Taylor, Laini: Daughter of Smoke and Bone ("Buddy Read") Start Date: October 1, 2012

[Lisa Kay]

Great, Megan, Katie & Kat!!!

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

Questions were written by Lisarenee and Sashana in December, 2011. Thanks for letting us use them again!

Discussion Questions for Chapters 1-11

1) This is a very different book. In some ways it's a little hard to follow. I wish it had a glossary. All the K names are rendering me confused and I have to go back and check to make sure the character is who I think they are. Anyone else?

2) What do you feel is the age range for this one? I almost feel Karou is more in college and should be at least 18. If I'm not mistaken YA only goes through characters who are 17 and when they reach 18 the books enter the adult category. Is that correct?

3) Case in point, how many students do you know would have an art class which feature nude Models? You know I always hear about such classes, but have never actually encountered any that do this. Has anyone known anyone who has taken this type of class or know of a class that has this? I'm just curious.

4) What did you think if Kazimir's & Karou's past relationship? Do you think there's more to it then we know? Why does he seem to be pursuing her now?

5) Did you like itch spells? I did laugh. If you had access to spells would you like to use this on anyone? What would use your wish for? I think we've all met someone we'd wish something not hurtful, but sort of along the lines of what Karou did to Kazimir to happen to someone.

6) Karou calls Brimstone a Wishmonger. What all do you think that entails?

7) What is the significance of the eyes on the palms? Does it ward off evil?

8) Brimstone seems to worry Karou will leave him. Why do you think he ended up with her? Do you think she might not truly be just a human?

9) What do you think Brimstone is hiding from her? Is he truly the devil as the passage states, "She had been innocent once, a little girl playing with feathers on the floor o a devil's lair."?

10) Thoughts on the world building? Do you like the Poison Kitchen and Brimstone's house?

11) So do you think the angel's and Karou's paths will cross?

12) What's with all the teeth and wishes? Could we be dealing with a tooth fairy. Sorry, I'm guessing not, but it is interesting. Wonder if there is some connection?

[Mary]

Lisa Kay, since you've already read the book, like me, are you going to answer the discussion questions? Or just respond to other people's? I'll follow your lead.

[Stefani]

Holy crap, I didn't even notice this upcoming BR until Mary posted on it! I have this book and have been longing to get to it, so count me in.

Though I don't have the book with me today, so I'll have to play a little catch up.

[Lisa Kay]

Mary wrote: "Lisa Kay, since you've already read the book, like me, are you going to answer the discussion questions? Or just respond to other people's? I'll follow your lead."

Hmmmm...good question, Mary. I hadn't thought about it, but maybe I should just respond to people's post. I would hate to give anything away.

[Lisa Kay]

Stefani wrote: "...so count me in."

Great, Stefani! Love to have you join us.

[Katie]

I know these are the discussion questions for chpt 1-11, but is there a daily goal?

[Stefani]

Katie wrote: "I know these are the discussion questions for chpt 1-11, but is there a daily goal?"

If you look on the first post of this thread they have the daily reading goals listed. For example, 10/01 is chapters 1-11. 10/02 is chapters 12-21. On that day the questions for those chapters will be posted so it can be discussed.

[Robin (Saturndoo)]

I just finished this book LOL I didn't realize that it was a BR until now. I hope all of you enjoy as much as I did ☺

[Lisa Kay]

Yes, Katie, what Stefani said.

[Lisa Kay]

Aww...too bad, ♥Robin♥! Maybe next time.

[Katie]

Okay I didn't get to chpt 11 - only half...chpt 6. But, These are the notes I took: (1) The only tattoos visible as she dug out her sketchbook and handed it over were the ones on her wrists like bracelets - a single word on each: true and story. hmmmm?(2) for the way loneliness is worse when you return to it after a reprieve-like the soul's version of putting on a wet bathing suit, clammy and miserable. (interesting comparison) (3) I don't know many rules to live by, " he'd said. But here;s one...it's simple. Don't put anything unnecessary into yourself. No poisons or chemicals, no fumes or smoke or alcohol, no sharp objects, no inessential needles-drug or tattoo-and...no (view spoiler)[inessential penises (hide spoiler)], either! This is so true!!!

I am really liking the writing and the story so far? How about everyone else?

[Mary]

So glad you are enjoying this, Katie. I love that quote from Brimstone as well. ;-) The writing is beautiful...I love the way Laini Taylor writes.

Anybody else wish they had a peek at Karou's sketchbook?

[Katie]

Sounds like she could sell tickets to the viewing! (of the sketchbook...)

[Katie]

Okay...
Discussion questions:
1. I am keeping the names straight thus far, but going back to see what they look like…author is doing good about giving clues like long neck for the giraffe character, etc. Well written.
2. Ages? I take Karou for older, as well. But, I wonder if she knows how old she really is?
3. I have never heard of this before either; but this is fiction.
4. I think Kaz is a player…and Karou was naïve. She got a cheap education and won’t let it happen again. Kaz can’t fathom anyone not liking him – period. This is why Karou is his project right now… I think Brimstone will put a stop to him soon.
5. Itch spells. I loved this. I often wondered why it took 6 or 7 years for someone to fall under a love spell in the HP books…I am glad Karou has her little wish beads.
6. Brimstone is the wishmonger…he grants wishes for a price. But, I think we all know to be careful what we wish for…
7. I think the eyes on the palms are Brimstones eyes; I think he can see what she is doing at all times. It may ward off evil. It seems Brimstone would want to put something protective on her when she is away from him.
8. Karou is hardly human…but what she is exactly – we may never know. Kinda like Barrons in the Fever books. Karou may be one of a kind!
9. Brimstone may very well be the devil himself…
10. I like the Poison Kitchen better than the house for some reason…more fun to be had at the Kitchen I guess..
11. I def think the angels and Karou will cross paths…Brimstone seemed worried about the wings she had made for school.
12. Teeth and wishes are a weird combo to me…I agree this part is very intriguing.

[Katie]

Does anyone else thinks it weird that Karou asks for wishes? When I think Brimstone would grant her anything she wanted if he didn't always have an audience...

[Mary]

@ Katie

1 - I agree!

3 - This is also an edgy European art school, as opposed to a suburban middle class American high school.

4 - I like a lot of Karou's thoughts about Kaz. She's definitely learned from the experience and grown from it, which is nice.

5 - LOVE this, too. Good point about Harry Potter, by the way.

10 - The world-building in this book is outstanding, in my opinion. So creative, especially with all the different creatures, and it gets better. Love the Poison Kitchen and Brimstone's shop.

12 - I know - teeth and wishes? Laini Taylor has a crazy imagination (in a good way).

I'm about to post yesterday's and today's DQ's.

[Mary]

Discussion questions are written by Lisarenee and Sashana - thanks!

Discussion Questions for Chapters 12 - 21

13) Well, Karou and Akiva finally meet and it's definitely not love at first sight.

14) Do you think Karou is part Chimera?

15) Karou means hope. Any ideas of what she was hoped to bring about or do?

16) Do you think Kazimir will bother her again after she flipped him through the window?

17) So now she has access to wishes? Think she's going to wish for a portal?

18) Kashmish is dead. Do you think everyone else is okay?

19) What do you think the wishbone is for? Why did Brimstone send it? I kept wondering why she didn't wish to know what Brimstone was trying to tell her.

20) Do you think Brimstone would have eventually let her return if the portals had not been destroyed?

21) At the beginning of the book was a page that said, "Once upon a time an angel and a devil fell in love. It did not end well." Was that referring to Brimstone and someone else? Could Karou really be his daughter or do you think it was referring to Karou and Akiva?

22) What did you think of the "other" world? What were they doing with all the chimeras?

23) Were you surprised Zuzana believed Karou?

24) What did you think of the fallen angel?

25) Do you have any clue what is going on--besides a war?

[Mary]

Putting today's discussion questions behind a spoiler tag, since I'm posting them early and right after day two's questions:

Discussion Questions for Chapters 22 - 31
(view spoiler)[
26) Brimstone left Karou a lot of money and real estate; do you think he foresaw the portals closing? He certainly prepared her financially for life alone.

27) Do you think Razgut really knows where another portal is, or is he just being mischievous and looking for company?

28) Will Bain hold true to his threat and make Karou's life difficult?

29) Was I the only one who thought of Edward Cullen while Akiva watched Karou sleeping?

30) If being close to Karou's hands harmed Akiva during the fight scene then why can they be close comfortably now that they are amiable? *sniff* I smell a discrepancy.

31) So the hamsas are also called revenants' marks -- worn only by chimaera soldiers. How could Karou be a soldier if she barely knows what is going on and why would Brimstone hide her? Thoughts? Comments?

32) Can we just assume (with 99% surety) that Karou is Madrigal reincarnated? Agree or disagree? I suspected that we were dealing with reincarnation (or something of the sorts) when Brimstone said that her body was a "shell" for her soul.

33) Akiva says that the price of magic is pain. Whose pain do you think it is: the angels, the chimaera, or humans? (hide spoiler)]

[Lisa Kay]

Thanks so much, Mary! So sorry, ladies. I've had a killer migraine. I haven't even been able to update the statuses for my September challenges. **sigh** I'll try to catch up later.

[Mary]

No worries, Lisa Kay - just rest up and feel better!

[Lisa Kay]

Thanks for covering my tush, Mary! Still not 100% yet. Just took my second pill of the day, and it is only 6:15 a.m. here! **sigh**

[Lisarenee]

Katie wrote: "Okay I didn't get to chpt 11 - only half...chpt 6. But, These are the notes I took: (1) The only tattoos visible as she dug out her sketchbook and handed it over were the ones on her wrists like..."

That last one I actually posted in my review. I don't know if I posted it on goodreads.

[Katie]

Don't worry...I am so far behind - I may never catch up! I only finish day one's chapters last night. my life story

[Lisa Kay]

Yes, Real Life does get in the way, Katie! Drat!

[[deleted user]]

Don't worry Katie I'm way behind as well, I got caught up in another series I was reading before starting this one and just couldn't put it down, I'm finally able to pick Daughter up today and plan to dig right in and get caught up :)

[Stefani]

Finally got time to finish the first day's reading, too far behind I need to get reading.

Discussion Questions for Chapters 1-11

1) This is a very different book. In some ways it's a little hard to follow. I wish it had a glossary. All the K names are rendering me confused and I have to go back and check to make sure the character is who I think they are. Anyone else?

I am having a bit of trouble with the writing style. I am enthralled with the story but the writing style seems a bit abrupt to me and it's taking some getting used to.

2) What do you feel is the age range for this one? I almost feel Karou is more in college and should be at least 18. If I'm not mistaken YA only goes through characters who are 17 and when they reach 18 the books enter the adult category. Is that correct?

I think YA is now extending more into the early 20s area too. Personally I have always thought of it as the mid-teens to early twenties. So basically high school to college.

3) Case in point, how many students do you know would have an art class which feature nude Models? You know I always hear about such classes, but have never actually encountered any that do this. Has anyone known anyone who has taken this type of class or know of a class that has this? I'm just curious.

I have known people who have taken classes like this, but it's always in college. Though other countries outside of the US think of "children" a lot differently. In most areas of the world you are an adult and going to college at 15 or 16.

4) What did you think if Kazimir's & Karou's past relationship? Do you think there's more to it then we know? Why does he seem to be pursuing her now?

I get the sense that he cheated and is begging forgiveness. I hope we hear more about that relationship though.

5) Did you like itch spells? I did laugh. If you had access to spells would you like to use this on anyone? What would use your wish for? I think we've all met someone we'd wish something not hurtful, but sort of along the lines of what Karou did to Kazimir to happen to someone.

I thought it was very funny. Maybe a little petty, but justified. I'd probably wish for no one to notice that I came to work late so I could sleep more.

6) Karou calls Brimstone a Wishmonger. What all do you think that entails?

He almost sounds like a genie, but that he requires payment so in that respect he's more of a trader. Bring him something he values and you will get wishes in return.

7) What is the significance of the eyes on the palms? Does it ward off evil?

This is actually very common. The Eye of Horus for example, was an Egyptian method of warding off the evil eye. So I can see how it might be something like that.

8) Brimstone seems to worry Karou will leave him. Why do you think he ended up with her? Do you think she might not truly be just a human?

I don't think she is. I hope we hear how she came to Brimstone, but I bet it's interesting and not entirely human.

9) What do you think Brimstone is hiding from her? Is he truly the devil as the passage states, "She had been innocent once, a little girl playing with feathers on the floor o a devil's lair."?

I think it will be much more convoluted than that. A devil to one person may be the savior to another.

10) Thoughts on the world building? Do you like the Poison Kitchen and Brimstone's house?

I absolutely love the world building, I am being pulled into this story really well.

11) So do you think the angel's and Karou's paths will cross?

Absolutely, I am looking forward to it actually.

12) What's with all the teeth and wishes? Could we be dealing with a tooth fairy. Sorry, I'm guessing not, but it is interesting. Wonder if there is some connection?

I have seen several myths and superstitions cross paths in this story, so it appears to be a combination of things we recognize but are made to be different.

[Katie]

6 & 9: A GENIE! why didn't I think of that...I was picturing him as the Devil only he doesn't want to tell Karou yet - because (maybe)she is his actually daughter...maybe not as adopted as we think? idk love this open ended storyline Actually, I was thinking that the so called Devil in this story sounds like he has a soft heart and conscience, and the angels seem to be narrow minded and harsh.

[Mary]

@ Stefani

2 - Yes, young adult literature is much more flexible than it used to be.

3 - Good point.

5 - Hah, I love that idea. :-)

9 - Very true.

10 - FANTASTIC world-building, I agree. There are some scenes and, after reading them, I just sit back and think, "What is this woman's brain like?"

@ Katie

Great point about Brimstone vs. the angels. There are so many shades of grey in this story, and I love that.

[[deleted user]]

wow is it just me or is anyone else having as hard a time as I am getting into this book, it's making zero sence to me and I find I'm having to force myself to read it, i'll keep pushing myself to read it but it will probably take alot longer then the aloted time to finish it :(

[Mary]

I'm sorry you're having a hard time getting into it, Kat! This is definitely the kind of book where nothing makes sense early on and it takes a while for your questions to be answered. Everything does become much clearer, though, I promise.

[Stefani]

Mary wrote: "I'm sorry you're having a hard time getting into it, Kat! This is definitely the kind of book where nothing makes sense early on and it takes a while for your questions to be answered. Everything d..."

I struggled a bit in the beginning too Kat. I don't know if it was the writing style or the lack of information or what. But now that I'm past the first bit I can hardly put it down...I haven't put it down long enough to answer questions so I got into it lol

[Stefani]

Discussion Questions for Chapters 12 - 21

13) Well, Karou and Akiva finally meet and it's definitely not love at first sight.

That made me so happy! I get so tired of insta-love! I might have done a little happy happy dance over it.

14) Do you think Karou is part Chimera?

I am not quite sure at this point. That's kind of the direction I was going at first. But then I thought...what if she is the product of a Chimera and Seraphim relationship. That would probably be frowned upon and the child kept secret.

15) Karou means hope. Any ideas of what she was hoped to bring about or do?

I have a feeling it has something to do with this battle that seems to be going on with the Seraphim burning the portals, there has to be a bigger story there.

16) Do you think Kazimir will bother her again after she flipped him through the window?

If he's smart then he won't...but he didn't strike me as particularly smart lol.

17) So now she has access to wishes? Think she's going to wish for a portal?

That would be really interesting. I think she might have a plan for either creating a portal or finding another way.

18) Kashmish is dead. Do you think everyone else is okay?

That made me sad. I certainly hope the others are ok. I am hoping that they just destroyed the entrances from one world to the other but that they are all okay in their own world but have no access to this one anymore.

19) What do you think the wishbone is for? Why did Brimstone send it? I kept wondering why she didn't wish to know what Brimstone was trying to tell her.

I honestly have no idea. It has to have some significance or it wouldn't be mentioned this often. Maybe it contains some kind of magic that would help her?

20) Do you think Brimstone would have eventually let her return if the portals had not been destroyed?

I think he would have, he loves her despite how much she infuriates him at times. He's the closest thing she has to a parent, and parents don't usually turn their backs on their kids permanently.

21) At the beginning of the book was a page that said, "Once upon a time an angel and a devil fell in love. It did not end well." Was that referring to Brimstone and someone else? Could Karou really be his daughter or do you think it was referring to Karou and Akiva?

I think they were talking about an angel and a devil, but maybe not anyone we know. But I think Karou could be the child of that love affair.

22) What did you think of the "other" world? What were they doing with all the chimeras?

That puzzled me. They appeared to be dead...but aren't. So what was going on then. Maybe they were injured and were recovering, which is why they appeared dead and unconscious.

23) Were you surprised Zuzana believed Karou?

Not really, she seems like that kind of girl to me.

24) What did you think of the fallen angel?

Can I just say, yuck lol. I have a feeling he'll be important later. And if not him, the information he might have had or revealed to other people.

25) Do you have any clue what is going on--besides a war?

I get the feeling that this world is merely a pawn in the war. They wanted to cut off Brimstone's access to this world for a reason. It has to be a reason that helps their war efforts. Maybe Brimstone was gaining power from the teeth and people's wishes to help the armies on his side?

[Stefani]

Discussion Questions for Chapters 22 - 31

26) Brimstone left Karou a lot of money and real estate; do you think he foresaw the portals closing? He certainly prepared her financially for life alone.

I think he was preparing to that butterfly thing he was talking about, that someday she would want her freedom and he wanted her to be prepared for that.

27) Do you think Razgut really knows where another portal is, or is he just being mischievous and looking for company?

I don't see any reason for him to lie necessarily, Karou would just toss him in an ocean if he turned out to be lying. But then, he is abnormally interested in her.

28) Will Bain hold true to his threat and make Karou's life difficult?

I don't think so, he's all bark and no bite. It'd take him ages to find her anyway. I think she'll be watched by someone, just not him.

29) Was I the only one who thought of Edward Cullen while Akiva watched Karou sleeping?

I did for a minute, but at least Akiva recognized that it was kind of creepy and stopped lol.

30) If being close to Karou's hands harmed Akiva during the fight scene then why can they be close comfortably now that they are amiable? *sniff* I smell a discrepancy.

I think it might be because she's not exposing him to the tattoos directly. Like pointing them at him or touching him.

31) So the hamsas are also called revenants' marks -- worn only by chimaera soldiers. How could Karou be a soldier if she barely knows what is going on and why would Brimstone hide her? Thoughts? Comments?

Well she was raised by chimaera, so it makes sense that they would prepare for potentially having to defend herself against Seraphim soldiers.

32) Can we just assume (with 99% surety) that Karou is Madrigal reincarnated? Agree or disagree? I suspected that we were dealing with reincarnation (or something of the sorts) when Brimstone said that her body was a "shell" for her soul.

It certainly appears that way, though I was still hoping for a chimaera/seraphim love child lol. Though that still could be true.

33) Akiva says that the price of magic is pain. Whose pain do you think it is: the angels, the chimaera, or humans?

I think it's the pain involved in obtaining the teeth. And if obtaining them from the dead, then perhaps the desecration of the body causes pain to the soul?

[[deleted user]]

I'll just keep pushing my way through and when I'm done i'll come back and answer some of these questions :)

[Mary]

@ Stefani

13 - I loved their first meeting, too.

24 - Definitely yuck! But I think it's a realistic description of a fallen angel. I've read books where the fallen angels look just like regular angels, only really broody and sad, heh. And that just doesn't make sense to me. THIS, to me, is what a fallen angel should be.

29 - Hah, good point. :-)

I'll post the next few set of questions now that someone's answering them, heh. I'm glad you're liking it, Stefani!

[Mary]

Questions were written by Lisarenee and Sashana.

Discussion Questions for Chapters 32 - 41

34) So using magic causes self inflicted pain? Am I understanding this correctly? That sounds very sadistic to me. And why can't Karou feel the pain when she makes wishes? I'm confused x_x

35)"Oh, hell. Must. Mate. Immediately."
Zuzanna is a laugh a minute, bless her fictional soul. She and Karou had the 'girl talk' in front Akiva and assumed that he couldn't understand them; he had a bemused expression on his face the whole time. Do you think he understood the conversation but chose to act like he didn't?

36) Brimstone gave Karou her hamsa, I'm assuming he did this to give her a way to defend herself against angels. Is it possible that he also gave them to her as a way to keep her from Akiva?

37) I'm surprised that Karou didn't promise to meet Akiva in Marrakesh instantly upon his suggestion (even though she did in the end). I know her feelings are growing for him but I can't help but wonder if she will have to choose between her family and him. She did make a promise to Brimstone. Do you think she'll have to choose between him and her family? And if so, who do you think she will choose?

38) You mentioned you wanted a glossary, Lisa. I think I'd settle for some illustrations. It's hard for me to visualize some of the chimaeras, especially Madrigal. Also, I'd love to see a prequel.

39) Liraz and Hazael didn't approve of Avika's 'relationship' with Karou, and that is understandable. After the initial shock factor wears of do you think they'll let sleeping dogs lay, or will they report him to the higher ups?

40) Akiva keeps saying that when Karou breaks the wishbone she'll remember who she is/was and won't think of him the same. Is the wishbone storing Karou's memories from when she was Madrigal (assuming that she is Madrigal of course)?

[Mary]

Discussion Questions for Chapters 42 - 54

41) Once upon a time, there were two moons, who were two sisters. Nitid was the goddess of tears and life, and the sky was hers. No one worshiped Ellai but secret lovers.
I think it's interesting how Laini Taylor uses these quotes to hint at what is to come in each section. Of course I've seen it done before, but I think she does it extremely well. In what ways did this quote relate to the chapters you just read?

42) Thoughts and/or Comments on the teeth and Brimstone being a resurrectionist and what the teeth are really used for? Did guess correctly about either of them?

43) Madrigal's sister, Chiro, is obviously very jealous of her. We know that Madrigal's relationship with Akiva will be revealed to the chimaera. Do you think Chiro will have something to do with this?

44) What do you think of the slight hierarchy in the chimaera society where high-humans are considered more beautiful? Can you think of any examples of how this prejudice(?) applies to out society?

45) In the opening scene it said that Ellai was 'worshipped by secret lovers.' I'm assuming that Chiro is the modern version of Ellai, so who do you think is her secret lover? Could it be Thiago? That would explain her jealousy.

[Lisarenee]

Wow, did you guys loose Lisa Kay? She hasn't said anything in the moderator thread or I'd have tried to help out. Now I'm a little worried about her.

[Lisa Kay]

I'm here. I had a Family Issue. I'm back. My apologies. I don't think I've missed three days of not being on GRs since I first started. I just have Chapter 11 to listen to, then I'll be done with the first reading section.

[Mary]

I'm sorry, Lisa Kay! I hope everything's okay. Glad to have you back, though. :-)

[Lisa Kay]

Let me tell you, it is GOOD to be back, Mary. I went though a bit of GRs withdrawals. LOL! Thanks for helping out.

[Katie]

Discussion chpt 12-21
13 You say it wasn’t love at first sight…but I think in a very weird way that it was.
14 I don’t have any idea what Karou is. Chimera, human, angel…who knows.
15 I think Brimstone hoped she would somehow put an end to the fighting…
16 Yes, I think Kaz it totally infatuated with himself – and he is smitten with Karou.
17 I never thought about actually wishing for a portal; but she has tried just about everything else she can think of to open the portals that she knows about…hmmm a totally new one; interesting.
18 Yes, I think everyone else is alive; but trapped.
19 I think Brimstone sent her the wishbone in case he never gets the chance to see her again; and that she will always have something of his – like a keepsake.
20 Yes, I totally think the whole throw her out on her ass scenario was meant to be a cheap education for everyone. It killed him to have to do it; but there is a lesson to be learned there. Don’t snoop around, be careful what you wish for…curiosity killed the cat, etc.
21 At first I thought that the whole angel and the devil fell in love meant Karou and someone else, but now I def think it is Brimstone and that she is his child. I wondered just how much of an orphan Karou was exactly – maybe not at all.
22 I think they are resting up for a great big battle…
23 I was…but that only makes me think she is a spy or something.
24 Fallen angel as in the one that rode around on Izil? I am not sure of what his place is meant to be…he may come into play later on.
25 No clue what so ever: What are the teeth for, what is Karou, what is brimstone for that matter…

[Katie]

26 Yes, I think he loves Karou dearly…I don’t know if he foresaw the portals closing but it may have been a very real possibility that he was prepared for.
27 He knows where the one he was thrown out of: but it may be gone too. You never know until you visit it. But his portal from heaven might not be the portal to Brimstone that Karou is looking for.
28 Yes, Bain was serious in his threat to make Karou’s life living hell…but there isn’t anything that Karou wouldn’t do for her family and those that she loves.
29 I didn’t think of it at the time, but now that you mention it…it was a very Eddie thing to do. But Akiva did it in a less creepy way – IMO.
30 Akiva has acknowledge that he is weaker in Karou’s presence, but she is keeping her palms closed and away from Akiva.
31 Like Karou mentioned…obviously they aren’t only worm by chimaera soldiers. Because Karou isn’t a soldier – yet. She has been trained to kill though. She might be the secret weapon!!!!
32 You are very astute. Of course, Karou is Madrigal! Why didn’t I catch that…? Shell for her body…duh!
33 Price is pain and whose pain does it equal…maybe your own.

[Lisa Kay]

@ Katie

#1 - I didn’t have trouble with the names either. But then, I can’t remember if I looked at the Shelfari list of characters that I posted in Post 2

#2 - I thought she was about 18. I don’t know when YA books enter the “adult category.” I’ve seen some books referred to as “YA-Mature.”

#3 – I have, but then I was an art major until I changed to business. (I got my nursing degree later.)

#4 – Totally agree; Kaz is a player. I do think he has some regrets that he lost Karou, and he is egocentric enough to think he can treat her like dirt and get away with it.

#5 – Yes, really smiled over the itch spells.

#6 – Yes, we do!

#7 – Interesting!

#8 & 9– Maybe! To all you answers. ☺

#12 – It is intriguing.

[Lisa Kay]

@ Stefani

#3 Yes, very true about countries outside the US.

#5 – LOL! Yeah, I would wish that too!

#6 – Oh, I like that. A genie.

#9 – Great point!

#12 – Yes, it is quite eclectic.

[Lisa Kay]

Discussion Questions by Lisarenee:


Chapters 55-Epilogue
(view spoiler)[

46) Looks like a prequel won't be necessary. Seems like this last bit was actually the beginning and sadly the end. I had no clue what he'd done. Gah! Totally shocked.
47) Any idea what the sequel will hold? I'm thinking it's too long since her family was killed to glean any souls. :( Could they have found pre-made bodies?
48) You were pretty close to what happened with Chiro. So I'm guessing Chiro did not get reincarnated?
49) Do you think they killed all the chimaeras or just Karou's family?
50) Is there any hope left?
51) Why did Brimstone think she'd leave them? I'm confused.
52) So each race had their story of where Chimera came from. Looks like the chimaera legend had to do with the verse we previously saw about the moons.
53) What is your overall thoughts of the book?
54) Do you feel this was one of the most original books of 2011? (hide spoiler)]

[Stefani]

Ack, good to have you back Lisa Kay! Hopefully the issue is settled down for you :)


Discussion Questions for Chapters 32 - 41

34) So using magic causes self inflicted pain? Am I understanding this correctly? That sounds very sadistic to me. And why can't Karou feel the pain when she makes wishes? I'm confused x_x

I think it's that is has to cause pain to someone or something. Whether that pain is to yourself or someone else or an animal, is irrelevant except that personal pain seems to create more powerful wishes. That's what I gathered from it anyway.

35)"Oh, hell. Must. Mate. Immediately."
Zuzanna is a laugh a minute, bless her fictional soul. She and Karou had the 'girl talk' in front Akiva and assumed that he couldn't understand them; he had a bemused expression on his face the whole time. Do you think he understood the conversation but chose to act like he didn't?

I wondered that myself. It seemed like they just assumed he couldn't speak Czech, but maybe he could and just didn't tell them so.

36) Brimstone gave Karou her hamsa, I'm assuming he did this to give her a way to defend herself against angels. Is it possible that he also gave them to her as a way to keep her from Akiva?

I admit it seemed like a possibility, course now that I have finished the book I know why. But at the time I thought that Brimstone had a feeling she would get involved in this war somehow and would need protection.

37) I'm surprised that Karou didn't promise to meet Akiva in Marrakesh instantly upon his suggestion (even though she did in the end). I know her feelings are growing for him but I can't help but wonder if she will have to choose between her family and him. She did make a promise to Brimstone. Do you think she'll have to choose between him and her family? And if so, who do you think she will choose?

Considering that the two sides are mortal enemies, I would say it's a possibility. But I think Akiva would be understanding that she can't just abandon them, if he really loves her then he will tolerate it.

38) You mentioned you wanted a glossary, Lisa. I think I'd settle for some illustrations. It's hard for me to visualize some of the chimaeras, especially Madrigal. Also, I'd love to see a prequel.

I would love to have some pictures, because a few of these characters are difficult for me to picture. I'm trying, but it's turning out to be really hard.

39) Liraz and Hazael didn't approve of Avika's 'relationship' with Karou, and that is understandable. After the initial shock factor wears of do you think they'll let sleeping dogs lay, or will they report him to the higher ups?

I don't think this is the end of them trying to make Akiva "see sense". Given what they said about him running off and what happened last time, they have dang good reasons for being concerned about him.

40) Akiva keeps saying that when Karou breaks the wishbone she'll remember who she is/was and won't think of him the same. Is the wishbone storing Karou's memories from when she was Madrigal (assuming that she is Madrigal of course)?

That was my first thought when Akiva became so distraught over the wishbone. I immediately thought, is she Madrigal reincarnated? I'm glad I'm not the only one that jumped to it.

[Stefani]

Discussion Questions for Chapters 42 - 54

41) Once upon a time, there were two moons, who were two sisters. Nitid was the goddess of tears and life, and the sky was hers. No one worshiped Ellai but secret lovers.
I think it's interesting how Laini Taylor uses these quotes to hint at what is to come in each section. Of course I've seen it done before, but I think she does it extremely well. In what ways did this quote relate to the chapters you just read?

I kind of read that as an indication of how the chimaera and seraphim are related. They are intertwined with each other and almost like siblings, but one is thought to be lower than the other and not as worthy of praise or attention.

42) Thoughts and/or Comments on the teeth and Brimstone being a resurrectionist and what the teeth are really used for? Did guess correctly about either of them?

I admit it, I didn't guess correctly at either of them. It never even crossed my mind, I was blindsided.

43) Madrigal's sister, Chiro, is obviously very jealous of her. We know that Madrigal's relationship with Akiva will be revealed to the chimaera. Do you think Chiro will have something to do with this?

Honestly I thought it would be the general who has his eye on Madrigal. I figured he would follow her and figure out what was going on.

44) What do you think of the slight hierarchy in the chimaera society where high-humans are considered more beautiful? Can you think of any examples of how this prejudice(?) applies to out society?

My first thought was about weight. It seems like such a minor thing, but being thinner is automatically considered more attractive. Being overweight automatically makes you ugly and lazy.

45) In the opening scene it said that Ellai was 'worshipped by secret lovers.' I'm assuming that Chiro is the modern version of Ellai, so who do you think is her secret lover? Could it be Thiago? That would explain her jealousy.

I think she'd like it to be Thiago, but it never would be because she is a revenant and he hates that. I think the secret lovers they referred to would be Madrigal and Akiva, Chiro was just jealous about what she couldn't have.

[Lisa Kay]

Thanks, Stefani! It is "manageable" now, at least.