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The Assassin's Curse
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The Assassin's Curse, by Cassandra Rose Clarke- Start Date June 02, 2014 (June 2014 Young Adult)
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Questions and Comments - June 5th; Chapters 12 – 1518) Marjani is an interesting character. I wonder if the rumors about her running away from marriage are true. That would make her very much like Ananna. What did you think of her? I think there's more to her than meets the eye.
Marjani is the first character in this book besides Ananna, I really like. In a way she is the polished version of Ananna. I hope we get to see a lot of her, because I think she can teach Ananna a lot.
19) So captain's sons are well thought of, but not captain's daughters. Seems strange to me that Ananna didn't know ship navigation after growing up on a ship. Do you think Ananna may be the person/catalyst who changes things?
Daughters are only good for making better alliances for the captains I think. They don’t need a thorough education and skills like navigation. I hope Ananna is the person to change things.
20) Ninjas, mythology, pirates, wizards..Oh, my! Are you liking this combination or do you feel there's too much going on?
I like that there is a lot going on.
21) So at some point (I can't remember when) we learn that Ananna's mother probably could have tracked her. I wonder why she hasn't? Seems odd.
It’s very odd that her mother didn’t track her. I think they don’t care as much for her than she cares for them.
22) What did you think of Naji using blood magic to get them to the island? Was he too impatient or justified in doing so?
He may have been justified in doing so, but he could have told Ananna or Marjani. And by doing what he did he almost caused Ananna to die.
23) What's your first impression of the island? Think you'd want to visit it? Do you think it's as scary as its reputation?
That island is creepy. I definitely would not want to visit it. It doesn’t sound like a nice tropical island. It is definitely as scary and creepy as its reputation.
Questions and Comments - June 6th: Chapter 16 – end24. What do you think of the Wizard Eirnin? Was he what you were expecting?
Not exactly, I thought he would be like Leila. He did give them answers to their questions even though they were not what they expected.
25. We've finally heard how Naji was cursed. Do you think it was unfair, or a just punishment for killing some of the tribesmen?
Don’t know, it seems like he was doing his job when he killed the tribesmen. In the eyes of the tribe it probably was a just punishement.
26. What did you think of the impossible tasks? Any theories as to what they have to do? I had the same reaction as Naji about the 'life from violence' one.
I don’t think they are impossible and they are designed to make Naji take a good look at his life and character.
27. The three impossible tasks reminds me of old fairy tales where the unlikely hero has to journey to the ends of the earth to complete three impossible tasks. Did you notice any similarities? Maybe the author is giving homage to fairy tales?
28. How did you like the book? Would you continue on with the next one?
I liked the book and I’ve already started the second book. I want to know what is going to happen with the impossible tasks. Also I’m curious about Marjani, I have a feeling her story hasn’t been told yet.
Questions and Comments for June 6thChapter 16 - end
24. What do you think of the Wizard Eirnin? Was he what you were expecting?
Seems like a long way to go for not much help but that's how the whole book has felt.
25. We've finally heard how Naji was cursed. Do you think it was unfair, or a just punishment for killing some of the tribesmen?
It seems a bit contrived. He's also annoyingly oblivious to everything.
26. What did you think of the impossible tasks? Any theories as to what they have to do? I had the same reaction as Naji about the 'life from violence' one.
I'm guessing it's more theoretical than that like "someone hasn't lived until..."
27. The three impossible tasks reminds me of old fairy tales where the unlikely hero has to journey to the ends of the earth to complete three impossible tasks. Did you notice any similarities? Maybe the author is giving homage to fairy tales?
Felt mostly like the setup to the next book. However, I suppose if this had worked it'd be the most anticlimatic curing of a curse ever.
28. How did you like the book? Would you continue on with the next one?
Eih. I agree with everyone else. Felt like a middle schooler book since it had no real depth to it.
I liked the book enough that I checked the second one out from my library. I agree that the worldbuilding was a little shaky, but I like it because I can just relax and read without feeling like I have to memorize everything :).
18) Marjani is an interesting character. I wonder if the rumors about her running away from marriage are true. That would make her very much like Ananna. What did you think of her? I think there's more to her than meets the eye.I liked her immediately. She's kind but fair I think. It would be kind of interesting if she were basically a mirror for Ananna, what will happen to her, what she will be like when she is older. Or maybe just perhaps, the person she wishes she could be.
19) So captain's sons are well thought of, but not captain's daughters. Seems strange to me that Ananna didn't know ship navigation after growing up on a ship. Do you think Ananna may be the person/catalyst who changes things?
I don't find that so interesting. We still live in a society where women are considered less than men. I think pirates are pretty patriarchal and so it makes sense that sons are worth way more than daughters. I'm not sure that Ananna's running away and refusing to do what her parents want will change things all that much.
20) Ninjas, mythology, pirates, wizards..Oh, my! Are you liking this combination or do you feel there's too much going on?
I think that it's okay probably only because nothing is described in great detail. If it were all really expounded upon then it would be too much.
21) So at some point (I can't remember when) we learn that Ananna's mother probably could have tracked her. I wonder why she hasn't? Seems odd.
I think that as a mother myself, I wouldn't do it simply because tracking her could mean putting her in danger. I'm sure her mother wants her to be safe even if it doesn't mean with them.
22) What did you think of Naji using blood magic to get them to the island? Was he too impatient or justified in doing so?
I don't know, it was really hard to tell if he was justified at all. I felt like it came out of nowhere. I was really surprised.
23) What's your first impression of the island? Think you'd want to visit it? Do you think it's as scary as its reputation?
It doesn't seem all that scary to me. I'm not sure I'd want to visit it though, a cold island, a little spooky, and stranded? Nah! :)
24. What do you think of the Wizard Eirnin? Was he what you were expecting? He wasn't what I was expecting at all. I think I expected him to be much more grandiose for some reason.
25. We've finally heard how Naji was cursed. Do you think it was unfair, or a just punishment for killing some of the tribesmen?
Well, was it fair? I don't know. Maybe? It certainly is torturous for him, much more so than simply being put to death.
26. What did you think of the impossible tasks? Any theories as to what they have to do? I had the same reaction as Naji about the 'life from violence' one.
Yeah, I also had the same reaction. I can't imagine any other way except maybe through blood magic. That seems violent in itself. The starstones and the princesses though, I have no idea!
27. The three impossible tasks reminds me of old fairy tales where the unlikely hero has to journey to the ends of the earth to complete three impossible tasks. Did you notice any similarities? Maybe the author is giving homage to fairy tales?
I think you're absolutely right!
28. How did you like the book? Would you continue on with the next one?
I, like many others thought it was very middle school and not very YA. Although, that being said, some YA is aimed at 13 year olds, so maybe it's appropriate. I might read the second one simply because I like Ananna's character and I'm interested to see what happens to her.
Sorry, I'm way behind, but I want to do it anyway if that's OK?Comments and Questions
June 2
Chapters 1-3
1. So far I really like Ananna's spirited personality. What do you think of her?
I really like her too. I love the way the writer writes as if she is speaking because you get a feel for what she is like. I am amazed that she ran away.
2. I love that she fled the arranged marriage. I think it took a lot of courage to leave everything she's ever known. Would you have done the same as her?
I don't think I would have done the same thing. I'm not sure that the man they had picked would have been that awful.
3. The woman in the dress shop and her warning to Ananna was spooky. Do you think she knows more than she's telling?
I definitely think so and the fact that she turned up at the end of this section proves that she is something more than she claims. When I read this at the start I thought she was a goody but now I have changed my mind!
4. What did you think of the scene where Ananna faced-off against the assassin in the alley? Do you think she really does have some magic of her own that she doesn't know about? Or maybe it was just the shopkeeper's influence?
I reckon she must have. I think the shopkeeper was involved but I think it was partly her too.
5. Why do you think the shop woman would pretend to help Ananna just to get her out into the desert? Do you think the vials and the green light was supposed to kill the assassin and her?
I reckon they were supposed to both get sucked into wherever she was sending them. I can't tell what this is all about yet. I am looking forward to finding out!
6. What is your impression of Naji? Do you trust him?
I quite like him so far actually. We will have to see though! First impressions can be deceiving.
Mod
Sure, Clare. Welcome!
Comments and QuestionsJune 3
Chapters 4-7
7. We are being introduced to some interesting magic. Naji has now used blood magic a few times (with the drunk man after the fight, the protection charm), even though it is meant to be dark magic. Do you think he will be able to teach Ananna any of this magic?
It seems really odd doesn't it? I wonder whether he will. Hopefully so that they can become a team rather than her relying on him.
8. So Naji goes into a 'trance' rather than sleeping. Is he human?
And he has bright blue eyes which I pictured as glowing when he was in the trance. He doesn't sound very human to me although none of the characters do really.
9. I thought the scene with Ananna going to the temple and needing to pray to Kaol a bit odd, and I'm hoping it will be referred to later in the story. What did you think?
Yes I agree, it was odd. Perhaps we will get some more on it later.
10. The man in the market with the grey eyes is from "The Mists", but they can't track Ananna with her protection. Any theories on why they would be interested in her? Is it just to find Naji?
I suppose she would lead her to him so maybe that is the reason. Is he not anything to do with her parents trying to track her down then?
11. The travelling across the desert sounded pretty grueling. Were you surprised when they met up with the Hariris? What will happen to Ananna now?! :o
I can't wait to keep reading!!
Questions and Comments for June 4thChapters 8 - 11
12) "No, no, you don't understand," Tarrin shook his head wildly. "I have to come back with you as my betrothed or as a corpse. It's the only way I'll get the colors..."
So he didn't express that she had to be the corpse. Do you think him being one is sufficient? A lovely family indeed. I wouldn't want to marry into it either.
I did wonder when he said the bit about the corpse as it was a bit vague. Perhaps he will get his colours posthumously. The family sound awful.
13) Ananna finally seems to come into her powers. I wonder if it was her powers that saved her or, if perhaps, her mother invoked a protection spell on her as well?
I thought it was her realising her powers. I hadn't thought that it could be her mother. I thought that her mother had tried to teach her.
14) Speaking of parents, they sent an assassin after Ananna, but what happened to her parents? Would they have been killed as well?
Yes, they seem to have disappeared. You would have thought that they would have come looking for her as well.
15) I find it interesting that Naji seems to use his desert mask as a way to hide behind or hide his disfigurement. At least I'm guessing that's why he wanted it before they saw Leila. It sounded like she'd already seen him and that's the only significance I could see as to why he'd be upset about his mask disappearing. I wonder what the full story is behind him entering the Order of Assassins? Any ideas? I also wonder about Leila and Naji's relationship because of this unfinished statement: "She's always played games, but it got worse after--" I wonder what that was about?
It sounded like they had had a love-hate relationship. Perhaps she had been mentally abusive towards him - maybe she was responsible for his scar? He does seem to want to wear the mask a lot. Do we know what the scar is like?
16) Seems like Ananna is developing feelings towards Naji. What did you think about her thoughts on beautiful people not being trustworthy?
There is obviously some feelings there on both sides I think. I think her theory about beautiful people is a bit harsh. She is obviously jealous of Leila.
17) Ironic that Ananna didn't want to to go the Isles of the Sky, and now she has to go there anyway to seek out the Wizard of Eirnin? Anyone else feel like they're being sent on a wild goose chase?
The whole thing about the wizard being able to get rid of the curse is a bit vague. He sets the curses and that is all they know. I wish the book would get a bit more active. I think it is a bit slow.
Mod
Yes, the book does hit a bit of a slow patch ;)
Kerry-anne wrote: "I would have liked the mists to be explained in more depth and how Naji got his scars, this may happen in book 2. I like the relationship that Ananna and Naji and it was revealed at the end of the book Ananna's feeling but I think deep down Naji might feel the same way. "I feel the same. Naji seems too confused, but perhaps because of who he is and how he was raised.
When the ending came, I felt cheated. I could read 100 pages more without beeing bored - specially because it was when things started to get explained.
One og this days I'll have to pick book #2, and the short stories to read how their story ends :D
Of course I was also a bit upset that the first person he thinks of when talked about true love is the witch. *shakes head grumbling about men*
Are you planning on reading book #2 soon?
I just read the 2nd and was good but confusing.
Wanna buddy read it? I need a book #2 for a challenge, and this one seems a good candidate. Plus, it will mean buddy read points :D
Monday then?It gives me time to wrap up the books I'm doing at the moment.
OK, will put my mod hat and open the thread and post it on the request buddy reads.:)
12) "No, no, you don't understand," Tarrin shook his head wildly. "I have to come back with you as my betrothed or as a corpse. It's the only way I'll get the colors..."
So he didn't express that she had to be the corpse. Do you think him being one is sufficient? A lovely family indeed. I wouldn't want to marry into it either.
I’m not sure if him being a corpse is sufficient. The statement he made show’s he didn’t want this marriage as well and he was only going to marry her so he could get his colors. Ananna defended herself and he ended up dead. I’m afraid his family might come after her now.
13) Ananna finally seems to come into her powers. I wonder if it was her powers that saved her or, if perhaps, her mother invoked a protection spell on her as well?
I may have been her powers that saved her, I don’t think it was her mother. We haven’t heard from her parents anymore, it seems they have left her.
14) Speaking of parents, they sent an assassin after Ananna, but what happened to her parents? Would they have been killed as well?
I don’t think they have been killed by Tarrin’s family. Ananna’s father had a higher standing in the pirate coalition, I think they just abandoned Ananna after she refused to marry Tarrin.
15) I find it interesting that Naji seems to use his desert mask as a way to hide behind or hide his disfigurement. At least I'm guessing that's why he wanted it before they saw Leila. It sounded like she'd already seen him and that's the only significance I could see as to why he'd be upset about his mask disappearing. I wonder what the full story is behind him entering the Order of Assassins? Any ideas? I also wonder about Leila and Naji's relationship because of this unfinished statement: "She's always played games, but it got worse after--" I wonder what that was about?
I’m very curious about Naji’s story. We don’t know a lot about him yet. He is very secretive. I’m also wondering about his relationship with Leila, I think they had one in the past and something happened (what may have given him his scar) that caused them to break with each other. I don’t trust Leila and I don’t like her very much. She is a big bully and only uses Naji. I like the way Ananna stands up for him trying to protect him even though he is secretive with her.
16) Seems like Ananna is developing feelings towards Naji. What did you think about her thoughts on beautiful people not being trustworthy?
I can understand her feelings toward beautiful people, she doesn’t have much reason to trust the ones she’s encountered. But it is a bit shortsighted.
17) Ironic that Ananna didn't want to to go the Isles of the Sky, and now she has to go there anyway to seek out the Wizard of Eirnin? Anyone else feel like they're being sent on a wild goose chase?
This is very ironic. I have the same feeling and I’m afraid that they will not get all the answers they need in going to the Isles of the Sky.