Shadow and Bone Read-Along: Week One Discussion Questions

 

Welcome to the first week of the  

Shadow and Bone Read-Along,

hosted by

Maria @ A Night's Dream of Books

and

Vonnie @ Vonnie's Reading Corner!

 

Come join the fun!!

 

 

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

June 5, 2012

Fantasy, Paranormal Romance,

Young Adult Fiction

 

 First Week Discussion Questions
"Before" - Chapter 5

Vonnie's Reading Corner

 

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

 

I am finding that the world created by Bardugo to be quite interesting. I am still trying to comprehend what this world really entails and I am trying to picture what Russian life is like. I do find it fascinating how there are creatures and magic involved in this world, yet it is seen as "small science."

 

2.)   Did the terminology affect your reading?

 

At first I was a little confused with the words being used: both Russian and made up. The Russian words were easier to understand because of the context clues, but the made up ones took me a little while longer to comprehend. As I further read into the story, the terminology is becoming easier for me to understand.

 

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

 

You know what, I'm not quite sure. I keep going back and forth between the late 1800s or the early 1900s. For some reason, I also feel like perhaps this is somehow in the future where the world is just upside down. I guess I need to read further to narrow down my thinking.

 

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

 

The Grisha are soldiers of the Second Army who have magical powers.  Their powers range from person to person, but each person is able to manipulate matter into whatever they are capable of. For example, some of them are able to throw fireballs at enemies.  

To be a Grisha, it could be an honor or a curse. Grisha are mostly seen as people with really high status. They are given privileges and special clothing. At the same time, to be a Grisha means that there are people going after you. There are many that see Grisha as witches and these people would do anything to get rid of the Grisha.

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?

 

What I've read so far, "small science" is an explanation for what the Grisha are capable of doing. Since there are many people who think of the Grisha as witches, the Grisha try to take away the stigma of magic and tone down their abilities. It is their way of trying to sound as something normal from birth.

 

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

 

I see Alina and Mal having more of a brother and sister relationship. They were both orphans that grew up together. They were always in each other's company, which made them inseparable. As they grew up though, their closeness made Alina see their relationship as something more.

 

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

 

The Shadow Fold is a dark place that many don't survive. It is a valley between two lands that is filled with horrors such as the volcra (flying creatures). When people try to cross this "Unsea", they are attacked by the volcra. It is believed that the Shadow Fold was created to keep people where they belong in their land.

 

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?

 

I think that Alina's power was dormant for a while because she had a special power. Being a Sun Summoner is very rare and perhaps it only manifest when it is most needed, like in the instance where Alina needed to save Mal's life. It could also have been dormant because Alina did not want to be a Grisha. She probably kept suppressing her power without her knowing.

 

Now the last question: the Grisha are trying to protect Alina because she is a Sun Summoner. They believe that she would be able to fix the problem with the Shadow Fold.

 

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?

 

I guess the Darkling could be both hero and villain. He is dark and mysterious and does things that are not okay; but he also has a kind heart for he takes care of Alina. The way he took Alina on his horse and his conversation he had with her makes me believe that he is somehow going to be a love interest. I feel a love triangle coming about.

 

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

 

I predict that Alina will end up meeting the King and Queen and they will discuss Alina's new role to her country. Since many people are after Alina, I feel that there will be more death involved. I also feel that Mal will show up again and the love triangle will emerge between Alina, Mal, and the Darkling. Finally, I think Alina will get training on her new power and she will come to realize what a brave girl she is.

 

 

 

Thanks for visiting and reading my responses. Be sure to visit Maria to see

how she answered! 

Next week, it'll be Maria's turn

to ask the questions on chapters 6-11!

 

If you'd like to participate,

you can link up

HERE! 

If more people join in,

Maria and I will also hold

a giveaway,

for a $15.00 Amazon gift card,

and a printed copy of

Shadow and Bone!!