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August 12 - Chapters 9-13

16. Marie and Nadia are trying to be Alina's friends although she says "(they) were definitely making me want to punch something." What do you think of these two characters?

I'm sure it's just because Alina has no idea what's going on or who to trust, but I was very wary of these two. I kept thinking they were going to turn on her, and that she should stay clear of them. The Grisha at this point in the story still seemed scary to me.

17. The Apparat's motives don't seem any clearer. "I think it is because the Grisha do not suffer the way the Saints suffer, the way the people suffer" Is he part of a stiring rebellion? Do you think his later words to Alina were a threat or a warning? ("You are becoming dangerous, and you will become more dangerous still")

The Apparat is the one character I don't have a clear grip on. What are his true motives? He seemed to me to be warning her, but also just thinking out loud. I think he has some kind of prophetic powers maybe. I wish the author had spent just a little more time fleshing him out for us in this book, but I get the feeling he'll play a bigger role in later books.

18. The fight with Zoya ended unexpectedly. Do you think she is a threat to Alina or just jealous and mostly harmless?

I think she's a threat. Never underestimate the depth of fury of jealous immature girls.

19. I can't wait to find out if they are able to find Morozova's herd! Predictions?

I wasn't sure they were going to find it, but once Mal came back in the picture I figured he'd get it.

20. We discover why Alina was not found to be a Grisha when she was eight. She must be very powerful to have been able to push down her powers like that?

Just when I convinced myself that she wasn't actually hiding anything, it turns out I was right in the first place and she had masked her powers. I think she is way stronger than anyone, even the Darkling, suspects.

21. The love triangle begins! Did you like the kiss? Why do you think Mal is not responding to her letters? Is he receiving them? Are the responses being held from her by someone? Or is he deliberately not answering?

I admit to being totally seduced by the Darkling right there with Alina. I hoped that Mal wasn't just ignoring her. He seemed too much of a friend to drop her like that simply for being a Grisha.

August 13 - Chapters 14-19

22.The Darkling ensures that Alina's new robes are black so now she really stands out! Is that a good thing?

The Darkling wanted to make a statement, clearly, and it worked! I imagine she looked so beautiful! I was kind of glad to see her get the recognition she deserves.

23. Genya says that the Darkling is "as much a slave to the whims of the King as the rest of us. At least for now". What does that mean?

Genya is so smart in the ways of court and I kept waiting for Alina to drill her for more information. Does the novella The Tailor get into that? I assume here she's talking about how much power the king still has, but she seems to be suggesting that soon the Darkling will have power of his own. Does she suspect his plan?

24. What did you tink of the party and the "demonstration"? It seems that Alina is now enjoying this new life and fame

I thought the party sounded like fun, but I kept wondering if she'd be able to perform with all of that champagne! lol

25. Alina said that when with the Dakling she felt desire and anger. What does that mean?

Maybe as an amplifier he draws out her most hidden feelings. As an isolated orphan, I imagine these two emotions are quite plentiful for her.

26. The Apparat really wanted to speak with Alina. I wish she had spoken to him! I have a feeling he knows something bad is about to happen. Do you think he knows the Darkling's plans?

I agree that I think she should have talked to him. She is so scared of what he'll say, but I can't figure out why. It isn't like he's done anything to her. At this point, he seems harmless and I wonder what's making her go to such trouble to avoid him. Simply for plot's sake?

27. Did you see the twist coming with the Darkling? Would you have trusted Baghra?

I definitely didn't see that coming. I don't see what Baghra would have to gain by lying, so I would have trusted her. It makes sense. But man, what a bummer. I guess I can't have that crush on him anymore!

28. Although it was a rocky reunion, Mal is now helping Alina and has admitted his feelings. I have to admit I loved this bit "I'm sorry it took me so long to see you Alina, but I see you now". Do you like Mal?

I loved that he finally confessed his feelings, but it seemed somewhat abrupt. Was it her power that drew her to him? Or is it just that he hadn't noticed her until the Darkling put her in the spotlight? I do like Mal and I'm glad they're together.

29. It seems they walked into the Darkling's trap (I was so annoyed that Alina didn't kill the stag before the Darkling! )and David helped to fashion the collar (did you notice it is no longer called a necklace?). Predictions for the last part of the book?

I was also annoyed about the stag. Why go to all that trouble if you're not going to follow through? Though ultimately I was glad the way it all worked out. :)

August 14 - Chapters 20-'After'

30. Genya seems to be on the Dakling's "side" and the Apparat has taken the King's place. I was really surprised by this. Were you?

I'm not surprised that Genya wanted to turn her back on the king after all he's done to her. Clearly it's very easy to fall under the Darkling's spell so I won't hold it against her. I had always pictured the Apparat as the king's minion though, so that surprised me.

31. We now understand the scar on Alina's palm. I think I'm getting all mushy, but I really loved that explanation!

I did too! I had actually forgotten about the scar until the memory so I was glad that she came full circle and explained it. I thought it was sweet that it was from Mal.

32. After so much tension, I was very excited and happy when Alina was able to call her power "It was nothing. He was nothing" Thoughts?

I loved the explanation of why she can also control the collar. Thankfully the stag incident did not come back and bite her in the ass. :)

33.So apparently the Apparat has didsappeared and so has the Darkling. I wonder what has happened to them, and Genya? I loved the ending as it was a cliffhanger, but not a huge ridiculous one. What did you think of the end?

I thought it was a perfect ending. It makes me want to keep reading, but resolved the main story line. I can't wait to see what happens with the Darkling in the next book. I thought the whole battle on the skim was really cool, even though I hated to see Alina abandon so many innocents along with the Darkling.

34. Final thoughts on the book? How would you rate it?

I gave it 5 stars. Definitely one of my favorite reads this year.

Logan- I was totally sucked in with the Darkling too. I agree about the Apparat, I think there is more to him and hopefully this will come out in the next book. You should read The Tailor - I *loved* getting Genya's side, it gave much more depth to the story.

I really enjoyed the ending and loved the book. Should we read #2 next month?

Yes!

If you decide to read the second part, I'm in, I even have my copy :)

Great! Assuming the second book is another easy read it should only take a couple of days to read. Should we go with the start of the month before all the other BRs begin and start Sept 2?

~Karen

That should work, especially since that's a holiday here. I may just slurp it all down on my day off!

Thread is here: http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...--

P.S I realised my library has this book (#1), but it has a different title: "The Gathering Dark"

I often wonder why publishers do this. I think the Shadow and Bone title and cover is much more striking. Even weirder is that both version of the book are available here! (?)

Definitely the Shadow and Bone title and cover are outstanding taking into consideration most of the YA and fantasy bookcovers :)