the Darkling persuaded her to use her power to alter the King's appearance to the extreme that he actually fell into a deep depression.  Or perhaps she really made him physically ill. 

Alina noticed the fact that Genya was no longer a servant to the Queen, who, like the King, had been confined to her quarters.  In fact, Genya was now wearing a red kefia, which meant she was considered one of the Corporalnik, and not a servant.  Alina suspected this might have been the Darkling's reward for Genya's help in successfully making the King incapable of ruling (not that this was such a difficult thing to do, since the Darkling was the power behind the throne anyway).

7.)   Do you think there will be an eventual power struggle between the Darkling and the Apparat?  Why or why not?

As I went into the book's final chapters, I really didn't get the impression that such a thing would happen in this first book.  I could, however, see it happening in the second book, or perhaps the third.  The Apparat, although probably not a Grisha, has some power of his own -- the power to influence and manipulate whoever he wishes.  His mind, I think, is very powerful.  Like the historical figure he was modeled on -- Rasputin -- he has the power to make people do things they would normally not do, or even think of doing.  This is a very subtle, sinister power that disguises itself as apparent concern for a person's welfare, or success in life.  In fact, the very name of this character indicates that he is not what he seems to be -- at all!  His strange name, "Apparat,  contains the first letters of the word "apparent".  This is not a coincidence, but a metaphorical message from the author.  So this strange, disturbing person will most likely attempt to bend the Darkling to his own will, through very subtle ways.  This will probably happen either in the second book, or the third.

8.)   How did Alina come to realize that she could take control of the amplifier away from the Darkling? 

She had spared the stag's life.  Suddenly, she realized that, through the quality of mercy -- something totally alien to the Darkling -- the power of the stag's life belonged to her just as much as it did to the man who had taken the stag's life.  However, that power was stronger in her, I believe, because mercy is much stronger than cruelty.    

9.)   What does the Darkling intend to do with Mal once he (the Darkling) and his soldiers reach the Fold?

He intends to throw Mal to the volcra, to be devoured by them.  This despite the fact that he had promised Alina he would be merciful, and preserve Mal's life.  At this point in the novel, there's now plenty of evidence that the Darkling is indeed the villain, so this was just further proof of that. 

10.)  Without giving too much away, what did you think of the ending (including the "After" section)?  Were you surprised?

The ending was totally electrifying!!  It would definitely make an awesome movie!!  Yes, it did surprise me; I had no idea there could be hope in such an obviously hopeless situation.  Alina finally takes her power fully into her own hands, and the results are mind-blowing!  Although there were some unfortunate consequences, she didn't have much choice. 

The "After" section brings Alina and Mal full circle.  They are orphans again, although now it's in a different way.  Once more they are together, and must rely on each other in order to stand against whatever the Darkling might throw their way....  I thought that this was a great for the author to show her readers that Alina and Mal do indeed belong together!

This was really an incredibly good novel, and I'm looking forward to reading the sequel, Siege and Storm, as soon as I'm able to! 

Be sure to visit Vonnie to see

how she answered! 

We hope you have enjoyed

following our progress through this exciting, fascinating book,

which Vonnie and I will be reviewing within the next few days.

Stay tuned!! 

Shadow and Bone Read-Along: Week 3 Discussion Questions

Welcome to the third week of the  

Shadow and Bone Read-Along,

hosted by

Vonnie @ Vonnie's Reading Corner

and

Maria @ A Night's Dream of Books!

Shadow and Bone

(The Grisha #1)

Leigh Bardugo

Hardcover, 368 pages

Henry Holt & Co.

June 5, 2012

Fantasy, Paranormal Romance,

Young Adult Fiction

Purchase Links

Amazon US (Print)

Amazon US (Kindle)

Barnes & Noble

(includes a link for the Nook edition)

The Book Depository UK

Third Week Discussion Questions

Chapters 13 - 17

Vonnie's Reading Corner

1.)   How does Alina change once she lets go of the past and accepts her power?

She becomes a stronger person.  Her insecurities begin to disappear as she discovers that she can call her power by herself.  She also discovers who the Darkling really is, and knows that she must fight to stop him from implementing his evil plan.  He can no longer charm or manipulate her.  I wanted to cheer when I saw all this happening!  Her physical appearance also changes; she no longer looks like a little orphan girl, but a young, confident woman,

2.)   Baghra and the Darkling showed an interesting relationship before the reveal.  Did you guess that they were mother and son? Explain.

I had no idea that they were related, so it was quite a surprise to me when the author revealed this!  However, I didn't like the way the Darkling addressed Baghra at one point in the story; it was very disrespectful.  They obviously don't have a close relationship.  From the hints thrown out by the author, it appears they never have.

3.)   What are your thoughts on Alina's and the Darkling's first kiss?  How about the one at the ball? 

When they first kissed, it was very brief, and very innocent.  The Darkling was just as surprised as Alina was.  He seemed somewhat embarrassed at having taken advantage of the situation, and did not pursue it further.  In fact, he seemed to be fighting his apparent shyness.  But the attraction between them was very real, and I was disappointed that they didn't spend more time kissing!  By this point, I was feeling quite an attraction to the Darkling.... 

The second time they kissed, at the ball, I was so thrilled!  My attraction to the Darkling increased.  Although he obviously desired Alina, he was very gentle with her, and did not force her into anything, but he did want to pursue things further this time.  I could feel his sensual power over her, too, and I put myself in her place....  I was sure that they were headed toward a wonderful relationship, even if things got a little too heated as soon as they did.  Still, it was definitely exciting!

Romantic emotions aside, I think that Alina was right to hesitate when the Darkling asked if he could go to her room that night.  When things seem "too good to be true", they usually are.  When a man seems to be totally into a woman, it can mean that he wants to get her so emotionally involved that she won't stop to think about the consequences.  Then he can use her emotions against her, manipulating her any way he wants.  It was great that some people coming down the hall also interrupted the little interlude!

  

4.)  Genya is beautiful and lively.  Why do you think she is attracted to David the Fabrikator?

I think that, on the surface, it's simply a matter of "opposites attract".  He's a nice complement to her outgoing character; he has a solid stabilizing influence on her. 

Going deeper, though, I think she sees something in him that no one else does.  Genya is not typical of most beautiful women; she's not a shallow person at all because, unlike them, she has really suffered.  So she's able to appreciate David's brilliance, and knows that, along with that brilliance, he has a gentle soul. 

5.)  Alina waits a long time for her kefia to arrive.  When it does, it is black instead of blue and has a charm representing the Darkling.  What does this mean?

It means that he has set her apart, that she's personally allied to him as no other Grisha is.  Black is the Darkling's color.  The charm is his symbol -- the sun in eclipse.   This symbol is very appropriate to the story, because he summons darkness, while Alina summons light.  So this symbol represents, in my opinion, the alliance of the two of them, their powers complementing and perfectly balancing each other.

6.)   What is the Apparat's fascination with Alina?

I'm not quite sure.  He's such a creepy character....perhaps he has some really perverted attraction to her.  On the other hand, perhaps, like the Darkling, he simply wants to use her power for his own ends.  And who knows -- maybe it's a combination of the two!  (Shudder!) 

7.)   Why did Mal react so coldly to Alina when seeing her again?

Throughout most of the book, the reader, along with Alina, is led to believe that Mal thinks of her only as a friend, a sister.  It turns out that he has always loved her, but didn't quite know how to tell her, because he really wasn't aware of it himself -- until he ran into her at the palace, dressed in the black kefia, wearing the Darkling's charm.  (This is a typical "guy problem".)  He suddenly felt intense jealousy.  He was under the mistaken impression that Alina was having a romantic relationship with the Darkling, whom Mal already distrusted and disliked.   

8.)   Baghra helps Alina to escape the Little Palace.  Why would she help Alina and betray her son? 

I believe it's because she feels guilty, as well as responsible, for not being able to control her son's overwhelming lust for political power.  After all, she trained him in the use of his Grisha powers, thus helping him to become as formidable as he currently is.  She wants Alina to help restrain her son's greed and ambition.  She wants Alina to prevent him from carrying out his nefarious plan, to do what she, Baghra, failed to do, perhaps because she's the Darkling's mother.  It would be too difficult, I think, as well as horrible, for her to attempt to stop her own son, because of the possibility that she might kill him herself.

9.)   Who is the Black Heretic?

At the beginning of the book, the Darkling told Alina that it was his great-great-great-grandfather, the creator of the Fold.  This is a lie.  The Black Heretic is the Darkling himself.  He has lived for hundreds of years.  It was he who created the Fold.

10.)  The volcra were consequences of the Fold.  How were they created?  What do they symbolize?

The immense power of the Fold turned human men, women, and children into these horrible, flesh-eating monsters.  They are the Darkling's punishment, a constant, living reminder of his arrogance.  To me, they symbolize the raging, uncontrolled lust for power, laying waste to every obstacle in its path. 

11.)  In Chapter 16, Alina has a dream about Baghra having a knife at Alina's throat and laughing.  What can this mean?  Is Baghra really trustworthy?

I think this is just a little twist thrown into the story by the author, to intentionally mislead readers into thinking that Baghra is not to be trusted.  This is the type of thing done by mystery writers.  They mislead readers on purpose, then, later on in the story, take them along another,  very surprising path.  Bardugo is using this trick very effectively in this passage!

12.)  Though he is not Grisha, what is Mal's power?  How does he help Alina?

Mal is a gifted tracker.  He has an uncanny ability to know just where and when to find his quarry -- whatever, or whoever, it might be.  I think it's a special instinct he possesses, and I would put it on a par with Grisha powers. 

He helps Alina to find Morozova's herd.  Later on, when they escape the clutches of the Darkling, he helps her to travel in the right direction, as they move toward the west, away from Ravka, and toward the sea. 

Be sure to visit Vonnie to see

how she answered! 

Next week, it'll be my turn

to ask the final questions!

Stay tuned!! 

Shadow and Bone Read-Along: Week 2 Discussion Questions

Welcome to the second week of the  

Shadow and Bone Read-Along,

hosted by

Vonnie @ Vonnie's Reading Corner

and

Maria @ A Night's Dream of Books!

Come join the fun!!

Shadow and Bone

(The Grisha #1)

Leigh Bardugo

Hardcover, 368 pages

Henry Holt & Co.

June 5, 2012

Fantasy, Paranormal Romance,

Young Adult Fiction

Purchase Links

Amazon US (Print)

Amazon US (Kindle)

Barnes & Noble

(includes a link for the Nook edition)

The Book Depository UK

Second Week Discussion Questions

Chapters 6 - 12

A Night's Dream of Books

1.)   At the beginning of Chapter 6, Alina wakes up from a nightmare in which she saw a volcra with "gray quartz eyes".  What character in the book does this creature represent?  Why do you think the author used this image?

It's pretty obvious to me that the creature represents the Darkling.  Its eyes are the exact same color as his.  This image vividly conveys the Darkling's true nature -- he's ruthless, merciless, and will stop at nothing to get what he wants.  I also think this image is intended as a foreshadowing; the Darkling's true nature hasn't been revealed yet, but it will be, later on.

2.)   Who is Genya, and what type of Grisha is she?

She is the Queen's personal maid, and is rumored to be involved in a forced liaison with the King.  As a Grisha, she's a Tailor.  However, she doesn't make or mend clothes.  Instead, she 'repairs' a person's appearance, through magical methods.  She's a sort of plastic surgeon, in a way, although the changes she makes need not be drastic.

3.)   Why does Alina prefer to wear a blue kefia, instead of a black one, as the Darkling had ordered?  Do you agree with her reasons?  Explain.

She doesn't think of herself as anything special.  At this point in the story, she can't control her power, and is ashamed of it.  Of course, she doesn't want anyone to find out about this.  The Darkling wants her to wear a black kefia because that is his color.   If she were to wear one, too, it would become apparent to everyone that she was being especially favored by the Darkling.  Thus, she would stand out as very different from the rest of the Grisha.  She doesn't want to stand out, but to blend in and not be noticed.  Also, since Alina is not the ambitious type, this sort of favoritism on the part of the Darkling has no appeal for her.  Instead, it embarrasses her.

Do I agree with her reasons?  Absolutely, even though I do feel that she needs to bolster her self-esteem.  However, it's very logical that, having grown up as a peasant, she should feel intimidated and nervous about being thrust into the Grisha world.  If I were Alina, I, too, would much prefer to blend in.  Had she not done this, she would very likely have made a lot of people very jealous and resentful of her -- not just Zoya.  That was the last thing she wanted.  It would be the last thing I would want, too. 

4.)  How would Alina's life have been different if the Grisha Examiners had discovered her talent when she was a child?

She would have been taken from the orphanage immediately, and transferred to Os Alta, to attend the special Grisha school there.  She would also have received very special treatment, and would probably have fallen entirely under the Darkling's influence.  This would have been terrible!   Also, it would have meant her permanent separation from Mal.  Since she would have been easier to control and manipulate, being much younger, it would have been much easier for her to get over Mal, and throw herself entirely into Grisha life.  Thus, she would have fit in right away.   And she would have become a shadow of herself, too, an instrument of the Darkling.   

5.)  What impression do you get of the Darkling's character from his conversation with Alina in Chapter 9?

He seems to want to reassure Alina that he is not as intimidating as people say he is.  However, although his conversation with her appears harmless at first sight, I think he's very subtly gathering information about Alina.  He seems to care about her, but is this sincere?  There's an undercurrent in this conversation that tells me he's not.  Being a very shrewd person, I think he's taking the trouble to seem harmless to Alina.  I don't trust him, though! 

6.)   What do you think of the Apparat?  Does he remind you of any particular figure in history?  If so, who?

The Apparat is a very strange character.  He's also very sinister and creepy!  He too, is going to some trouble to appear to have Alina's best interests at heart, but it's apparent that this is simply a façade he puts on.  He's very slick, and his manner seems pleasant at first.  However, as with the Darkling, there's an undercurrent of evil in his personality. 

Having read about the last Tsar of Russia some years ago, I'm familiar with Rasputin, the strange man who was an advisor to Tsar Nicholas II, the last Russian monarch.  He was supposedly a holy man, but instead, had an overwhelming, malevolent influence on the Tsar, as well as on his wife, the Tsarina.  The Bolshevik Revolution broke out partially because of him.  Since the royal couple listened to his advice and followed his instructions to the letter, he was, in effect, the real head of the government.  And his leadership was disastrous to the country.

7.)   Why is Zoya jealous of Alina?

Because she thinks that Alina is 'the Darkling's pet', and that's precisely what she would love to be, the fool!  She's also jealous of Alina's power as a Sun Summoner.

8.)   What is an amplifier?  Are amplifiers exclusively inanimate objects?  Give examples.

An amplifier is either a person or thing that can expand and strengthen a Grisha's power.  Baghra and the Darkling are both human amplifiers -- they amplify Alina's power.  There are also objects that are natural amplifiers.  They're worn by the Grisha in order to expand their powers.

9.)   What is Morozova's herd?

It's a herd of magical deer that roam the part of Ravka known as Tsibeya (this is a clear reference to Siberia, I think.)

10.) Why is it so important for the white stag of Morozova's herd to be found?

The stag's antlers are amplifiers.  They can be taken from the stag and made into a collar, which Alina will wear around her neck, and which will serve to enhance her power, making her gift much stronger.  In order for her to get the antlers, however, she has to kill  the stag herself.  Whoever kills this animal will be able to use the antlers as an amplifier.

Be sure to visit Vonnie to see

how she answered! 

Next week, it'll be her turn

to ask the questions!

If you'd like to participate,

you can link up

HERE! 

Shadow and Bone Read-Along: Week 1 Discussion Questions

Welcome to the first week of the  

Shadow and Bone Read-Along,

hosted by

Vonnie @ Vonnie's Reading Corner

and

Maria @ A Night's Dream of Books!

Come join the fun!!

Shadow and Bone

(The Grisha #1)

Leigh Bardugo

Hardcover, 368 pages

Henry Holt & Co.

June 5, 2012

Fantasy, Paranormal Romance,

Young Adult Fiction

Purchase Links

Amazon US (Print)

Amazon US (Kindle)

Barnes & Noble

(includes a link for the Nook edition)

The Book Depository UK

First Week Discussion Questions

"Before" - Chapter 5

Vonnie's Reading Corner

1.)   What are your thoughts of the world Leigh Bardugo created so far?

Oh, I absolutely love it!!  I'm totally fascinated!  I love the characters, the history of the Grisha, the fact that her world is obviously modeled on late 19th-century Russia.  The name "Ravka" (the country inhabited by the Grisha, as well as those who are not Grisha) sounds like it could be a corrupted form of "Russia"".  This series is now on my favorites list!

2.)   Did the terminology affect your reading?

I would have to say, "Yes and no".  There were words that I think came from Russian.  Although Bardugo did make the meaning of each word pretty obvious through relevant context, I still think it would have been nice if she had provided a glossary.  For example, the meaning of the word 'kefia' is obvious from the context it appears in, but I still would have liked to know the exact meaning of the word.  However, encountering unfamiliar words did not take away from my enjoyment of the story.  (Note: A 'kefia' is a special robe worn by the Grisha.)

3.)   What time period do you think this takes place in?

As I happened to mention in my answer to the first question, I think the world is based on late 19th-century Russia, so that's the time period I feel the story takes place in.

4.)  Who are the Grisha and what does it mean to be one of them?

The Grisha are people who are born with magical powers, and are grouped in  different classifications.  For instance, some of them are Fabrikators -- they can make certain objects through magical means.  Others are Squallers, who are able to raise wind, and project it wherever they wish.  Alina Starkov, the first person narrator of the novel, is a Sun Summoner.  She has the power to bring forth brilliant light.  

It's a great honor to be a Grisha.  They attend a special school in the city of Os Alta, and are housed in the LIttle Palace, which is located very close to the Grand Palace, where the King and Queen live.  They have the very finest clothes and are always attended by servants.  When they finish their training, they serve the King in several ways.  Most of them go into the Second Army, but others serve aristocratic families.

5.)  In the  chapter, "Before", it is said that 'small science' has nothing to do with magic.  Then how do the Grisha Examiners explain the super powers that some people have?

The Grisha Examiners in this chapter explain that there are many things in nature that could be considered magical.  Also, from what I've read so far, it seems that "The Small Science" is the name the Grisha give to what they do with their powers.  The Examiners encountered by Alina and Mal at the beginning of the book insist that they're not witches.  Also, Grisha are born, not made.  Once a Grisha's power is discovered, he or she is sent to the special school to be trained in the proper and most effective use of that power.  The Grisha Examiners seek out talented young people to be trained in their school.  They find them by testing their abilities.

6.)   What kind of relationship do Alina and Mal have in the beginning?

They were brought to an orphanage around the same time, and became best friends as they grew up together.  In fact, they did everything together, and were practically inseparable.

7.)   Describe the "Unsea", aka "Shadow Fold".

The Shadow Fold was once a valley of fertile fields and land for grazing sheep.  Then one day, out of nowhere, a great belt, or 'swath' of nearly impenetrable darkness appeared over the entire area.  This darkness is full of strange creatures called 'volcra', that attack and eat humans attempting to cross to the other side.  The Shadow Fold cuts across Ravka, while the real sea lies beyond.  Since it's so dangerous to cross, that means the country is essentially landlocked.

8.)   Why do you think Alina's power was dormant for so long?  What is so special about her power?  Why are the Grisha desperate to protect Alina?

At one point, Alina herself mentions that she didn't want to allow her power to manifest, because the Grisha would then take her away from Mal, and she feared she would probably never see him again.  Her power is very special because Sun Summoners are very rare.  The Grisha are desperate to protect her because they're afraid their enemies might try to capture Alina so as to use her power against the Grisha.

9.)   The Darkling is introduced as a mysterious individual with dark powers.  He even cuts a man in half to save Alina.  Will he be a villain or a hero?  Why?

Well, the fact that he always wears black is not a good sign, although  having a villain wear black is definitely a stereotype.  At this point in the story, though, it's hard to tell.  The fact that he saves Alina by cutting a man in half could mean that she's very valuable to him as a weapon he can use.  However, he's very kind to Alina as well, and he knows she initially feels intimidated by him.  I feel attracted to him myself.  He's so mysterious and powerful....  He obviously wants Alina to see him as a hero, from the things he tells her he wants to do, with her help, to save Ravka.

10.) Where do you think the story will go after Alina arrives at the Little Palace?

She will probably be introduced to the King and Queen, and start her lessons at the school, where she will learn to harness her power.  If the Darkling is a hero, she will help him destroy the Shadow  Fold, and unite the people of Ravka, Grisha and non-Grisha alike.  Mal will re-enter the picture, having realized, too late, that he's always loved Alina, and should have told her so.  He will therefore be jealous of Alina's relationship with the Darkling.  He will try to convince her that the Darkling is in reality evil, and a love triangle will ensue.  Alina will be torn between her love for Mal, her childhood playmate and friend, whom she fell in love with years ago, and the Darkling, who is a Grisha like herself.

Be sure to visit Vonnie to see

how she answered! 

Next week, it'll be my turn

to ask the questions!

If you'd like to participate,

you can link up

HERE! 

If more people join in,

Vonnie and I will also hold

a giveaway,

for a $15.00 Amazon gift card,

and a printed copy of

Shadow and Bone!!