Harkness, Deborah; A Discovery of Witches (All Souls Trilogy #1) Start Date June 10 2013 - and again August 1st. ***REVISIT starts July 12, 2018

[Lisa Kay]

[Lisa Kay]

Illustrations of the chemical wedding between the White Queen (mercury) and the Red King (sulphur).

[Lisa Kay]

Antique gold pearl drop earrings - maybe they once belonged to Ysabeau?

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

No, they are mine

(I wish)! lol!

[Lisa Kay]

LOL!

[Lisa Kay]

♥Robin♥’s Questions and Lisa Kay’s Answers for Chapters 36-43

54. Marthe's tea ended up being a contraception of sorts. Everyone seemed to be upset about this. Marthe obviously knows something and was helping out in her own mysterious way. Matthew also instructed Diana to take normal birth control. Why is everyone upset about Marhte's tea? Do you think everything will change later in regards to contraception? What are your thoughts?
Well, we know now that it is very possible for Diana to conceive Matthew’s child. If Diana is going to timewalk, it is good that she knows the ingredients of Marthe’s tea.

55. We were briefly told about Juliette earlier in the story. Did you think that she would impose as a threat and try to take Matthew's life? What did you think about her and her wicked ways?
I was shocked that Matthew was so vulnerable. Well, I’m glad she’s dead and hopefully gone. I was also a little stunned in Gerbert’s obsession. Makes me wonder more about him.

56. Go Diana Go!!!!! Wow what a switch. Instead of being protected she suddenly became the protector. What awesome powers. What did you think about this scene and her reactions?
Yes, nice to see she can hold her own.

57. The question was asked in another section about ghosts. Well, at least we know that Diana can see them and the vampires can feel their presence. I just love Grandma. What are your thoughts about the ghosts and the house in this story?
They make a nice addition and bring a touch of history to the story.

58. Ok...this is getting interesting. We have 3 witches and 3 vampires that have joined forces. Now all of a sudden we have 3 daemons one of which we already met, Hamish. What did you think about Sophie and Nathaniel and their story?
Well, I never trust a new character completely. It also made me review the section regarding Agatha Wilson and her conversation with Diana at Oxford; she’s the one who brought the newspaper murders to Diana’s attention. Still, I like them.

59. Time travel...who would have thought. Do you think this is a wise and safe decision?
When I first listened to this book, I was very surprised. I never would have guessed.

60. Awwwww!!!! How sweet.Did you like the little ceremony with the ring which made Diana and Matthew married in the eyes of the vampires as well as church law?
Yup.

61. Although we know this book is the first of a trilogy the ending was a cliffhanger. Were you disappointed in the ending? Would you have rather it ended in some other way so that the book could have been a stand alone?
Nope. I usually don’t like cliffhangers, but I just loved this one.

62. Will you continue on with the next book? What do you think will happen in the next book?
Definitely.

63. Whewwww!!! This book was long. Is there anything you would have changed about it? Shorten it? Less descriptive? Different writing style?
No, I wouldn’t have changed a thing, nor shortened it by one word. Loved the writing style, too.

64. What is your rating for this book?
Five star. ★★★★★

65. We have answered lots of questions along the way and discussed different things about the book. Do you have any other thoughts or feelings about the book that you would like to share? Is there anything that you would like for us to discuss with you that wasn't touched upon in the questions?
From Harkness’ website:

Look at the last page of the book. What is the significance of the blood and mercury? What is the reason behind the sense of relief felt in the house? What does the last sentence of the book mean?

[Marla]

Chapters 23-29

34. Wow! In this section we discovered what witchwater is. Water was expelled from all over her body. What are your thoughts on the advantages/disadvantages to this power? Does she have to be in a sad state and able to cry to use this power?

I don't know if I liked the witchwater and it seems like she needed to be sad for it to appear. It doesn't sound to be very practical.

35. At the end of Chapter 16 Matthew is staring at the print of The Goddess of the Hunt and reciting a poem. When Ysabeau and Diana go out to ride, Ysabeau allows Diana to watch her hunt and kill. During this excursion Ysabeau calls Diana "the goddess of the hunt" Is there some kind of connection or hint of something we are yet to understand or find out about Diana?

I was fascinated with Ysabeau hunting and Matthew is going to kill her for taking Diana and putting her in danger. I bet that Diana will be the goddess of the hunt at some point.

36. What are your thoughts and feelings about Matthews past(being married, a father, how he became a vampire)?

I thought it was such a sad story about Matthew's wife and son. I'm glad that Ysabeau turned him. I think that loving and losing and being around for 1500 years is why Matthew is so serious and dependable.

37. While Matthew was gone Diana went snooping through his desk. She found some things that she probably shouldn't have been messing with. What do you think Matthew's reactions will be to her when he finds out? Should she have been snooping?

I think that Matthew is going to be annoyed but not furious at Diana's snooping, but if it was anyone else I think he would rip them limb from limb. But maybe that's why Matthew doesn't ever bring anyone home.

38. Diana talked Matthew in to letting her go hunting with him. After the hunt,with blood still present around his mouth, he kissed her. What were your reactions to this?

I'm glad but surprised that Matthew let Diana hunt with him. I hate the metallic taste of blood, so I don't think I would like the bloody kiss.

39. Matthew warned Diana to be careful of his mother. Why?

Ysabeau was very clever and dominating in a very elegant, snooty sort of way and she hates and has killed witches in revenge for killing her husband, Phillipe, and daughter, Louisa.

40. Diana and Matthew are now pronounced husband and wife(in a sense). I thought at this point we were going to finally see the "Sparks Fly" but instead we got bundling LOL Were you disappointed and what do you think about this?

I never saw bundling coming, but I thought it was funny and it was a great little history lesson. But I was hoping for sparks and purring.

I'm surprised at all the comments that so many people have never heard of bundling. I heard of the couple getting all swaddled up and also where they put a board between them and also that each of them had to keep one foot on the floor on either side of the bed. I liked Matthew telling Diana about how the hardest thing was looking innocent in the morning.

41. Under vampire terms they are officially married. What happens if one or the other changes their mind? Is there a vampire divorce?

I cannot imagine everyone staying married for hundreds of years when we humans can't stay married for a few decades. I'm sure there is some kind of vampire divorce, but Matthew said she would always be his. Of course, it is until death do you part, so you could kill them off.

42. I wondered what kind of child they would have but we learned that they can't have children the "traditional" way. Diana seems to be ok with this as their children can be "made". Do you think she will ever regret not bearing children? Will she become a vampire so that she can live as long as Matthew and the made children if there are any?

I think at some point the Bella-syndrome will kick and in and she won't want to grow old while he stays the same age forever. I don't know if it will ever be addressed, but I could see Diana becoming a vampire to stay with Matthew and their children. But I don't really see Diana wanting to be a vampire, heck, she doesn't even want to be a witch.

43. Diana has been captured and we meet Satu. We have also learned that Gillian is dead. What did you think about this chapter and what do you think will happen next? Will she escape on her own using her powers or will Matthew come to the rescue and save her?

I was a little surprised that Matthew killed Gillian. But I am very vindictive and I hope Matthew takes out Satu and Peter Knox too. I hope Matthew finds and rescues Diana in time.

[Marla]

Chapters 30-35

44. We meet a new member of Matthew's family with the introduction of Baldwin. I was surprised to learn Matthew wasn't the head of the family. What did you think of Baldwin?

I was really surprised that Matthew wasn't the head of the house. Baldwin was scary. I am concerned about Ysabeau and Phillipe's judgement since Baldwin is so aggressive and someone said Louisa was fragile and unstable. Matthew seems balanced and a decent man and I wonder what the other 2 lost brothers were like.

45. Now it starts to make sense why Diana's magic has only just started to seep out of her. She has been spellbound! Do you think this was fair/right of her parents to do to her?

It does make sense that Diana wasn't good at magic and spells because she was spellbound. I think her parents were trying to protect her. If I were Sarah, I would be angry that Em didn't tell me.

46. When Satu took Diana she claimed that Matthew gave her his blood to kind of bind her to him. Do you think it is true? We know she spoke to truth about Matthew killing Gillian.

Since witches can tell if another witch is lying, I'm sure Satu assumed Matthew gave Diana some blood to bind her to him, but I think Satu guessed and Matthew might have given Diana some blood for some purpose, but if he did, he probably did it to protect her or for her own good. I'm sure Diana is going to let him have it when she sees him.

47. What is the significance of Marthes tea? She made Diana promise to have one cup per day and her aunts claimed it may have been a type of contraception. But why do you need that with a vampire? Why would Marthe forsee this was needed?

Babies! I love babies. (Just not creepy Reneesme or that weird baby on Falling Skies) I'm guessing Marthe sees things and thinks that they need contraception. I'm wondering if Marthe told Matthew and that is part of the reason he hasn't consummated their marriage.

48. Matthew has seven letters sent to the Knights of Lazarus. we know two (Baldwin and Marcus). Any ideas on who the remaining five could be? Will they all be vampires?

I don't know if we've met anyone else who would be part of the Knights of Lazarus. I assume that it would only be vampires.

49. Baldwin provides a warning that the witches purposefully let Diana go (as a gambit). Do you agree?

I did find it extremely strange that no one was left guarding Diana when she was being held, but why would anyone think someone would find her down a hole in a crumbling ruin. I was also surprised that there was only one witch there, but I wasn't suspicious of Satu sending away the vampires, because what sane creature would want to draw blood with vampires around.

50. I loved the Bishop house! All the ghosts, the house having a personality and the cat named Tabitha (why is that always a name in wicth stories?!). What were your impressions of the home?

I LOVE the Bishop house too. Though I would've been creeped out if I was trying to make out and the house and ghosts were watching. My favorite thing was the house providing what was needed, bigger table, extra rooms, more dishes, etc.

51. Diana's father is a timewalker (and so is Diana!). Do you think we may meet her father in the future?

I never thought of that. It would be so cool to meet Diana's father in the past or the future!

While we are speculating, maybe we can meet Matthew's 2 dead brothers and sister.

52. So we discover that Matthew and Diana are connected somehow to the manuscript. Three missing pages and three types of creatures. Theories/predictions for how that page came to the Bishops and where the other pages are?

I think Diana's father removed the 3 pages before he enchanted Ashmole 782 and each type of creature has one of the pages. I think we are going to be looking for the pages in the books to come.

53. Conceptico! Ahh! What a shocking place to end this sections reading! Does that mean Diana and Matthew will have a baby??!!

I think Diana and Matthew will conceive and their baby will have a serious role in the solving of the mystery of Ashmole 782 and also the survival of creature kind.

[Marla]

Chapters 36-43

54. Marthe's tea ended up being a contraception of sorts. Everyone seemed to be upset about this. Marthe obviously knows something and was helping out in her own mysterious way. Matthew also instructed Diana to take normal birth control. Why is everyone upset about Marhte's tea? Do you think everything will change later in regards to contraception? What are your thoughts.

Since Matthew shouldn't be able to get her pregnant, I don't know why everyone was so upset about contraception, but then why would Diana need it? Please tell me Diana doesn't get raped in all this.

55. We were briefly told about Juliette earlier in the story. Did you think that she would impose as a threat and try to take Matthew's life? What did you think about her and her wicked ways?

Wow, I was impressed that Juliette hurt Matthew so easily. She must have been one amazing fighter, not too mention a psycho b----.

56. Go Diana Go!!!!! Wow what a switch. Instead of being protected she suddenly became the protector. What awesome powers. What did you think about this scene and her reactions?

I think that was awesome too. I was sad that her understandable hesitation caused Matthew's severe injuries, but I was so proud of Diana. So Matthew's wife kicked the !*%#@ out of his ex-girlfriend. :)

I am worried about what the goddess will ask for when the time comes.

57. The question was asked in another section about ghosts. Well,at least we know that Diana can see them and the vampires can feel their presence. I just love Grandma. What are your thoughts about the ghosts and the house in this story?

Marcus talking about the Bishop ghost and her being in the room was really fun. I love the Keeping Room! I wish all the things I lose would be kept by my house and turn up when I need them. And it would be better than a safe or safety deposit box.

I've been thinking about living with all those ghosts. It was sad that Diana's parents were never there and don't we all have relatives that we would rather not see frequently? I see more cons than pros. I think the idea might be cooler than the reality.

58. Ok...this is getting interesting. We have 3 witches and 3 vampires that have joined forces. Now all of a sudden we have 3 daemons one of which we already met, Hamish. What did you think about Sophie and Nathaniel and their story?

I knew Hamish was going to show up when we needed daemons, but I was surprised to meet Nathaniel and Sophie. Sophie was a doll! She and Em were the sweet, thoughtful and fun spirits in the house. I worried about Nathaniel's posturing, but I think he is going to work out just fine.

59. Time travel...who would have thought. Do you think this is a wise and safe decision?

It is so difficult for someone to find them back in time, so they should be safe from modern creatures, but disease and superstitions could be dangerous for them. Witches in the past would not trust a vampire, so that might be dangerous too. But Diana really needs to be trained, so I think it is a good plan.

60. Awwwww!!!! How sweet. Did you like the little ceremony with the ring which made Diana and Matthew married in the eyes of the vampires as well as church law?

Love the ring ceremony. Now, I feel like they are married. Diana is quite untraditional so it might not have made too big a deal with her not having a true wedding ceremony, but she seemed to love the ring. I'm surprised that Em wasn't pining for a full on wedding (like Twilight's Alice). Bless Ysabeau for thinking of Diana like that.

61. Although we know this book is the first of a trilogy the ending was a cliffhanger. Were you disappointed in the ending? Would you have rather it ended in some other way so that the book could have been a stand alone?

As soon as they mentioned timewalking, I knew exactly the cliffhanger we were going to have at the end of the book. I don't usually like cliffhangers, but seriously, the book was long enough.

62. Will you continue on with the next book? What do you think will happen in the next book?

I think they will find witches to train Diana and they will have to live apart, because the other witches would never accept her marriage to a vampire. I think they will somehow determine who has another page from Ashmole 782 and come back from the past to retrieve it.

63. Whewwww!!! This book was long. Is there anything you would have changed about it? Shorten it? Less descriptive? Different writing style?

Good question...I think I would've edited out the redundant information and shortened the rowing, running and library scenes and stopped describing everyone's outfit.

64. What is your rating for this book.

I gave the book 4.5 stars. I really enjoyed it, but I am very stingy with 5 stars.

65. We have answered lots of questions along the way and discussed different things about the book. Do you have any other thoughts or feelings about the book that you would like to share? Is there anything that you would like for us to discuss with you that wasn't touched upon in the questions?

Diana seemed to recover from her abduction and torture too easily. What do you think about Matthew being chosen by their father to lead the Knights of Lazarus instead of Baldwin? If Miriam still resents Matthew for the death of her husband, why does she work with him? Matthew has been a carpenter, stone mason, warrior knight, scientist, leader of men, which suits him the best? Matthew's patience and scientific discipline seemed opposed to his violent temper. What did you think about Diana's blood singing?

I was really impressed that Hamish and Matthew thought to get all of their affairs in order before leaving. I still haven't worked out why Hamish didn't like Diana. I don't think it was jealousy, but maybe he thought she was endangering his friend and couldn't see what made her so special.

I liked how Ysabeau changed toward Diana when Matthew openly committed to her. Diana became part of Ysabeau's family when she married Ysabeau's son and family came first in Ysabeau's life. I understood Diana calling Ysabeau and confiding in her, Diana needed a mother-figure and Ysabeau lost her daughter and I think this relationship is going to work for both of them, despite the rocky start.

[Marla]

Did anyone else notice that EVERYONE chose being a witch over being a vampire or a daemon? And I liked her having her own powers and not just being a human involved with a supernatural alpha vampire.

@ Jackie & LK

#2 - I understand Diana wanting to succeed without using magic, but the joke was on her when she was using magic unconsciously all the time. It reminds me of athletes and film stars who don't want unearned breaks because of their famous parents, but being their parents children gave them gifts, after all their parents were very talented in their own right and have passed those genes on to them. And if you are not talented, having famous parents only gets you so far. Diana's parents were scholars yet she became an academic too, so she would take after them only in some things?

#9 - I too was surprised that Diana was accepting of the other creatures. I don't think she was raised that way but maybe like her rejection of magic I think she is rejecting the prejudices of witches.

@ LK

Thanks for the great pictures and information. I was intrigued by the mention of the one word test for All Souls College, but forgot about it after I read on.

#20 - I hate Knox too, but we haven't met any nice witches or vampires outside the family...oh, except for Amira, the witch yoga instructor.

#22 - I think knowing Marcus definitely softened my thinking toward Matthew and knowing that Matthew lost his wife and son made me sympathetic and I felt I understood him better. The "too late" comment was strange since they haven't known each other for very long.

#23 - That's right, Peter Knox and company probably think that Diana is hiding how she accessed Ashmole 782.

#25 - I loved Marthe, I think Marthe loved Ysabeau and vice versa and Ysabeau couldn't imagine life without Marthe and Marthe didn't think anyone would take care of Ysabeau like she would. It reminded me of freed slaves who stay to work for their masters because they want to. I think it speaks well of Ysabeau that Marthe is still devoted to her.

#26 - I agree about Diana and her being like an absent-minded professor.

#33 - I do see some similarities with Twilight, but since there are vampires, romance and bad vampires, it would be easy to have common threads, but there is so much more that wasn't in Twilight.

#37 - Diana gets a pass for snooping since she started by looking for a pen and paper, but couldn't resist once she found the secret drawer. of course, she was looking for a key to the locked desk...but she is a historian and just couldn't help herself. I don't snoop much either, but if my husband kept as many secrets as Matthew and revealed so little, I might be tempted. Heavens, we've been together so long, I know most of his secrets.

#41 - Sounds scary. So really Diana entered into the relationship rather lightly for it to be a forever thing. of course, I don't think she even knew they were getting mated at the time.

#42 - I always wanted kids, but Diana is old enough that I don't know if she would really regret having kids if she isn't in a hurry in her 30's.

#54 - You are right, there are no birth control pills in relatively recent history, so the tea is a good thing to know how to make. Did Marthe see that too?

#55 - True, I didn't think about Gerbert much after the violence of the attack, but he's a patient planner and willing to go to great lengths to get what he wants. Gerbert will make a formidable opponent.

Who else is on the Congregation? Marcus speculates at one point that Matthew might have been on it, but I doubt it based on his actions with Diana. Do vampires stay on it for (their very long) life? By contrast, daemons and witches must die and be replaced. Peter Knox and Agatha Wilson are the only 2 witches we know and Gerbert is one of the vampires. It sounds like Domenico and Satu are also on the Congregation and maybe Diana's father, Stephen Proctor?

#58 - I looked up the scene with Agatha in the coffee shop too. Since she's part of the Congregation, I immediately thought Nathaniel and Sophie were spies, but hearing their story and getting to know them makes me like them and want to trust them. Agatha might just be looking out for her grandchild over the fate of creature kind and her political affiliation, yeah, sounds like a grandma.

[Lisa Kay]

Neat replies, Marla! I'll get back to you. GRs is about to have a scheduled downtime.

[Marla]

Please do! Looking forward to your comments on my comments :)

[Jackie]

Chapters 13-17

16. Matthew has taken Diana to the lab. While at the lab Diana has made the decisions to have her blood tested. Do you think she really wants to know what the test results will reveal? Do you think it might give insight about the death of her parents?
I think with the appearance of all the creatures and the unusual activity, Diana is beginning to realize that she can't hide from her magic any longer. She is beginning to realize that she needs to understand more about herself.

17. And there's more wine drinking. Since the discussion about wine in the last section I have really been paying attention to the wine. When Matthew takes Diana to All Souls College they take a detour to an area below ground full of wine and private wine cellars. What are your thoughts on why any human creature would need that much wine?Is there something significant about the wine?
Since vampires don't consume food ordinarily, I believe that wine provides the tastes, odors, textures that they miss. Perhaps a vintage wine is the equivalent of a gourmet meal.

18. The relationship between Matthew and Diana is stepping up a little and getting more intimate. What are your thoughts about their relationship now.
I feel that they are destined to be together. There is an growing attraction that neither can resist.

19. We know that Diana is a reluctant witch. She wants to accomplish things on her own without using her power but we have learned that her power has always taken a role in her accomplishments. She states "I don't want to look back on a life where I took everything rather than earned it." Matthew responds with "So you earn everything twice over. First you earn it by not simply taking it, and then you earn it again through work and effort. The advantages of being an otherworldly creature don't amount to much,do they?" This made me think about our past comments about wishing we could be like Samantha on bewitched and twinkle our noses to get things done. Does Matthew's response to being otherworldly make you change your mind about wanting special powers? Do you really think it would be all that great?
I understand Diana's feelings but I believe I could come to grips with having that power. I really hate housework!

20. What were your reactions on the confrontation between Matthew and Knox when Diana tried to revisit Ashmole 782? Do you think Knox will make good on his threats to Diana?
I think Knox is extremely dangerous and Diana is in very real danger.

21. Now we know why Matthew referred to Diana's parents in the present tense. What do you think the motive is behind the envelope that was sent to Diana?
To scare and intimidate Diana.

22. Matthew's history is starting to unfold more and more. Up until this point I didn't really care one way or the other for Matthew. With the revelation of the relationship between Matthew and Marcus my fondness for him has really grown. What are your thoughts on this relationship and his feelings towards Diana? Has it changed the way you feel towards Matthew?
It made me like Matthew more. I believe we're just beginning to see glimpses of the real Matthew.

23. Throughout this section we keep seeing this phrase:"Bad things happen to witches who keep secrets" Why? Is Diana harboring secrets that we don't know about? If so what could they be?
She may not be consciously keeping secrets but it's becoming apparent that she has them. And apparently the witches are worried about what Diana knows and about the depths of her powers.

24. Wow!!! A lot of things are starting to happen. Is there anything you would like to share or have thoughts on?
The book started to become more interesting as it felt very slow to start to me.

[Jackie]

Chapters 18-22

25. Not alot of action in this section, but we get to meet Ysabeau and Marthe and explore that amazing home! I was wondering about Marthe... she remains a servant and her hands are described as old and wrinkled. I wonder why someone would want to live forever as an aged servant. I hope we get to find out more about her. First impressions of this very unusual family?
I'm assuming that when a person is turned into a vampire, he remains the same age as long as he lives. So I guess Marthe was quite old when she was turned. But vampires are stronger and faster than humans so even though she appears quite elderly, she is still very strong and active.

26.I am finding Diana more and more childlike, and Matthew is taking on a parental role with her (telling her she has to eat before going to sleep, buying her clothes, dictating when she is to wear them etc.). Have your impressions of either of these characters changed?
It seems that as Diana is becoming more physically and emotionally attracted to Matthew, her personality is being over-ridden by Matthew's.

27.I googled Occitan and it is a romance language spoken in southern France. Do you think they speak in this language out of habit, or in order to preclude Diana from certain conversations?
To exclude Diana. They have secrets and knowledge that Diana is probably not ready to absorb.

28. The description of the library was amazing. If you had access to something like that, what book would you love to see? Personally I'd love to see original manuscripts of some of my favourite books from Tolstoy or the Bronte sisters.
To be able to see manuscripts of the great philosophers would be fascinating.

29. Diana has started having vivid dreams and visions. I had to re-read the visions a few times as they seem to be past events, but with Matthew in them. What are your thoughts? Are these past or future images?
I'm not sure. The past and the future seem to be meshing. This makes me think that their relationship is predestined or that they have been lovers in other lives?

30. Ysabeau (pronounced ee zah BOH) seems to be warming to Diana and at one point during the dance scene says to Matthew "be careful with her". Was that just a warning about their dancing or something more?
I think she sees danger where Diana is concerned both to Diana and to Matthew. I also think she sees Diana's vulnerability and is warning Matthew.

31. There have been a few references to a literary Queen Diana, and then in the manuscript Diana reads we get a bit of detail about the Moon Queen and the Sun King. I can't help but wonder if this is all connected somehow with Diana and Matthew. Do you get the feeling they have a spiritual/past world/supernatural connection?
Yes, definitely get that feeling.

32. I had a bit of a laugh at the almost sex scene recalling Kristin's comment about if it would be possible for Diana to set Matthew alight accidentally! Are you (still) enjoying the romance angle? Would you like to see them stay together?
Yes, I'm beginning to want them to be together.

33. Domenico's introduction reminded me a bit of Twilight when Edward tries to protect Bella from other vampires (just from the movie, I have never actually read the books). What are your thoughts on this scene and Matthew's quick get-away? He keeps saying Diana has "a lot to learn about vampires". I think we do too!
I think we're just beginning to scratch the surface in learning about vampires and witches as well.

[Jackie]

Chapters 23-29

34. Wow! In this section we discovered what witchwater is. Water was expelled from all over her body. What are your thoughts on the advantages/disadvantages to this power? Does she have to be in a sad state and able to cry to use this power?
That is some scary power! It's interesting that when she's angry, she generates fire, and when she's sad, she generates water. She has got amazing powers but she has got to learn to control them.

35.At the end of Chapter 16 Matthew is staring at the print of The Goddess of the Hunt and reciting a poem. When Ysabeau and Diana go out to ride, Ysabeau allows Diana to watch her hunt and kill. During this excursion Ysabeau calls Diana "the goddess of the hunt" Is there some kind of connection or hint of something we are yet to understand or find out about Diana?
Again it feels that the book is hinting that Diana is so much more than she appears. I'm beginning to really want Diana to explore her abilities.

36.What are your thoughts and feelings about Matthews past(being married,a father,how he became a vampire)?
It makes me wonder whether Matthew might really have preferred to die but of course, he had no choice in the matter. He still seems to feel deeply the loss of his wife and child after all this time.

37.While Matthew was gone Diana went snooping through his desk. She found some things that she probably shouldn't have been messing with. What do you think Matthew's reactions will be to her when he finds out? Should she have been snooping?
I doubt he will be pleased but probably not surprised. He seems to understand Diana better than she understands herself. As far as Diana's motives are concerned, she is trying to learn more about Matthew and his secrets.

38.Diana talked Matthew in to letting her go hunting with him. After the hunt,with blood still present around his mouth, he kissed her. What were your reactions to this?
A little grossed out to be honest. That whole hunting thing would be a huge turnoff for me.

39.Matthew warned Diana to be careful of his mother. Why?
Ysabeau is a dangerous vampire and she hates witches.

40.Diana and Matthew are now pronounced husband and wife(in a sense). I thought at this point we were going to finally see the "Sparks Fly" but instead we got bundling LOL Were you disappointed and what do you think about this?
I find it interesting that Matthew is delaying the consummation of their "marriage." Are these old fashioned ideas or is their a deeper motive? I'm not sure.

41.Under vampire terms they are officially married. What happens if one or the other changes their mind? Is there a vampire divorce?
I doubt it. How do you end a relationship with a vampire if it's not desired on both sides. It's probably until 'death do us part.'

42.I wondered what kind of child they would have but we learned that they can't have children the "traditional" way. Diana seems to be ok with this as their children can be "made". Do you think she will ever regret not bearing children? Will she become a vampire so that she can live as long as Matthew and the made children if there are any?
I've wondered the same thing. Even if she's okay with having no children (the traditional way, at least), how can she grow old while Matthew remains the same age? If their love is really predestined, would it not be destined to last forever as well?

43. Diana has been captured and we meet Satu. We have also learned that Gillian is dead. What did you think about this chapter and what do you think will happen next? Will she escape on her own using her powers or will Matthew come to the rescue and save her?
It's really starting to get interesting. I think Matthew will rescue her but it's also time for Diana to learn her true abilities. It's believed that she is a very powerful witch so the longer she can't control her magic, the more dangerous things will become for her.

[Marla]

@Jackie

25. Okay, if I had to spend eternity looking the same, I would've changed into a vampire when I was younger than now and I'm much younger than Marthe. We are such a vain society so it's difficult to understand someone choosing to look old forever.

26. I agree, I think that Diana is changing as she grows closer to Matthew to be more wimpy and dependent.

34. Oh, I am so dense, I missed the fire when angry and water when sad. That's clever and I like it. Fire just seems like a much more impressive power than witchwater.

43. Great guess! Matthew will rescue her and Diana will exert another power.

[Lisa Kay]

#34 - Don't feel bad, Marla, I missed that, too. Clever Jackie!

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

You know... I don't think I picked that up either...lol

[Lisa Kay]

Well, I "knew" it, but I didn't "get it," if that makes sense.

[Marla]

And this is why I love reading with buddies...cuz we are smarter together than I am alone.

[Lisa Kay]

Yup. Plus, when someone else thinks of something, it often triggers my brain. It is contagious!

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

*********THIS BUDDY READ IS BEING REVISITED!***********

Starts July 12, 2018

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

      ~ Buddy Style Reads ~
    Three Ways to Enjoy a Book!

At NRBC we use three styles of buddy reads. These will be indicated in the thread title as “Buddy Read”, “Relaxed Buddy Read” or “Informal Buddy Read”.

A “Buddy Read” has a discussion leader and a reading date is set to start the book. A reading schedule is posted prior to the start date and discussion questions are posted each day regarding that section of the book. More information about these types of reads is below. An example is here, showing a reading schedule here.

A “Relaxed Buddy Read” is similar to our usual “buddy reads” except there are less questions and break points. For example, a book may be split into three sections and those reading the book should pause at the end of the section to answer some discussion questions, make comments, or ask their own questions to other readers. An example is here.

An “Informal Buddy Read” doesn’t have a discussion leader and participants are asked to consider some generic questions when making comments about the book. An example is here.

A “Read and Watch Buddy Read” may be set up as any of the above, but we will also watch the movie or T.V. series - or even go to a play! - and make comparisons, discussing what has been left out or changed as well as the actors and actresses. There is a long debate of what one should do first: read the books or watch the movie? We usually read first, but it isn’t essential. Also, if you would like to join in, but don’t want to watch the movie, show, or play, but only read the books, that is fine, too. An example is here.


MORE UNDER SPOILER
(view spoiler)[

“Buddy Reads” (“BRs”) include:

• A reading schedule which can range from 50, 75, to 100 or so pages a day.

• Discussion questions posted daily by moderators and occasionally group members
   who help one of us out. If you want to be a Discussion Leader, let us know.

• If the book is really long, we'll plan a break day.

• Members do NOT have to answer every question, they are meant to stimulate
   conversations about the books AND allow us to glance back upon them when the
   sequels come out. This helps us to remember what exactly happened in the previous
   book.

• We find the buddy style of reading to be more fun than just posting one or two
   sentences about a book. We feel this is what distinguishes us as being a ‘book club’
   rather than just another GoodReads ‘group.’

• If you can NOT start the book on time, feel free to join in at a later date. They are
   set up to make it easy to do so.

• Moderators are people too, so occasionally we get sick, have to work late at our real
   jobs, or have something that keeps us from writing the questions. Please forgive us;
   we're only human and we don't get any compensation for what we do--not even
   free books!

• Discussions and questions are set up to make you think, analyze, and see things you,
   or even we, may have missed. Feel free to add your own thoughts at any time, if you
   think we've missed something.

• If you've read the book, feel free to let us know what you thought about the book.
   You can do so at the end of the buddy read, or, if you can't wait, add spoiler tags
   before you comment like:

   **************BEWARE! SPOILER FOR THE END OF THE BOOK**************

   Or insert a (view spoiler)[spoiler (hide spoiler)]. If you do NOT know how to do so, just check out our
   GoodReads 101 explanation on how to Insert a Spoiler.

• If you are looking for a reading buddy, post an inquiry in our Buddy read requests thread. Use that thread, if you want to have a repeat read of a BOM
    or buddy read, too.

• Have fun! We always do when more than one person joins in. And we look less silly
   if someone else discusses a book with us. (hide spoiler)]

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

res

[Deanna]

Yeah! Threads up! Team Flitwick here. I'll get started tomorrow

[Shelby]

I'm in as well. :)

[Michelle]

Wooo! In for Team Draco. Love this series.

[Deanna]

Chapters 1 - 5

Diana - (view spoiler)[A powerful witch, who refuses to learn about her magic... Seems dangerous to me, especially if she glows every night in her sleep. I understand her hiding after the dining room accident and her paeents' deaths, but I'm surprised her aunt didn't insist on something. It is interesting that as much as she denies magic she's studying the history of alchemy. (hide spoiler)]

Matthew - (view spoiler)[He definitely seems interested in the manuscript. Given how many other sups turned up the second day, I think Diana might end up needing her help since she has very little experience with the community. (hide spoiler)]

The book - (view spoiler)[I can't believe she sent it back! I would have at least kept studying it until the library closed that day. I wonder what makes it so special (other than the magic spell of course). (hide spoiler)]

[Shelby]

Alright I'll be diving into this one next. :) About to get it started here shortly.

[Shelby]

Chapters 1 - 5

Diana - (view spoiler)[I totally agree with you Deanna. It's strange that she doesn't even learn to control it. You don't have to use it but at least understand what your powers are and how they all work. It seems to me like her powers have a mind of their own especially because 9 times out of 10 she refuses to acknowledge them. But I find her interest in history and alchemy interesting. I like her as a character so far. But I think she's really going to have to accept her witchy nature here sooner rather than later (hide spoiler)]

Matthew - (view spoiler)[Well color me intrigued. I'm not really sure what makes him a vampire if he doesn't have fangs, but I'm curious about his nature for sure. I think he's more fascinated with Diana than he wants to admit as well. There's more going on with him than we know for sure. (hide spoiler)]

The book - (view spoiler)[I can't believe she sent it back that quickly either. I would have thought her curiosity would have brought her back to it a lot sooner. Definitely want to know why it's so unique and what happened to activate it when she touched it. Obviously it's brought a lot of attention her way. (hide spoiler)]

[Michelle]

Shelby, completely agree.

(view spoiler)[Diana is frustrating to me because she seems so "uncurious" about her powers. Denying them and trying to ignore that you have this gift? So weird. You would think she would be more curious, and that leads to sending the book back, too. No chance I would have reacted in that way!
(hide spoiler)]

[Deanna]

Chapters 6 - 9

Diana - (view spoiler)[I wonder if she really doesn't use her magic or if she just doesn't realize that she uses it as Matthew seems to suggest. I'm also wondering why she thinks using it is so bad. The stories so far don't really seem enough to justify her decision. (hide spoiler)]

Matthew - (view spoiler)[Clearly Hamish is very good for him and great at helping him figure things out. I enjoyed the companionship of the the two over the weekend. (hide spoiler)]

The book - (view spoiler)[The daemon's claim that it would tell where they come from is interesting. I have the feeling that either that is not the only information in the book or the vampires and witches think there is something different for it to garner this much attention. (hide spoiler)]

[Shelby]

Through Ch. 23.

I'm really enjoying reading this and it's moving a lot faster than I thought it might considering the denser text and smaller print.

I really love the blend of science and magic. The science here is really specific and detailed. It makes things more intriguing to me.

(view spoiler)[Matthew is really not used to sharing his thoughts. Every time Diana thinks she's got things figured out he seems to throw another monkey wrench at her. But he obviously cares deeply as well.

I Like Diana. I'm glad to see her finally starting to think about her power in a different light. The reveals about just how much of it she has is daunting. I appreciate the growth in her character. She's got a lot thrown at her in a little time.

Overall I find I'm siding with the vampires and the daemons at the moment. Most of the witches we've seen are pretty crappy. Really I guess I'm all for everyone figuring out how to get along. But those nasty witches are pretty dang awful. They're the only ones who've really threatened Diana's life.

Love Matthew's family in France. Ysabeau's reluctance to take in her son's witch is slowly clearing and you can see her softening towards Diana even as she fears what the Congregation can do. (hide spoiler)]

[Shelby]

Through Ch. 30

And finally shit just went crazy!

(view spoiler)[This has been fairly slow moving up to this point. But from my last update to this one...wow. So many reveals in this section. And again I'm falling on the side of not liking the witches. But this section makes it seem like the Congregation really doesn't care about its' own rules. Vampires and witches working together here all to get at whatever is in Diana's nature. Did not see the idea of her being spellbound coming! That explains a lot.

Not sure yet how I feel about Matthew's brother Baldwin yet. He's just been introduced and clearly there's tension between the boys. I mean essentially attacking each other the minute the see each other says that clearly enough. But he's helping Matthew try to find Diana, so there's some redemption there even if he's not happy about it.

I'm ever so curious about the Knights of Lazarus. We get hints of just how impactful that organization is with Matthew at its head but not a full picture yet I don't think. This was a really interesting power play between the two men. (hide spoiler)]

[Deanna]

Chapters 10 - 19

Diana - (view spoiler)[It is good to see Diana finally accept her magic even if she is not sure how to control it. I think the bond between her and Matthew will be good for both of them in the long run. (hide spoiler)]

Matthew - (view spoiler)[He really has to struggle to be open about parts of his life he has kept secret. I doubt we have even begun to skim the surface. I'm curious about where he went when he left Marcus with Diana. (hide spoiler)]

The book - (view spoiler)[It's curious that she could not get the book a second time. I wonder what is different. (hide spoiler)]

[Lexi]

Just started on the train in this morning (which was a mess, the train and not the book).

[Shelby]

I finished last night and am going to have to dive into the sequel very shortly. Things were just really getting interesting and you can tell there's a lot more to come. Excited.

[Michelle]

Shelby, can't wait to see what you think about the next book! I really love this series.

I'm only about halfway through on my re-read.

[Deanna]

Chapters 19 - 31

Ysabeau - (view spoiler)[After Marcus' warning about Ysabeau, I expected more difficulties with her. She was clearly protective of her son and did her best to make sure Diana understood what she was getting into with Matthew being a vampire and the world he lives in. (hide spoiler)]

Congregation - (view spoiler)[I think they really care about the book more than Diana's relationship with Matthew. (hide spoiler)]

Diana and Matthew - (view spoiler)[I'm glad they finally figured out what they wanted. Now I'm just wondering how much they will have to fight to keep it. (hide spoiler)]

[Lexi]

Shelby wrote: "Chapters 1 - 5

Diana - [spoilers removed]

Matthew - [spoilers removed]

The book - [spoilers removed]"

I right at that point and agree so far. (view spoiler)[ It is odd that despite so many things personally going wrong that she is so not trained but also very able to do small spells so seems in direct opposition. (hide spoiler)]

[Deanna]

Finished last night.

Juliet - (view spoiler)[That was a surprise. No wonder Matthew is so secretive when he had someone get close to him just to spy. She really should have been killed long before this. (hide spoiler)]

Diana and Matthew - (view spoiler)[I thought the Juliet scene where he almost died was more involved than needed. I would have expected Matthew to put up a better fight, and I thought the addition of blood and goddesses was a little much. I am looking forward to seeing them in Shakespeare's time. I wonder what Hamish meant about Matthew being different in that period. (hide spoiler)]

[Deanna]

Shelby wrote: "Through Ch. 30..."

Baldwin and the Knights - (view spoiler)[I'm a little confused and curious about Baldwin's backstory. I imagined the knights as a larger organization than just nine, but maybe they have other positions. (hide spoiler)]

[Lexi]

Finished. This may sound funny but I had no idea that this book was a romance.

Deanna,(view spoiler)[ I think they used to be much larger and the smaller size is directly related to Matthew's choice after his father's death (hide spoiler)]
Thoughts:
(view spoiler)[ The book was very well written but overall certain themes just seemed trite. The focus on everything being foretold and the shadow man to a child just rubbed me wrong. I would like that they found each other outside of all this predestination stuff. The book never had much suspense or felt like there was any chance of failure even when describing what should be emotional. I may come back the the second later but I don't feel a pressing need to know more now. I liked all the characters but may have just not been in the right place for this book now. Also, the view on species was really messed up. Really? (hide spoiler)]

[Michelle]

Lexi wrote: "Finished. This may sound funny but I had no idea that this book was a romance.

Deanna,[spoilers removed]
Thoughts:
[spoilers removed]"

Lexi, I can see where you are coming from. I think it was a bit heavy-handed about (view spoiler)[ the shadowed man and how her mom kept her spellbound until Matthew was in her life. But what bugged me is that she literally can do all forms of magic. I know she was trying to drive home that two super powerful magic-makers had a baby but Diana is just too perfect. (hide spoiler)]
That bugged. I really enjoyed the book overall and have read it like 4 times so I'm just nitpicking.

[Michelle]

Deanna wrote: "Finished last night.

Juliet - [spoilers removed]

Diana and Matthew - [spoilers removed]"

Diana and Matthew: (view spoiler)[the goddess part was ridiculous. Agreed. I think I would have been fine with her saving him with her blood and the fallout from that, although they really glossed that part over, in my opinion. Maybe because Matthew is so old he has tons of self discipline now? (hide spoiler)]

[Lexi]

Michelle wrote: "Lexi wrote: "Finished. This may sound funny but I had no idea that this book was a romance.

Deanna,[spoilers removed]
Thoughts:
[spoilers removed]"

Lexi, I can see where you are coming from. I th..."

I agree that was ridiculous too.