Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion
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The Kingdom
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Stevens, Amanda "The Kingdom" Start Date: April 28, 2013
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Ooooh! April's looking so busy for me and I don't know how I'm possibly going to be able to fit in all these buddy reads and BOMs, but I really want to read this book.
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Yes! Just write here if you want to read it and when can you start, so we can plan. I'd very much like if all of you, who wish to read it, could read with me The Kingdom, it's a great book! I'll even re-read it, which I almost never do. (;
Again, thanks Moderators of Nothing but Reading Challenges, for this thread!
I definitely want to get to it, Lára. Just not sure when.
I am in for this one for sure.
I just reserved the books. It will be a bit till it comes in.
I just read this book a week or so ago! If you end up reading The Prophet I will definitely join in on that one!
Nancy wrote: "I just read this book a week or so ago! If you end up reading The Prophet I will definitely join in on that one!"The same for me!
I saw The Prophet in my collection yesterday, AGAIN! and since this topic is not solved I have to ask again! I remember Lisa Kay said she´s not sure when she can start, some said "yes" but nothing about start date (for The Kingdom), some said "yes" (for The Prophet)... okay, I´ll try this way:
if you´re "in", just answer the following questions, please!?
1. April or May (or december of 2024)?
2. "main" or "side" read?
3. couple of chapters per day/ per week or one chapter per day?
This doesn´t have to be TOO challenging, like more than three chapters per day (time consuming). We can read and discuss just ONE chapter per day, if you can´t read/discuss more. If may be even more challenging to read 1 chapter than 5 chapters! You can´t know until you try it!
I understand our "real" life is always in our ways, but please, don´t let it consume all of you time so you can read this book, before the Samhain of 2050. ):
I know I asked too many times about 2nd book in Graveyard Queen series, but I never got an answer to my question and I´m going to aks until you answer it! :D
I don´t have 3rd book just to watch its pretty cover! I want to read it, and before you say "you can" I have to say that I cannot. I want to discuss the 2nd one with you and I won´t be able to do this if I read the 3rd one! also, I´m not a "re-reading person". I read the book once and never again, unless it´s:
a) so bad that I don´t remeber I read it before, until I finish it for the 2nd time,
b) it is really good but not so good that I remember all of it.
If I read The Propher, I can´t guarantee I´ll read it again. (: The Kingdom is under b cathegory, at least for me, which means I´ll re-read it.
Sorry for repeating myself. I just want to know, this time for sure, when shall we read it. (So I can lock The Prophet until that particular month. It´s tempting me!)
Thank you!
(I´m glad you were able to get 2nd and 3rd book, Kristin!)
I like some of this ideas. Just as curiosity, will you be able to resist reading one chapter a day from The Prophet too?
While there is no decision in sight, have you read The Abandoned? Is a prequel to the series, it only has 73 pages, but it could help the waiting.
What do you mean by "main" or "side" read, Lára?
Main - the book of the monthSide - not the book of the month but simply a buddy read that´s not on any of the lists or polls
Sonia, that´s why I said it could be more of a challenge to read one chapter than reading more than 5 chapters (; not time consuming, but definitely a challenge
I know it´s prequel, but since it came out after The Prophet, I´m not sure it would be wise to read it just now. Maybe it contains some spoilers from the Prophet as well?
Ah. Well, a BOM has to be voted on, Lára, and the nominations and voting for April is long over with. So this is officially a "buddy read."
Lisa Kay wrote: "Ah. Well, a BOM has to be voted on, Lára, and the nominations and voting for April is long over with. So this is officially a "buddy read.""For April, yes. but for May? or any other month? I somehow asumed we won´t read it in April (or so it seems so far), so I just wanted to make sure what you prefer more. If main, I would nominate it so some may vote for it, some not (and if not a winner, I would read it alone), buddy read... well, not nominated, not on polls but people want to read it together so we read it as a side read, paralel with BOM and that way "rules" are different, like reading one chapter per day or 10 chapters per week or anything in between
Lára, May's BOM noms have already gone to a poll vote, which will close March 31st.I'm fine with starting it in April and reading one chapter at a time. Do you know, off-hand, how many chapters there are? I could look it up...but I'm doing multiple things on GRs right now.
I´m sorry, please just forget I said anything. I feel especially stupid after voting on May´ poll and forgeting that I voted and that´s almost over.I shouldn't have persuaded this topic over again either. I´m going to shut up, I promise.
Lára according with this amazon page: http://www.amazon.com/The-Abandoned-G..., The Abandoned was published before The Kingdom, so I believe it is spoiler free.I also found out a review: http://darkfaerietales.com/review-aba... that shows the publication year as 2011
Sonia wrote: "Lára according with this amazon page: http://www.amazon.com/The-Abandoned-G..., The Abandoned was published before The Kingdom, so I believe it is spoiler free.I a..."
Fine. Might check it out.
Is everyone ready to start this one tomorrow? I know I have the audio, but I haven't checked to see if I have the eBook. Can anyone do the chapter breakdown?Lára, you still in?
How are you planning to read it?
I'm not sure what you mean, Lára? Do you mean by what media? Audiobook. But, I think I have the eBook.Still, we need a "chapter breakdown" to post so everyone knows what section to read each day.
Lisa Kay wrote: "I'm not sure what you mean, Lára? Do you mean by what media? Audiobook. But, I think I have the eBook.Still, we need a "chapter breakdown" to post so everyone knows what section to read each day."
(: no. How are you (people) planning to read it in general: one chapter, 17% per day...? I know nothing except that we´re to start April 28th
That is what looking at the "chapter breakdown" will determine. It depends on the length of each chapter. ☺Usually we shoot for around 50 pages a day. Depends on the pace of the people interested. I usually post two options for "chapter breakdown."
This is best down by looking at a "hardcopy" of the book. However, I can go by percent, if we can't find anyone with a paperback version.
I though maybe you all already decided how´re you going to read it. That´s why I was asking over and over again of people to speak their minds, but nobody answered. ):anyway, I´ve read the 3rd one (I´m not happy) and wheather I´ll join you on this one depends purely on how many per day/week we´ll read, so I´ll wait you people do the chapter breakdown
I have this one in e-format, unfortunately
Well, as I said, I have this on audio. However, I can't get it to download to my Kindle for PC, so I can't get the chapter breakdown. I'll have to check again
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Blue Ridge Escarpment: The Blue Ridge Mountains, cast in a blue haze at times, tumble down to lower elevations in northwestern South Carolina. The escarpment is the line where the mountains are visibly reduced to foothills.
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Table Rock Mountain - Blue Ridge Mountains - South Carolina
Blue Ridge Mountains Sunset - Lake Jocassee Gold by Dave Allen Photography, via Flickr
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1. What do you think about Asher Falls and Thorngate Cemetery? Do you feel the eerie atmosphere – or dark enchantment – as you read about it? Well, at least we know why the book is named “The Kingdom.”
2. What did you think of Thane Asher, the guy on the ferry? Did Amelia’s necklace really fall off? What vibs are Amelia picking up for him? Is he an alcoholic? Is he attracted to her; are his feeling sinister?
3. What is your first impression of Luna Kemper, Real Estate Agent extraordinaire? What about out Amelia’s tussle with her over Angus? How about the Daughter of our Valiant Heroes? Do you think there is more to the story about why Luna hired Amelia? Where does that second, narrow door in her office lead?
4. Does Sidra Birch have the ability to see ghosts, like Amelia? Who’s ghost was it the picture? Is she the same as the one by the Floyd Covey’s dock?
5. Why does Amelia feel something different with the dock ghost? Is it a result from her experience with the Others in the last book?
6. BOOK QUOTE: Is it really you? - Okay, what does THAT mean?
7. Do you think Floyd Covey’s house – having been a church –really is hallowed ground and protection from ghosts?
8. Who was the bizarre, creepy guy at the cemetery who slithered under the fence?
9. Who was in the library moaning with Luna – if it even was Luna?
10. Yikes! Chief Wayne Van Zandt! Now I’m freaked out he’ll hurt Angus. What are your thoughts?
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Rossini
Grave of Chopin
Grave site of Edith Piaf
Tomb of Théodore Géricault (1791-1824)
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Sonia was going to do the DQs, but she is having some computer, tablet, and Internet issues. I'm getting them together now... though, I might eat dinner first. ☺
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11. Thoughts on Ivy? What’s with the tattoo on her ankle, one of the symbols carved into the cliff at the falls? Will that come into play later? What are people afraid of at “the thin place”?
12. BOOK QUOTE: Do you agree with the statement, How can you know who you are if you don’t know where you come from?” Do you agree? Do you think there are exceptions?
13. Were you relieved that Sidra told Amelia about the old clock tower in the square being hallowed ground. Again, how would she know?
14. What is going on with Amelia’s sense of destiny? Or is it just familiarity? Do you believe in destiny?
15. Okay, I was more puzzled than freaked out over the blackbird hitting the windshield and the crows on the branches and power lines. Do you think Amelia will learn anything more about it from Catrice Hawthorne, the redheaded ornithologist at the party?
16. Do you have any guess as to whose twenty to thirty year-old unmarked grave that was up in the hill thicket? Who is keeping it up? Why did Amelia pass out after she traced her finger along the severed stem etched in the stone? What amorphous evil was causing that wind that chased her down the hill? Is that the real reason they brought Amelia to Asher Falls? To rid the place of “it”? (BTW, thank goodness for Angus, even if he did start it by running off!)
17. BOOK QUOTE: On a scale of 0-10, how strongly do you believe in what Amelia said, “And those who pay tribute to the dead usually have a commensurate respect for life.” What do you think of Thane’s cryptic reply?
18. What were you impressions of the women at the dinner party? Who stood out the most? Luna, Bryn, Meris, Catrice, their conversation about Tilly Pattershaw? Is Sid’s mother, Bryn Birch, really a witch, as Ivy implied?
19. What about the men? Who stood out more? Hugh Asher, Pell Asher, Thane Asher? Are you, like Amelia, getting a different impression of Thane now?
20. BOOK QUOTE: “You should make the time. Without the touchstone of family, one leads an imbalanced life.” True? False?
21. What about great-aunt Emelyn Asher, the Sleeping Bride? Could she be the ghost at the dock? In the unmarked grave on the mountain? Or did she pass away too long ago? Maybe it was Thane’s fiancée, Harper?
Grave statues´s photos are simply beautiful. Stunning.Last time when I visited cemetery I saw one tomb has a telephone next to the tombstone. A real one. Not sure whether it´s working
I´ll jump in from time to time, when you people start discussing. I´m curious about what you all think
Kristin wrote: "I am behind but I will try to catch up tomorrow and answer some questions :)"Not to worry, Kristin! Take your time. The Tower Teams May Read-a-Thon is in less than 24 hours. Eeep!
Yes, they are gorgeous. I wouldn't mind going there, Lára. True works of art by European masters.
Kristin wrote: "1. Asher Falls sounds really creepy and an underwater town with cemetary adds to it. I don't like any water that isn't clear so the fact there are houses and bones floating under the water really g..."Asher Falls is a strange place, I have to agree with you, Kristin.
I, too, like Angus. He´s my favourite character in whole Graveyard Queen series, so far at least.
Oh and I have to admit I have a crush on Thane. (;
Responses to Kristin’s Answers
1. Asher Falls sounds really creepy and an underwater town with cemetary adds to it. I don't like any water that isn't clear so the fact there are houses and bones floating under the water really gives me the jeebies.
Oh, yes. I have a healthy respect for water, especially a body of it you can’t see through!
2. At this point I am not sure what to think of Thane and what he does in town exactly. It is a good sign to me that he doesn't have ghosts following him around though.
I’m not sure about him, either. Yes, a very good sign, I hope!
3. I don't like Luna at this point. It seems she knows too much about Amelia so I think some other outside resource had to help. I was thinking the Daughters are some of ghost hunters and they are trying to see what Amelia's abilities are. I didn't even question the second door in her office. But I really like Angus and hope he gets to stick around Amelia needs somebody :)
Yeah, she’s up to something; I just don’t know what. Then, I don’t much care for people who don’t have compassion for an abused animal. I didn’t think about them being “ghost hunters,” but I agree they want Amelia for other than her restoring abilities. Regarding Angus: I know! I’m already attached, and he’s not even real.
4. It does seem like Sidra can see ghosts too. I don't think the ghost in the picture and the one are the dock are the same.
Okay…we’ll see.
5. I think it is her experience with the Others and just her being around ghosts more especially since she made contact with Devlin's ghosts. If I saw ghosts I think I would be trying to do more than just ignore them like Amelia has been doing her whole life.
I believe I would, too.
6. Maybe its her biological mother?
You know, I’m almost finished with the third section, and I’m leaning this way! You are way ahead of me, in that regard.
7. I hope it is for Amelia's sake but not sure I comprehend what makes something hallow ground.
Great question! I looked on the Internet and found: Anything that has been blessed by a priest, druid, shaman, whatever. Basically any ground that a holy man from any culture has blessed.
And
While a lot of religions believe that hallowed ground must be blessed by a religious figure there are some religions, such as within some of the Native American tribes, that believe all ground is hallowed.
8. I don't know who or what he was.
Me, either, but he gave me the heebie-jeebies!
9. No idea and I am trying to figure out how could it be related.
Oh, now…see? I didn’t think how it could be related to the main mystery. Hmmm… now I’m thinking.
10. I don't think he will hurt Angus but I don't think he likes a stranger coming in to his town and asking questions about cemetaries or dog fighting.
Well, if you say so… I hope that is just the case!
Lára IS wrote: "Oh and I have to admit I have a crush on Thane. (;"Yes, he is getting more and more attractive as the story moves along, Lára!
Well, that is what I was worried about at the beginning! But you changed my mind, Kristin! Now... you have me back there. LOL! I'm easily swayed. I don't trust anyone.
I've done the reading for yesterday, and a couple chapters into today. I'll start working on the DQs for yesterday. ...soon...
Asheville, North Carolina
Appalachian Mountains - Smokey Mts.
Sunrise at Chimney Rock State Park overlooking Lake Lure, near Asheville, NC. There's nothing like a sunrise in the mountains of Western North Carolina!
The Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville, North Carolina. One can see why these mountains got their name.
bee balm, AKA Monarda
View from the top of Blood Mountain, Georgia - where Tilly Pattershaw was born.
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22. Do you think Luna knows who is in that unmarked grave in the laurel bald, or was that shadow that flitted around her face at Amelia’s mention of it at the dinner table just to make us suspicious of her? And why did she question the grave being cared for?
23. BOOK QUOTE: “But there is some symbolism – a rose and a rosebud. The inclusion of both sometimes signifies a dual burial of mother and child. And the presence of the severed stem may indicate a sudden or unexpected death.” Ah! Something more to think about.
24. What was Maris’s sudden departure all about? And Luna’s smile over it?
25. I have to admit, after Amelia talk after the dinner with Thane Asher, if Angus (view spoiler) -- but I have since ruled it out. You? And why was Thane perplexed when asked if his grandfather was heartbroken over the loss of him?
26. So, we have an answer: the forth girl in the picture at Thane’s house – that he found in a book after his mother died – is the ghost at the pier. Freya. Why did Edward, Thane’s step-father, go completely white upon seeing it? Was she Tilly’s daughter?
27. So, seems like Thane is interested in Amelia? Right? I have several theories on this, one of which is that Amelia is somehow related, and Hugh wants him to marry her so that his children will have Asher blood. That is why Pell Asher was peeking out at them when they said good night. Good theory?
28. BOOK QUOTE: “Leave now!” Okay, was that a warning or a threat? I’m having my suspicions. You?
29. Who took Angus and set him up as bait? And why? I’ll admit again my mind was darting all over the place jumping from person to person. I even suspected Ivy, at one point, because she’s crushing on Thane. In the aftermath of it all, what do you think? And, what was that stuff on Angus? And the hundred birds swooping down? What really brought Tilly there? And her cryptic, “It don’t come for me.” ???
30. What grave did Amelia’s mother visit? What did you think of her reaction to the town? Was it Asher Falls? Who was she afraid of taking Amelia?
31. What was your impression of Amelia and Tilly’s talk the next morning? What about her daughter loving the graveyard under Bell Lake? What about Tilly’s admonition for Amelia to go home because she didn’t understand things? Anything else in particular stand out?
32. Is Thane right? Was the cemetery neglected out of disrespect? Why are Thane’s hands beat up?
Responses to Kristin's Answers
11. I think "evil" spirits are what people are afraid of at the thin place. Ivy is mysterious and I am positive that the symbol and Ivy will come into play later on in the book. Especially since she obviously has a thing for Thane.
Ditto!
12. People say that a lot and I honestly I am not sure how I feel about. I think people can know who they are without knowing where they come from but then there are people who must know where they are from in order to know who they are. Probably depends on the person and their confidence within themselves.
I agree. It really depends on the person. Exceptions to every rule. Some people pull themselves up by their bootstraps regardless of their ancestry – or maybe because of it. Others fall into depression, or raised to happiness.
13. At least Amelia knows somewhere with hallow ground and I am almost convinced that Sidra sees ghost also.
Ditto!
14. There is a reason why Amelia is feeling all of these things in Asher Falls compared to anywhere else but I am unsure is to why yet.
I’m having my suspicions!
15. Didn't even think about her asking Catrice!! The bird scene was very strange!!
Yes. Very weird.
16. Whoa lot of questions here :) I think the grave is somehow related to the Ashers but unsure exactly who yet. I think Amelia was near the thin place maybe so that is why she she passed out. Good thing for Angus though! And considering that Pell Asher saw her and her dad working at the cemetary I am sure there is more to her being there then simply restoring the cemetary and I think it is a good possibility they brought Amelia there to get rid of "it"
Now see, I didn’t even think about the location being the cause of her blackout! This is why I love “buddy reads!” Yeah, I have my suspicions about Pell Asher seeing her as a child.
17. I guess on a scale of 10 being strongly agree and a 0 being strongly disagree I am at 3-4. lol. I don't think just because someone respects the dead it also means they respect life. They may be doing it for a variety of reasons such as guilt.
Oh, yes. Guilt is a biggy for some people.
18. I think Bryn stood out to me the most just because I can't figure out what is up with her. I don't think she is a literal witch but there is something about her that is off.
They are all interesting. But, I really wanted to know what was up with Meris.
19. I think we got to hear about a little bit different side of Thane which makes me see him differently. I think Pell Asher stood out the most because of the fact that he knew Amelia as a child, even briefly, and that he brought up Harper to her.
Yes. Amelia thinks him a deliberate man. Was he trying to get her to feel sympathy for Thane?
20. Eh I am torn on this quote too. To me family is important but you can also make your own family. I don't have much to do with my biological father but yet I am very close to my stepdad who isn't my blood. I don't have any siblings but yet I describe my best friend and her children as my family. You can make your own it doesn't necessarily have to be blood as Pell Asher implied (at least to me).
I agree. You make your own “family.” As a nurse, I listened to a lot of people over the years talk towards the end of their life. Most don’t have any regrets, but the ones that stand out are that they wished they’d traveled more. The other is about family. However, it was 50/50 over wishing they had made amends – or cut them out of their lives sooner!
21. I think the girl on the dock was Harper. I was thinking Harper could be the grave but yet it said it was 20-30 years old and I thought Thane was the same age as Amelia so that would be 27 so the timeline didn't fit. The Sleeping Bride thing is extra creepy to me. And sidenote: When I was pregnant, if we had a girl I wanted to name her Emelyn and my husband said it was too weird of a name and I made it up I am very happy to now prove to him that it is a real name because it is in a book!
To be honest, I was bouncing all over the place as to who the ghost on the dock was. Good for you over Emelyn! LOL!
Nothing But Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
The Abandoned (other topics)The Kingdom (other topics)
This topic is open for discussion of The Kingdom. Be prepared for SPOILERS.
Synopsis:
Deep in the shadowy foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains lies a dying town...
My name is Amelia Gray. They call me The Graveyard Queen. I've been commissioned to restore an old cemetery in Asher Falls, South Carolina, but I'm coming to think I have another purpose here.
Why is there a cemetery at the bottom of Bell Lake? Why am I drawn time and again to a hidden grave I've discovered in the woods? Something is eating away at the soul of this town—this withering kingdom—and it will only be restored if I can uncover the truth
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CHAPTER BREAKDOWN EXPECT SPOILERS.