Kearsley Susanna - The Firebird- Start Date December 2, 2013 (December 2013 Adult Anything Goes)

[Shadow Jubilee]

@Sarah: have you tried audiobooks? The narrator is one of the better narrators, and I generally enjoy her narrations. The benefit of listening to this on audio is that the narrator gets stuck with.the troublesome accents. :)

While at first I was not too happy, this was because I have listened to other audiobooks by her and I really liked the mood Rosalyn Landor evoked with her narration in The Winter Sea. Katherine Kellgren is a very expressive narrator with a distinct style. She does not shy from raising her volume some to imbue excitement into certain times so may not want to be listening to her with the volume on very high. I have listened to books where the characters are Irish, and the accent sounded pretty good to my jntrained ears. :) That is partly why when I heard her "Scottish" accent, I really was not sure that there were any differences. There may not have been - much. It may be because I'd watched a few youtube videos to detect the difference between Scotttish and Irish accents or maybe she worked on her Scottish accent or maybe my ears got used to listening and I made more of an effort to discern any differences, but towards.the end, I felt as if there were differences between the narrator's Scots and Irish voices. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same for her voices for the non-English characters. I have noticed that the narrator is pretty weak on those (although generally cannot blame her much), and all non-English voices tend to take on some kind of French accent.

I really loved her voices for young and older Anna, though. LOVED.

Anyway, this long speech was just to give others my take on what listening to the audiobook would be like. :)

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

@Christine

13. No it doesn't seem likely at the moment

14. good theory

15 :)

16. lol!

18. It is almost inhuman really... you would like people that know about him there would have to be some crazies that would start to worship him as a type of god or something



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@ The UHQ Nasanta

16. Sometimes I think that makes them more likely to betray...lol

18. *grins* I know, you kind of have to make a logic leap and just accept they can see these things!

I haven't finished yet (I'm a bit behind actually!), but I look forward to discussing it with you.
And how funny that the narrator had English people speaking with a French accent!!

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@Clare

8. I hope they get together again too

9. lol!

10. Ah I haven't read them

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@Sarah - oh well. sometimes it is better to just give in then push through if you're not enjoying it

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@Logan

12. indeed!

14. Hmmm I think real time does pass. I wonder what they look like to other people, if it is a trance or something

15. nice way to put it, I'm similar

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@Laura - thanks for dropping by. This is my first SK novel and I may read more if I still like this when I finish :)

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Comments and Questions
Chapters 23-28

21. I loved that Nicola's grandfather "spoke" to Rob in Russian! It was also a bit surprising as the grandfather doesn't like to use his gifts. What did you think?

22. The descriptions of St Petersburg transported me there. It is my favourite European city (from those I have visited!). Your thoughts on the descriptions? Have you been to Russia?

23. Anna is now 17 and it was so sad when Col.Graeme died. Were you surprised that Anna has had no contact with them for all this time?

24. Anna is quite trusted by Vice Admiral Gordon and very discreet. What are your thoughts on her?

25. Is it possible that Nicola's family is connected to Anna in someway? I'm wondering if there is something there which is what made her connected to the Firebird and compelled to help?

[Shadow Jubilee]

@Laura: I wish that The Shadowy Horses was on Audible! I may start on The Rose Garden next.

@Karen: "And how funny that the narrator had English people speaking with a French accent!!"

No, she had all the non-English people speaking with a French (or I am assuming that it is French) accent. :) I suppose it is funny but I was a bit disappointed and frustrated. It sounded so silly.

Comments and Questions
Chapters 23-28

21. I loved that Nicola's grandfather "spoke" to Rob in Russian! It was also a bit surprising as the grandfather doesn't like to use his gifts. What did you think?

I would really like to know what Nicola's grandfather said! I forgot but did Nicola's grandfather really "speak" to Rob or did he just "speak out loud" and Rob happened to overhear?

22. The descriptions of St Petersburg transported me there. It is my favourite European city (from those I have visited!). Your thoughts on the descriptions? Have you been to Russia?

I've never been! To be quite honest, listening to an audiobook with a tendency to multitask, I have not been paying much attention to the descriptions. I have purchased the e-book version as well so at a later date, I may read the e-book and pay more attention to the descriptions then.

23. Anna is now 17 and it was so sad when Col.Graeme died. Were you surprised that Anna has had no contact with them for all this time?

Yes, I was very sad that Col. Graeme died. I desperately hoped that he had known that Anna was safe. I was not surprised given how determined she had been to keep her identity a secret after her lesson with Christiane.

24. Anna is quite trusted by Vice Admiral Gordon and very discreet. What are your thoughts on her?

She seemed very mature for her age and a passionate Jacobite. I think that Vice Admiral Gordon realized this - as well as (view spoiler)[understood that she was hiding her true identity with remarkable determination and so could be trusted to keep a secret (hide spoiler)] which is why he had her run his private errands.

25. Is it possible that Nicola's family is connected to Anna in someway? I'm wondering if there is something there which is what made her connected to the Firebird and compelled to help?

I'd wondered the same thing, actually, about a connection between Nicola's family and Anna. But it seemed as if the primary connection was with Ms. Ross, and Nicola was just the psychic who wanted to help and started liking Anna. That's an interesting idea. I never thought of it that way. I just assumed that it was simply Nicola's psychometry, compassion and interest that led to her adventures.



Question: I think that Anna learned a very hard lesson about trusting people. Do you think she went the other extreme or is she just being smartly cautious?

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

@The UHQ Nasanta

No, she had all the non-English people speaking with a French (or I am assuming that it is French) accent. :) I suppose it is funny but I was a bit disappointed and frustrated. It sounded so silly.

Ah! yes that would still be very strange!!

21. Her grandfather did the mind-talking thing to Rob, although it was in Russian so Rob couldn't understand it. On thinking about it, I wonder if the grandfather even realised that Rob could "hear" him seeing that Rob's gift is so much more developed

22. I understand. I love audiobooks, but I prefer to also have a dead tree or ebook version so I can check out bits that I find I hadn't concentrated enough with

23. I had hoped they would meet up again. It was very sad

24. Yes I guess you are right. He took her secrecy as a positive

25. perhaps I was just hoping for a bit more to the story ;)

Question: I think that Anna learned a very hard lesson about trusting people. Do you think she went the other extreme or is she just being smartly cautious?

Hmmm... I think she has gone extreme, but I understand the reaction as she wants to ensure the safety of her family. So I think he caution is warranted seeing what had happened. She is very lucky that VA Gordon doesn't mind her secrecy

[Christine]

Chapters 23-28

21. I loved that Nicola's grandfather "spoke" to Rob in Russian! It was also a bit surprising as the grandfather doesn't like to use his gifts. What did you think?

22. The descriptions of St Petersburg transported me there. It is my favourite European city (from those I have visited!). Your thoughts on the descriptions? Have you been to Russia?

23. Anna is now 17 and it was so sad when Col.Graeme died. Were you surprised that Anna has had no contact with them for all this time?

24. Anna is quite trusted by Vice Admiral Gordon and very discreet. What are your thoughts on her?

25. Is it possible that Nicola's family is connected to Anna in someway? I'm wondering if there is something there which is what made her connected to the Firebird and compelled to help?

[Anima]

I finished yesterday, so I will wait for others to finish before I give my thoughts on the book :)

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

Comments and Questions
Chapters 29-34

26. Did you agree with Anna's decision to go to General Lacy's house?

27. Birds seem to be playing a larger part as we are chasing a "Firebird" and Dmitri warned Anna of an "ugly black bird" at the Lacy's house, and then there was a crow in the house. There is a belief about bad luck and crows. Do you think Anna should heed this?

28. Thoughts on the initial meeting with Edmund ("Ned")?

29. Ah, The Hermitage. What a magnificent building. It is one of the largest and oldest museums in the world, founded in 1764 by Catherine the Great and has been open to the public since 1852. The descriptions in the book are exactly as I remember it, even down to the ladies on a chair in each room ready to yell at tourists who attempt to do the wrong thing!

The outside of The Hermitage



The Grand Staircase inside



Nicola's favourite painting is apparently a work by Briullov. Something like this perhaps?

30. Lovely traditions Anna explains around Russian Easter. It reminded me of when we were kids, emptying eggs through a small hole and then painting the outside. Do you have any memories of traditions like that?

31. Do we have a love triangle on our hands with Mr Taylor and Edmund? Were you surprised he was buying her gifts? Who would you prefer to see Anna marry?

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Comments and Questions
Chapters 35-40

32. We are learning more of Edmund's character as he explains about the fight with his neighbour and the scars on this left hand. Were you surprised when Anna told him about the nuns seeing how secretive she has been?

33. We finally meet Empress Catherine. Do you think she knows who Anna really is?

34. Anna goes on an outing with Edmund. How scandalous would this have been as they are not engaged? They didn't seem very concerned?

35. Thoughts on Captain Deane?

36. We are almost at the end of the book and we are so close to seeing the scene with The Firebird. Are you still engaged with the book or a bit lukewarm?

[Clare]

Chapters 12-17

12. I would hate to be with someone who could read my thoughts....they are private. It would really worry me as then nothing would be sacred. I think their relationship is a bit intense in some ways. It is OK to read each other's thoughts when you are doing the sort of thing they are doing at the moment but on a day to day basis it would be awful.

13. How old is Captain Jamieson? What is the age difference? They have a lovely friendship....I wonder as she gets older whether it will turn to love. I like how he promises to take her to her mum but is that a wise move?

14. The whole thing is really tiring Rob but I guess he is not just seeing what is going on right in front of him he is seeing great detail and in different locations.

15. I've read other books that I think are set about the same time - the Outlander series by Diana gabaldon I think is about the same time period, but I only know it from other historical fiction, not from any historical study. I am loving p switching back in history now, at the beginning it got on my nerves but now I am getting more familiar with the characters it is becoming more interesting.

[Shadow Jubilee]

@Clare: "I am loving p switching back in history now, at the beginning it got on my nerves but now I am getting more familiar with the characters it is becoming more interesting."

I preferred the historical storyline from The Winter Sea, and I preferred it in The Firebird as well. :)

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

@Clare

12. It really would take all privacy away. I agree that I wouldn't be able to cope

13. I don't know that they ever said his age. I didn't even consider him as a love interest!

15. It easy to get taken away by the flashbacks :)

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Comments and Questions
Chapters 41-end

37. This last section saw some parallels with Anna and Edmund and Rob and Nicole. Were you glad they all had 'happy endings'?

38. Did you expect Anna to be so honest about why she knew the Surikov was a fake?

39. Captain Jamieson was her father after all! Did you suspect this?

40. It seems while Anna thought she was keeping her past from VA Gordon, he actually knew (or strongly suspected) her heritage the whole time. I think I like him even more!

41. How did you feel about the ending of the book? Will you read any more of Kearsley's work?

[Valerie]

Just finished Chapter 11 yesterday

8. I really like Rob! What a shame that Nicola got 'cold feet' and stopped seeing him. Do you smell a love story on the horizon? ;)
I'm definitely hoping everything works out for them. I kind of don't understand why she broke it off with him in the first place. Just because you don't have the same opinion about the whole psychic thing doesn't mean the relationship is going to turn out bad. I think she just needed some time to build up her confidence when she is around other people.

9. Urgh! Foiled in their plans to revisit the carving. The descriptions of Cruden Bay and Slains Castle really transported me there. What did you think? I really liked the descriptions, and at first I didn't understand what Anna had to do with Slains Castle, but then the author tied it up nicely. I feel like I'm Nicola herself, finding everything out when she finds things out.

10. Rob has quite the gift. Do you like how this gives the reader an almost first-hand account of Anna's life? Will they discover more than just the origin of the Firebird on their journey?
I actually DON'T like how Rob's gift is so much greater than Nicola's, because now the book is about him, and how he's going to figure out the mystery of the Firebird. I really want Nicola to be the one to do that. Other than that, I love that the author gives a first-hand account. It makes it more memorable

11. Did you like how Colonel Graeme introduced himself to Anna and speaks to her as an adult?
That was actually a really cute scene. I like Anna :)

[Kelly]

Ack! So late starting. I like it so far though.

Comments and Questions
Chapters 1-6

1. Initial impressions of the book? Do you like the writing style?
I liked it quite a bit. It's rare for a book to pull me in as fast as this one did.

2. Have you read The Winter Sea(Sophia's Secret in the UK)? This is the "sort of" sequel or companion book which the author describes as:
"I didn’t want to write a straight sequel to The Winter Sea. The problem with a sequel is that readers usually have to read the first book first, and I didn’t want to place that demand on a reader. I wanted to create a companion book instead—one that could stand completely on its own, so if a reader never read The Winter Sea, it wouldn’t really matter." (full interview is here)
I haven't read it but it is on my to-read list.

3.Thoughts on Nicola and Rob? She clearly doesn't like to acknowledge her abilities whereas Rob is quite open about his. I wonder if that was a major reason for their break up?
It seems like she ran away from him. I imagine if you were taught to hide something it would be hard to be around someone who flaunts it.

4.Sebastian wants Nicola to go to St Petersburg to buy a Surikov. Are you familiar with art?
I'm really not familiar with art at all.

5. The meeting with Margaret Ross kicks off the mystery/adventure in the book. Do you understand Nicola's compulsion to help her? What would you do?
I think I would feel really bad if it was in my power to help someone where they couldn't help themselves. I tend to get annoyed if people are lazy and want help, but in this case the lady isn't able to help herself and isn't complaining about it and those are always the nicest people to help.

6. The reading of the accents in Eyemouth I found a bit tough! I always struggle with Scottish accents, how about you? According to wikipedia;
"Eyemouth is a small town and civil parish in Berwickshire, in the Scottish Borders area of Scotland. It is 2 miles east of the main north-south A1 road and just 8 miles north of Berwick-upon-Tweed. It has a population of about 3,420 people.
Heh. I'm not doing too badly with them but I've been reading a lot of the highland romance novels lately so maybe I'm used to it now.

7. Thoughts on Rob's parents and their hospitality? How about the Sentinel ghost?
I liked his parent's. They seem fun. The Sentinel ghost we didn't really meet but I'm guessing he plays a role. I hope the ghost dog comes out too.

[Logan]

Comments and Questions
Chapters 18-22 and Chapters 23-28

16. Were you surprised when the nun told Uncle Maurice the truth of who Anna was? Do you think he will return to the story?

I assumed the nun knew Maurice, or at the very least, knew he could be trusted. It's funny how more and more relatives just keep popping up. Does this mean she's in danger? Are too many people wagging their tongues?

17. Father Archangel has to escape Anna after Christiane was disloyal. Did you expect that betrayal?

Guess that answers that! I was sad that Christiane was a turncoat. I don't know how I could ever live with myself if I betrayed someone knowing their life was on the line.

18. The way that Rob's gift is described would mean he can see and hear past/present/future and also speech/thoughts interchangeably. Would you like that kind of gift? I can't help but think everything would get muddled!

Maybe that's why it's so exhausting for him. So much sensory overload!

19. Did you agree with Anna's instinct to runaway and join Captain Gordon?

It was so smart of her to pay attention. Kids so often just trust adults, so good on her for noticing the strange behaviors in the pub and get out of there. She's just lucky Gordon turned out to be so nice!

20. Nicola waking up and feeling Rob in bed was kind of nice, and creepy, all at once! What did you think?

That was so weird! I thought it was sweet, though. I liked thinking that his subconscious was most at home with her.

21. I loved that Nicola's grandfather "spoke" to Rob in Russian! It was also a bit surprising as the grandfather doesn't like to use his gifts. What did you think?

Do you think he knew about Rob's gift? Can they all sense each other somehow? Or was Rob probing when he shouldn't have been?

22. The descriptions of St Petersburg transported me there. It is my favourite European city (from those I have visited!). Your thoughts on the descriptions? Have you been to Russia?

I have always, always, always wanted to go to Russia. Some friends of mine are going to Sochi for the Olympics next year and I'm jealous! I laughed at the plane scene, because I've tried teaching myself Russian and it is so hard. I just love how it sounds, rolling around in the mouth like guttural grunts. :) St. Petersburg sounds beautiful!

23. Anna is now 17 and it was so sad when Col. Graeme died. Were you surprised that Anna has had no contact with them for all this time?

I wasn't really surprised since they would have no way of knowing where she went, but I was surprised that Gordon happened to know Graeme. Coincidence? Fate? God's will? How did she end up with a friend of the family?!

24. Anna is quite trusted by Vice Admiral Gordon and very discreet. What are your thoughts on her?

My heart broke a little at "Nobody's Anna." I am happy she found another surrogate family, but it's hard knowing she still feels a little lost.

25. Is it possible that Nicola's family is connected to Anna in someway? I'm wondering if there is something there which is what made her connected to the Firebird and compelled to help?

That's interesting. I hadn't really thought about it, but that would be kind of cool if they were tied together, especially since Nicola has Russian ancestry too.

[Kelly]

Comments and Questions
Chapters 7-11

8. I really like Rob! What a shame that Nicola got 'cold feet' and stopped seeing him. Do you smell a love story on the horizon? ;)
I hope so. They seem like a good fit to me.

9. Urgh! Foiled in their plans to revisit the carving. The descriptions of Cruden Bay and Slains Castle really transported me there. What did you think?
Well it would have been too easy if they had been able to get to the bird right away. I have a feeling that pretty much anywhere can be described in a way that makes you imagine you're there. I liked the descriptions of the present merged with the past though. It made it seem like how they do it in movies with the ghostly superimposed image.

10. Rob has quite the gift. Do you like how this gives the reader an almost first-hand account of Anna's life? Will they discover more than just the origin of the Firebird on their journey?
I'm wondering if they discover something that links to them directly. Though I kinda expect it will end with them ending up together and that's how the firebird story goes with them starting one place and ending up with another ending.

11. Did you like how Colonel Graeme introduced himself to Anna and speaks to her as an adult?
I suppose he hasn't really ever gotten to know her as a small girl though. I think certain adults tend to do that with children and the children always seem to appreciate it.

[Logan]

Comments and Questions
Chapters 29-34

26. Did you agree with Anna's decision to go to General Lacy's house?

It had me nervous that he would be mean or something, but it looks like it was a good choice after all!

27. Birds seem to be playing a larger part as we are chasing a "Firebird" and Dmitri warned Anna of an "ugly black bird" at the Lacy's house, and then there was a crow in the house. There is a belief about bad luck and crows. Do you think Anna should heed this?

It definitely seems like there is an ominous tone developing, despite the fact that all seems to be going well. If Anna isn't safe here, where can she be? I hope she doesn't have to suffer any more bad luck.

28. Thoughts on the initial meeting with Edmund ("Ned")?

I had to go back and re-read what the kids said about him after he turned out not to be a servant! Very sneaky! Oh I love Edmund. He's very Austenian, no?

29. Ah, The Hermitage. What a magnificent building. It is one of the largest and oldest museums in the world, founded in 1764 by Catherine the Great and has been open to the public since 1852. The descriptions in the book are exactly as I remember it, even down to the ladies on a chair in each room ready to yell at tourists who attempt to do the wrong thing!

These pictures are making me want to book a trip ASAP! lol

30. Lovely traditions Anna explains around Russian Easter. It reminded me of when we were kids, emptying eggs through a small hole and then painting the outside. Do you have any memories of traditions like that?

We would always hard boil our eggs instead of drain them, and dye them with that vinegar kit and draw designs with the clear crayon. On Easter morning we had to hunt for our eggs and then eat our Easter basket candy!

31. Do we have a love triangle on our hands with Mr Taylor and Edmund? Were you surprised he was buying her gifts? Who would you prefer to see Anna marry?

I love the reveal about the shoes! And no contest. Boo Taylor and yay Edmund! Team Ned!!!

[Shadow Jubilee]

@Logan: "I had to go back and re-read what the kids said about him after he turned out not to be a servant! Very sneaky! Oh I love Edmund. He's very Austenian, no?"

LOL! I wanted to go back as well but I was on audiobook and it was too much of a pain to do so!

[Logan]

Comments and Questions
Chapters 35-40

32. We are learning more of Edmund's character as he explains about the fight with his neighbour and the scars on this left hand. Were you surprised when Anna told him about the nuns seeing how secretive she has been?

I think she was starting to feel comfortable, and maybe a part of her knows she can trust him. But it was a little surprising, yes!

33. We finally meet Empress Catherine. Do you think she knows who Anna really is?

I'm not sure. I think she knows Anna is wise beyond her years and observant. I think she sees a kindred spirit.

34. Anna goes on an outing with Edmund. How scandalous would this have been as they are not engaged? They didn't seem very concerned?

I loved Edmund's retort to Charles! He makes me swoon you guys!

35. Thoughts on Captain Deane?

What a snake. What I can't figure out is whether he is actually dangerous or just a jerk.

36. We are almost at the end of the book and we are so close to seeing the scene with The Firebird. Are you still engaged with the book or a bit lukewarm?

I am enjoying Anna and Edmund, but I'm not following the politics that well. I want to get to the firebird and also get some more time with Rob and Nick!

[Logan]

The UHQ Nasanta wrote: "@Logan: "I had to go back and re-read what the kids said about him after he turned out not to be a servant! Very sneaky! Oh I love Edmund. He's very Austenian, no?"

LOL! I wanted to go back as wel..."

It's clever. The kids say the bird is trapped in their room and the servants won't help, only Ned. They keep talking about the servants, and Ned, and it seems like Ned is a servant but then you read it again and they never actually refer to Ned as a servant. Funny!

[Shadow Jubilee]

Logan wrote: "The UHQ Nasanta wrote: "@Logan: "I had to go back and re-read what the kids said about him after he turned out not to be a servant! Very sneaky! Oh I love Edmund. He's very Austenian, no?"

LOL! I ..."


Ugh. So that is how the author tricked us! Thanks. I'd been really wondering!

[Logan]

Comments and Questions
Chapters 41-end

37. This last section saw some parallels with Anna and Edmund and Rob and Nicole. Were you glad they all had 'happy endings'?

So happy! Though it was a little convenient that everyone accepted Nic's psychometry so easily.

38. Did you expect Anna to be so honest about why she knew the Surikov was a fake?

I think they'd been building up to it, so I was ready for her to own the moment.

39. Captain Jamieson was her father after all! Did you suspect this?

Definitely not! It made me want to go back and read it all again!

40. It seems while Anna thought she was keeping her past from VA Gordon, he actually knew (or strongly suspected) her heritage the whole time. I think I like him even more!

Yes, but I wonder why he never brought it up before.

41. How did you feel about the ending of the book? Will you read any more of Kearsley's work?

I loved the ending. I got very emotional about Anna and Edmund. I will read this again someday and have always wanted to read The Winter Sea, so I'll give that a read as well.

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

@Valerie

8. yes, I think she just got very scared because she doesn't accept her gifts and it was a bit confronting that he does

11. same :)

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@Kelly

3. I agree

5. so true!

7. certainly introduces a few characters.. perhaps for later books!

9. yes, I could see the scenes like a movie in my mind too

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@Logan

16. Hmmm good point

17. You kinda hope someone would only do it because their life was on the line too

19. Agreed!

21. I'd love to know. I think the grandfather probably didn't realise he was sending out the words

22. It is such a tough language, but I found it easier to get around Russia (well, Moscow and StP) with English than many oher European cities!

23. perhaps all of those things?!

27. agreed!

28. teehee. Yes I love that he wasn't a servant after all. Very Austen!

29. oh i have many more to taunt you with ;)

30. awesome. love that

31. lol! I'm team Ned too :)

34. hahaha

36. such a romantic you are!

37. twas a bit :)

39. totally took me by surprise too

41. awwww. And thanks for joining the read! Have you read The Bronze Horseman? If you want sweeping romance in a Russian setting it could be just for you!!

[Logan]

@Karen - Thanks for the rec! And sorry to bombard the feed with all of my answers at once. I had to finish the book before it was due back today. :)

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Haha no problems :)

[Kelly]

Comments and Questions
Chapters 12-17

12. Rob is tutoring Nicola as they go on using her gift. I can't imagine being with someone who could read my thoughts. It would be very disconcerting!
I'm surprised he hasn't heard anything worse. There's lots of books and movies that have dealt with topics like this. The ultimate privacy concern.

13. Captain Jamieson becomes a lovely friend to Anna. Do you like their interactions? Will she be reunited with her mother?
I'm trying to remember how much older he is from her. I know she's pretty young but I can't remember if he's supposed to be like 20's or 40's type of age. I can't quite figure out if he's acting as a father or brother.

14. The visions Rob and Nicola are receiving are extremely vivid and it seems to be tiring Rob. I wonder how using their gifts affect them?
I'm wondering if it's the filtering that he's doing for Nicola that's causing him to tire out so much.

15. Are you familiar with the history and period the book is exploring? Are you enjoying the historical aspect?
I'm not a great historian though in a lot of the other Highlander type books they mention Bruce all the time.

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

@Kelly - I couldn't remember about the Captain either. I had in my mind he was in his 40s, but that could just be my imagination talking!
I must get to the Outlander series one day...

[Clare]

Chapters 18-22

16. I was surprised when the nun told Maurice about it as I thought it was supposed to be top secret and they had just been betrayed by Christiane.

17. When she first met Christiane I didn't think anything and then after a while I wondered as she was telling her a lot about herself.

18. I'm getting muddled reading it sometimes, especially when he starts talking about how he can see the future as well!

19. Yes, she had a feeling things weren't right and I can see where she was coming from.

20. That was a bit weird. I assume that was his thoughts that she was sensing was it.

[Shadow Jubilee]

Comments and Questions
Chapters 29-34

26. Did you agree with Anna's decision to go to General Lacy's house?

I was concerned that something would go wrong out of this decision but it appears that that was not the way the author intended for the story to go.

27. Birds seem to be playing a larger part as we are chasing a "Firebird" and Dmitri warned Anna of an "ugly black bird" at the Lacy's house, and then there was a crow in the house. There is a belief about bad luck and crows. Do you think Anna should heed this?

That is a good connection. I did not think much of it. I thought it was just showing the superstitions of the Russians as part of the worldbuilding. It may also have been a method to get Anna and Ned to meet.

28. Thoughts on the initial meeting with Edmund ("Ned")?

I liked him. I thought he was a servant, but the way he was acting towards Anna in the children's room was a bit odd so I suspected that perhaps he was not. On the other hand, I sensed that he was supposed to be her love interest and I was not sure if a servant and Anna might get together given Anna's background.

29. Ah, The Hermitage. What a magnificent building. It is one of the largest and oldest museums in the world, founded in 1764 by Catherine the Great and has been open to the public since 1852. The descriptions in the book are exactly as I remember it, even down to the ladies on a chair in each room ready to yell at tourists who attempt to do the wrong thing!

LOL!

30. Lovely traditions Anna explains around Russian Easter. It reminded me of when we were kids, emptying eggs through a small hole and then painting the outside. Do you have any memories of traditions like that?

At my church, many families with kids or artistic talent would dye or paint Easter eggs at home to sell at church and raise money for donations or something. I never actually knew what we were raising money for. Some of the artistic folks' eggs were really great, and then there were the children's efforts. haha. The children made the best sellers because who could say no to them?

31. Do we have a love triangle on our hands with Mr Taylor and Edmund? Were you surprised he was buying her gifts? Who would you prefer to see Anna marry?

Nah. Anna insisted that she did not see Mr. Taylor as a potential husband, and I had a feeling she knew herself quite well. I wasn't surprised to find that Edmund was buying her gifts. I thought that the subtle changes in their relationship was well done but it was still enough to show the readers of their interest in each other. I thought Mr. Taylor was very nice, and he would probably make a fine husband. If he had been given equal screen time, it might have made the options harder. However, since it was clear that Edmund was the favored with enough screen time to catch a reader's interest, I would probably have to say Edmund.

Comments and Questions
Chapters 35-40

32. We are learning more of Edmund's character as he explains about the fight with his neighbour and the scars on this left hand. Were you surprised when Anna told him about the nuns seeing how secretive she has been?

A little. I was not too sure that that was the right thing to do or why she ended up telling him. However, she did seem to close up again so maybe it was because she felt so comfortable with Edmund and felt that that small detail was innocuous enough.

33. We finally meet Empress Catherine. Do you think she knows who Anna really is?

I did not get that impression although perhaps Anna's upbringing by the nuns and Vice Admiral Gordon convinced Empress Catherine that Anna was NOT a nobody. Or maybe she was just a bit less snobby because of her own humble origins.

34. Anna goes on an outing with Edmund. How scandalous would this have been as they are not engaged? They didn't seem very concerned?

They did not, didn't they? But Charles seemed to be looking after her reputation quite well. :D Perhaps expatriates have a bit more freedom than if they were at home?

35. Thoughts on Captain Deane?



36. We are almost at the end of the book and we are so close to seeing the scene with The Firebird. Are you still engaged with the book or a bit lukewarm?

I was engaged from it from beginning to end.

Comments and Questions
Chapters 41-end

37. This last section saw some parallels with Anna and Edmund and Rob and Nicole. Were you glad they all had 'happy endings'?

Yes, I was, although I was surprised by and a bit prepared for a not-so-happy ending for Anna and Edmund.

38. Did you expect Anna to be so honest about why she knew the Surikov was a fake?

Did you mean Nicole? Yes, I did. You could kind of see it coming.

39. Captain Jamieson was her father after all! Did you suspect this?

Not really. Not until Vice Admiral Gordon said to Anna that her father was here. I'm pretty sure that that is when it hit me. :)

40. It seems while Anna thought she was keeping her past from VA Gordon, he actually knew (or strongly suspected) her heritage the whole time. I think I like him even more!

Yep!

41. How did you feel about the ending of the book? Will you read any more of Kearsley's work?

I thought it was okay. I was a bit ambivalent about Anna and Edmund. I have been listening to The Rose Garden by Kearsley since I finished this book. :)


@Logan: "19. Did you agree with Anna's instinct to runaway and join Captain Gordon?

It was so smart of her to pay attention. Kids so often just trust adults, so good on her for noticing the strange behaviors in the pub and get out of there. She's just lucky Gordon turned out to be so nice!"

It's funny how you read this part. (view spoiler)[Having read The Winter Sea, I knew that Gordon was safe. :D (hide spoiler)]

"I liked thinking that his subconscious was most at home with her."

That is a really lovely way to think about this scene. You could also say the same for the very first paragraph in this book.

"23. Anna is now 17 and it was so sad when Col. Graeme died. Were you surprised that Anna has had no contact with them for all this time?

I wasn't really surprised since they would have no way of knowing where she went, but I was surprised that Gordon happened to know Graeme. Coincidence? Fate? God's will? How did she end up with a friend of the family?!"

That is quite a coincidence but Gordon did cross at the same time as Olgivie did so I guess it was just fate or luck that sent Anna right into his path.

"40. It seems while Anna thought she was keeping her past from VA Gordon, he actually knew (or strongly suspected) her heritage the whole time. I think I like him even more!

Yes, but I wonder why he never brought it up before. "

He tried - twice, if I recall correctly. Both times Anna shut him down. I guess he respected her decision enough not to push the subject while he did his investigations.


@Kelly: "13. Captain Jamieson becomes a lovely friend to Anna. Do you like their interactions? Will she be reunited with her mother?
I'm trying to remember how much older he is from her. I know she's pretty young but I can't remember if he's supposed to be like 20's or 40's type of age. I can't quite figure out if he's acting as a father or brother."

I always thought he was like a father-figure, especially after Col Graeme told Anna that he had lost his little girl.

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

@Clare

18. yes I think it would be very difficult for him to keep everything together

-------------


@The UHQ Nasanta

27. yes could be a bit of both

30. Lovely! and yes - people are much happier to buy from kids ;)

31. true - Edmund got most of the 'screen time'!

35. Great choice of Captain Deane!

37. same!

41. I hope you enjoy that book too. Thanks for joining our read!

[Kelly]

Comments and Questions
Chapters 18-22

16. Were you surprised when the nun told Uncle Maurice the truth of who Anna was? Do you think he will return to the story?
It seems strange that they randomly seem to trust people but then tell them not to tell anyone else of the same relation.

17. Father Archangel has to escape Anna after Christiane was disloyal. Did you expect that betrayal?
No. I didn't really see that one coming. I suppose I thought she wouldn't be loyal to him after he abandoned her.

18. The way that Rob's gift is described would mean he can see and hear past/present/future and also speech/thoughts interchangeably. Would you like that kind of gift? I can't help but think everything would get muddled!
As long as I could turn it off I suppose. Would make you a great therapist :). However, I imagine you'd have to get used to knowing things you'd rather you didn't know. Similar to the Golum in the other book.

19. Did you agree with Anna's instinct to runaway and join Captain Gordon?
Yeah, they seemed to be talking about everything a bit too openly.

20. Nicola waking up and feeling Rob in bed was kind of nice, and creepy, all at once! What did you think?
I think it means he was dreaming about it :)

[Clare]

Chapters 23-28

21. OK now I think it is getting a bit much, everyone has this gift. I know it's all in the family but I'm finding that bit a bit difficult to accept now.

22. The descriptions were great. I have never been to Russia. St Petersburg is somewhere I would love to go but Russia in general sounds a bit cold. I have just heard I have a job in Singapore so won't be going there in the near future!

23. I am surprised. I am getting a bit confused about who she is living with. She is living with the one who rescued her in the street in Calais, is that right?

24. She is quite trusted by him but I'm not sure he treats her like his own daughter or just someone who lives in the house.

25. Could be. Not thought about that connection,mould be a big coincidence.

Aiming to read loads today so I can start the Michael Crichton book!!

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

@Kelly

18. yes I wonder if they can choose to see/listen or not? And you're right, sometimes you don't want to know things!

20. Kinda nice, but still kinda creepy... haha

---------

@Clare

21. you do have to leave logic at the door with this book ;)

22. Oh congrats! Love Singapore although it is pretty expensive... at least you will be close o some amazing Asian cities for holidays!

23. yes :)

And.. go go go read away! teehee

[Kelly]

Comments and Questions
Chapters 23-28

21. I loved that Nicola's grandfather "spoke" to Rob in Russian! It was also a bit surprising as the grandfather doesn't like to use his gifts. What did you think?
I wonder if something happened back to him in Russia with it since he doesn't like to talk about that either.

22. The descriptions of St Petersburg transported me there. It is my favourite European city (from those I have visited!). Your thoughts on the descriptions? Have you been to Russia?
I haven't been to Russia yet but I do like European cities. They have such an older feel than American ones do.

23. Anna is now 17 and it was so sad when Col.Graeme died. Were you surprised that Anna has had no contact with them for all this time?
It was a lot harder to have contact even 30 years ago much less farther back, especially when they didn't want anyone to know about her.

24. Anna is quite trusted by Vice Admiral Gordon and very discreet. What are your thoughts on her?
Maybe she will get to be a soldier of sorts. Like a spy.

25. Is it possible that Nicola's family is connected to Anna in someway? I'm wondering if there is something there which is what made her connected to the Firebird and compelled to help?
Maybe. They both link to Russia now. I wonder if her grandfather knows.

[Kelly]

Comments and Questions
Chapters 29-34

26. Did you agree with Anna's decision to go to General Lacy's house?
I think it's good for her to have something to do. If she never does anything different her life won't ever move forward.

27. Birds seem to be playing a larger part as we are chasing a "Firebird" and Dmitri warned Anna of an "ugly black bird" at the Lacy's house, and then there was a crow in the house. There is a belief about bad luck and crows. Do you think Anna should heed this?
Hrm. I suppose in all cases it's a bit of "do you believe the myth or not".

28. Thoughts on the initial meeting with Edmund ("Ned")?
I liked it. It seemed to show off his personality a bit. Though I liked him more later.

29. Ah, The Hermitage. What a magnificent building. It is one of the largest and oldest museums in the world, founded in 1764 by Catherine the Great and has been open to the public since 1852. The descriptions in the book are exactly as I remember it, even down to the ladies on a chair in each room ready to yell at tourists who attempt to do the wrong thing!
It sounds neat to see.

30. Lovely traditions Anna explains around Russian Easter. It reminded me of when we were kids, emptying eggs through a small hole and then painting the outside. Do you have any memories of traditions like that?
I thought it was real cute that she got an egg too to get a kiss. We don't do any like that but I have seen the really pretty carved and painted eggs when they have some of the summer festivals here.

31. Do we have a love triangle on our hands with Mr Taylor and Edmund? Were you surprised he was buying her gifts? Who would you prefer to see Anna marry?
Hrm... I suppose I assumed she'd dump Mr. Taylor. She doesn't seem interested in him at all. Though he is more of the proper type for her to marry.

[Clare]

Chapters 29-34

26. I don't quite get why she wanted to go there as everyone seemed to want her to stay in the house. But at least it gives her some independence.

27. This is the second bad omen in the book isn't it? There was one right at the start I think. Perhaps she should. It is all going very well at the moment, something has got to go wrong.

28. I love the way she met Ned. That was great! I thought he was a servant to and didn't guess until she met him in more formal surroundings. There's got to be a romance on the cards hasn't there?

29. It sounds amazing!

30. I don't really have any major memories of Easter as a child apart from coming down in the morning to lots of chocolate eggs on the dining table. But now with my children I hide chicks in the garden and they find them and exchange them for little eggs. We always go for a bracing walk but h beach on Easter Sunday too.

31. Yes I think both of them fancy her. I think Mr Taylor is a bit boring so I think she would be better with Edmund....but we will see!

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

@Kelly

21. yes I think he was treated quite badly

23. true. It is hard to imagine in today's world that you may not know what happened to someone

26. agree - it gives her some purpose

31. I think he is the "right" kind of person for marriage, but Ned is much more fun!!

-------------

@Clare

28. same here. it was written to give that assumption that he was servant so it threw me when we realised who he was!

30. oh sweet. my boy is only 14 months old so he doesn't really understand Easter yet ;)

31. Go team Edmund!

[Clare]

Chapters 35-40

32. I am surprised she told him about her past but straight away she seemed to change her mind. I think he just makes her feel relaxed.

33. I really like the Empress. I don't know whether she knows who Anna is but I think she admires her free spirit and the way she speaks her mind, something I think she finds difficult.

34. I have to say I am surprised the two of them are able to walk around on their own together. In other books I have read the situation like the one when they were caught dancing in the garden would have ruined a girls reputation but it seems to be morally acceptable for these two.

35. I reckon Captain Deane is a suave, slimy sort of character. I imagine him to be really good looking but with a bit of a nasty smile if you know what I mean. Cant stand him!

36. Yes still engaged with it although I am a bit confused by all the different characters.

[Clare]

Chapters 41-end

37. Yes I'm glad they both had happy endings. I didn't think it would have when she got on the boat.

38. I guessed Nicola would be honest when Rob challenged her but I was surprised how well everyone took it.

39. No way! Couldn't believe he was her father. Even near the end when she had fallen out with Edmund I thought she would fall in love with him....how did I get it so wrong!!

40. Yes I was surprised he knew all along....why wouldn't he say?

41. I loved the books and can't wait to read her other ones

Thank you for a great read!!!

[Kelly]

Comments and Questions
Chapters 35-40

32. We are learning more of Edmund's character as he explains about the fight with his neighbour and the scars on this left hand. Were you surprised when Anna told him about the nuns seeing how secretive she has been?
I think it'd be really hard not to mention anything about your earlier life. Those types of details tend to come out.

33. We finally meet Empress Catherine. Do you think she knows who Anna really is?
It kinda feels like she does. Then again, maybe she's just lonely.

34. Anna goes on an outing with Edmund. How scandalous would this have been as they are not engaged? They didn't seem very concerned?
Hrm. She's been escorted places by him before. I think I'd be a terrible lady in olden times.....

35. Thoughts on Captain Deane?
I love how Anna treats him. The comment about having to make a name for yourself before it can be slandered was great.

36. We are almost at the end of the book and we are so close to seeing the scene with The Firebird. Are you still engaged with the book or a bit lukewarm?
I like it. There's a few parts that get a little too off topic for me but for the most part it's very good. Maybe the other parts will come together in the end.

[Kelly]

Comments and Questions
Chapters 41-end

37. This last section saw some parallels with Anna and Edmund and Rob and Nicole. Were you glad they all had 'happy endings'?
I love happy endings. I'm always sad when they end poorly. I'd much rather my books be happy.

38. Did you expect Anna to be so honest about why she knew the Surikov was a fake?
I wasn't thinking she was going to but I suppose there was no other way for their relationship to move forward and she did seem to be cutting off a piece of herself. I think it would have been hard for her to go back to pretending after increasing her skills. I wonder if they'll go back to the institute place.

39. Captain Jamieson was her father after all! Did you suspect this?
Not really. I suppose I felt like he was being fatherly though so maybe subconsciously.

40. It seems while Anna thought she was keeping her past from VA Gordon, he actually knew (or strongly suspected) her heritage the whole time. I think I like him even more!
I think it's nice that he didn't bring it up with her. She had such a horrible time with everyone she trusted with her secret. I think it would have just freaked her out more. She might have even run away.

41. How did you feel about the ending of the book? Will you read any more of Kearsley's work?
I like it, though I feel like I want an Epilogue or something about them actually getting together. I already had one of her other books on my to-read list and I'm definitely going to look into reading it.

[Ellen]

Initial impressions of the book? Do you like the writing style? Yes. I enjoy time travel & hearing the story from different characters.

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Thanks Clare - I'm glad you enjoyed it!

Kelly - yes and Epilogue would've been interesting. Perhaps she will write another companion book? Thanks for joining the read!

[Valerie]

I'M SORRY I'M SO LATE I JUST FINISHED!

Overall I thought this was an amazing read, maybe just a little slow at the start but then in the end I DIDN'T WANT IT TO END. And also I agree that an epilogue would've been amazing.

When I fully got into Anna's story, which was when she was in Russia, I was disappointed when the point of view kept on going back to Rob and Nicola. Don't get me wrong, I like the characters, but I just wasn't really interested in them. Well actually I really liked when Nick just said "It's forged" out of nowhere, and I was thinking "you go girl yeah tell these people off". I'm glad to see that everything worked out for her in the end. I feel like Kearsley put the two of them in the story just so she could compare them to Anna, because I think Nicola is very similar to Anna when it comes to being secretive and keeping hidden.

I didn't like that Edmund was working for Deane.
And then I found out he wasn't really and so everything was ok!
I'm super happy that Anna got to meet her parents, that was definitely something I did not predict.

It's so cool how just the Firebird, something that wasn't mentioned until the end of Anna's journey, could spark such an amazing story. It kind of shows that it's not the object that matters, but the journey itself.

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Thanks for your thoughts Valerie, I'm glad you enjoyed it!
I like your last sentence - I guess that is the escence of the book :)