Bookish Kingdom discussion

This buddy read will start on July, 10th (2017) and end on July, 18th (2017)

We'll read 3 chapters a day.

Participants:
Iris
Ilsen
Ayla

Reading schedule:

Monday July 10th - read prologue + till (up to & including) chapter 2
Tuesday - read till chapter 5
Wednesday - read till chapter 8
Thursday - read till chapter 11
Friday - read till chapter 14
Saturday - read till chapter 17
Sunday - read till chapter 20
Monday - read till chapter 23
Tuesday July 18th - read epilogue + bonus material

I'm psyched 😂💛

Can I join in too? I really been wanting to read this book and I want to jump right into it!

@Ilsen
Sure! :)

Oh and I'll add you to the participants tomorrow when im on my laptop

Wow just started and I'm already shocked. It started off with a bang in my opinion. I can picture everything in my head. I like the characters already.

(view spoiler)[ Those volcras are vicious. Am I the only one that is reminded of the Six of Crows covers? Also, I really want to delve deep into Alina and Mal's relationship with each other. (hide spoiler)]

I'm very excited to know more

me too I'm mind blown already! though I don't get how they crossed that cliff or sth I thought it was some kind of a ship or sth... idk

Chapter 2/23

Let's talk about the ending of chapter 2 first:
(view spoiler)[All of a sudden there was an attack, and I like it when a book hits you with the action scenes right at the beginning. Those volcra's look kind of like small dragons in my imagination. They must be horrifying. And, dammit Alexei, I was just starting to like you...
I was waiting for Alina's superpowers to show up, without her knowing she had them. Idk if that's what happened at the ending of chapter 2, while she fainted? (why do they always faint when a fight gets exciting, it always happens) (hide spoiler)]

Oh and I kind of like Mal, although it seems like he's acting all cool and flirtatious just to fit in with the others.
I don't really get the whole different "groups" system yet. The Darklings belong to the good guys, but have a dark past. The Grisha's are the "top wizards" of the good guys. And then...? I don't remember who the bad guys are oops xD

Anyways, sorry for this rambling update. I'm looking forward to reading more! I still need to get used to the world, but it seems like this is going to be a great story :D

Ilsen wrote: "Wow just started and I'm already shocked. It started off with a bang in my opinion. I can picture everything in my head. I like the characters already.

[spoilers removed]

I'm very excited to know..."

I definitely want to know more about Alina and Mal's relationship to each other as well! And their past.

Iris wrote: "me too I'm mind blown already! though I don't get how they crossed that cliff or sth I thought it was some kind of a ship or sth... idk"

Didn't really think about that tbh lol
At first I thought they were big animals haha
I think they're just simple ships that don't make too much noise

I thought they were like sleds like Santa Claus XD

Ilsen wrote: "I thought they were like sleds like Santa Claus XD"

Oh well, that's also very creative XD
What is "The Fold" made of by the way? Are they sailing on water or smoke?

Chapter 5/23

(view spoiler)[ Things are becoming more clear to me know. The Darklings are part of the Grisha's and the king stands above them all. The bad guys are basically the other countries, because they treat the Grisha's badly.
One thing I do not understand completely, is how at the end of chapter 2 Alina was on the other side of The Fold, but all of a sudden she is on her way to Os Alta, by coach? Like, when did she cross The Fold in the meantime? Or did they return to Kribirsk, while sailing on The Fold? I don't know...

I do sense a love triangle here. With Alina, The Darkling and Mal. Meh, why does it always have to be a love triangle?
I am starting to like The Darkling though, I like mysterious characters like him.
I'm curious what the king will be like. I guess Alina and the king will be meeting in the next chapter.
And I'm very excited to read about Alina training her powers! (hide spoiler)]

@Ayla

I just saw the spoiler for the end of Chapter 2 so I'm going to share my thoughts below.

(view spoiler)[ The Fold is like smoke I think and the sea. It might be the sea with fog because it's also called The Untrue Sea. I don't know. I may have to look at the map again.

It was weird because I thought Alexei was going to become a main character in the story but nope. I actually went into it without reading the synopsis because I want to see it developed plus everyone has been talking about this series and I feel like I'll spoil myself. I want to experience the whole thing for myself.

I also feel like Mal is being flirtatious to hide his other part of himself. I really want to see him develop along with Alina. I also don't get the groups of the Darklings and the different groups. I think it takes time for us to understand.

Now that I'm thinking about it, it's probably a ship that looks like a sleigh. I don't know XD (hide spoiler)]

About to read the next part now

@Ilsen

(view spoiler)[Yes, that makes sense, since it's called The Untrue Sea!

It's too bad Alexei died, I feel like he could've been a cool character. And I have the same thing, especially with series, I'm very careful with avoiding to read updates of other people who are reading the series.

Surely he is hiding his past as an orphan, which is being looked own upon by others. And yes, I think so too. Those kind of things take time to understand, especially with whole new fantasy worlds like this :)

Wait, I found a picture of the boat, when I searched for "skiff'' (which is what it's called in the book):


I hope it's slightly bigger tho, cause this one seems way to small for all of them to fit on XD (hide spoiler)]

@Ayla

OHHHHH that picture makes a lot more sense than a sleigh XD

Until Chapter 5 @Ayla

(view spoiler)[ The descriptions are so luscious and I can picture me walking through everything. I'm really getting into this story. I'm kinda understanding the power here. The Darklings are the minions to the King and they are good guys and all the other countries are bad guys because they hate Grishas. And Grisha means a sort of power that they have and there are different types of Grisha. Man this sounds like so much fun.

Yes I can totally sense the love triangle between Alina, Mal, and The Darkling. I don't know much about either of them. We can see how this goes. But personally I'm a sucker for a best friends to lover trope so you can see who's side I'm on XD. I hope we get to hear more from Mal soon and I really hope we can learn more about the Darkling.

Yea now that you say that I'm not sure how they got around it. But I'm looking at the map. Os Alta is on the same side as Kribirsk. They went the opposite way. What you're thinking of I think is Os Kervo which in order to get there, you have to cross the Fold. (hide spoiler)]

So I'm a little behind but I hope I can catch up soon. These chapters are just longer than I thought but I'm really enjoying this readalong :)

Until Chapter 9 (I know I'm a little late sorry)

(view spoiler)[ I love Genya! She's so great. I really liked that Alina feels that she is comfortable with her because of their different statuses. The King is weird like eww. Like it seems he's a perv and the priest is just a creep and the Queen is just a snotty little bitch.

When the Darkling wanted to give her black but she didn't want to. Either he thinks she's really powerful (which she is I mean apparently she has the power to destroy the Fold) or he wants to spend more time with her. But she refuses because she wants to fit in which I can understand. I don't know how I feel about The Darkling and Alina. I really want Mal.

Well The Darkling was barely here in these chapters. It was basically more information between the three Grishas power which I can understand a little more. I think we still need some more information. It was also Alina trying to adjust to her new life as a Grisha and she misses Mal. (hide spoiler)]

I'm loving this. I feel like I'm very absorbed in the story.

Until Chapter 12

(view spoiler)[ Wow the trainers are heartless. Seriously I know that other Grisha has gotten special training when they were little but obviously Alina didn't have that. She's a special case. But I understand. They have to be brutal to learn.

When the Darkling just called Alina in his office to ask about her day and then he starts flirting with her. And I'm just like "Well ok then". I want the Darkling all to myself to be honest. I still don't understand how he is a villain though. Maybe his more villainous traits will come later on in the book.

The Apparat is hella creepy. First he gives her a book about the Saints and now suddenly everyone is treating her as a Saint even though she can't summon her own power and then he visits her in the infirmary and basically gives her a very weird omen. I mean I'm curious but geez like what is with this guy.

Also when we find out that basically Genya is the king's prostitute and the queen's age revival girl. Poor Genya. I feel horrible for her. They say it's just a rumor but Marie and Nadia (those other Summoners that are trying to be Alina's friends but are actually just envious of her powers) were talking about it like they were sure of it. I hope we can hear Genya's backstory.

Zoya is a freaking bitch. I know that she is just hateful because she's the Darkling's favorite but she didn't even ask for this. Most of the Grishas are entitled and snobby from what I've seen. They are kinda grown up that way because they are pampered. Alina has went from unwanted orphan to powerful Grisha in just a couple of days. So she doesn't take anything for granted but is not sure what to do with her newfound power. Sorry I got a little off topic but Zoya is a bitch and because Alina won one fight, she gets to break her ribs like no that's not how it works. Ugh she annoys me.

Alina and Mal. It's so cute that she keeps worrying about him. She keeps asking for the letters. Ugh I just want more Mal. Is that so hard?

I also feel bad for Alina because she is so unsure of how to summon her powers and she's not sure what to do and she doesn't want to let anyone down. But she's doesn't know if she can do it. I know she can do it but it might take her a while as she is still adjusting to her new life as a Grisha. (hide spoiler)]

Until Chapter 14

(view spoiler)[ Whew a lot happened in these three chapters. Like first off, Alina realizes that she had her power all along and just pushed it down to be with Mal which I thought was heartbreaking. She knew she was a Grisha but she was in love with Mal (not in love like lovey dovey but like in love as in a friend and she didn't feel alone). And she had to let go of her dreams to be with Mal in order for her power to shine because it wasn't healthy for her. She felt healthier after letting go of Mal because she started sleeping better and eating better and became stronger because of it. I don't think it was a toxic friendship but I do think that the unrequited love for Mal has taken a toll on her than she realized and I'm glad she finally came to terms with herself even if she still had some progress with herself.

Anyways, I love the Grisha universe. It's very interesting to know about the types of Grisha and the theory of Grisha. I want to see if the Mosorova herd is actually real and how the amplifier will affect her since it's rumored to be such a powerful and ancient creature.

I love the friendship between Genya and Alina. It seems a lot like two high school friends in a fantasy world and I just find it very refreshing that they talk about crushes and gossip like any normal high school girl. It's just something that I like seeing in fantasy books. That there is a touch of real relationship amidst all the chaos.

Now the Darkling and Alina ship. Well I can admit that the Darkling is pretty sexy and that scene in the Queen's room had me blushing but I am unsure of what the Darkling feels toward Alina. I'm not sure if he cares about her or is just using his power of lust or any other motive. I just want their relationship to actually develop beyond the blushing and sexual tension that creeps around them. I want them to talk and see where their true feelings side or is it just a lustful powerful relationship.

Oh yea about Mal. He's being a little bitch right now. The first thing he does is just like "Oh hey I haven't seen you in a while but instead of asking you how you've been and seeing if you're actually ok, I'm going to stop talking to you because now you're a spoiled princess" and I'm just like "UMMM OK". Like I can understand that you are not sure what's going on but like at the very least ask how she is. It was just really frustrating and a let down since I've been wanting a scene between them for so long. He's not even letting her explain. I can understand a little but like ugh. How annoying. No longer ship Mal and Alina since it seems that Mal only feels indifferent towards her while Alina actually cares about Mal because if this was the other way around, sure she would feel bad and be wary but she would at least ASK HOW HE IS LIKE WHAT. You haven't seen the girl in like months and THAT is what you're going to tell her. What an asshole. And yes, I know that Mal was worried about her and he just wanted to see if she was ok because of the rumors but geez you know she's ok now let her explain. Don't just assume everything is ok. Although maybe I agree a little about the Darkling's actions with Alina. I'm a little wary about it.

Also cue the "new love interest gets with protagonist and then old love interest comes back right when it happens" cliche. Like I didn't expect it because I really did think that Mal just will appear at the end once the drama starts happening but no.

Totally irrelevant but I still don't get what was the point of the ball? Like why do you need to demonstrate your powers and put on a show? Like yay a big party where you can drink and have fun but they are in a middle of a war and that's what they are doing? I think I agree with the Darkling. It's a waste of time.

Now this was mostly based on the transition of Alina with her learning to control her powers and getting herself in control but I want a little more drama like political drama happening. I'm hoping we will get to that soon. I'm really enjoying it! (As you can see by this really long rant of a spoilery thoughts XD) (hide spoiler)]

Until Chapter 17

(view spoiler)[ Of course the Darkling actually becomes an actual villain. I'm not that surprised since I was questioning his motives as to why he wanted Alina. I could see now. It all makes sense. He wants the Grishas to take over and humans become a slave to Grisha. Which is wrong. What I am surprised about is Baghra being the Darkling's mother. That was a surprise. And here is what I wanted. More political intrigue. Which I'm very excited about.

Then she begins running and still wants the Darkling but knows it's bad for her. Then she makes a risky decision and goes to a town to get some food and runs into some trouble. She gets away but she finds Mal.

Oh Mal. I was pretty mad at you the last time I saw you but you mad up for it. I don't think I ship them though. I think I see them just as friends and The Darkling someone you have to defeat but ugh he's so hot. I'll have him to myself please. Ok I got off topic but I appreciated the humor they found in the situation with the parade and after almost getting robbed and turned in. They just started joking and it was just really sweet.

I'm excited for them to find Morozova's herd so she could slay it and be the most powerful Grisha. I can't wait to see what happens next. (hide spoiler)]

Ilsen wrote: "Until Chapter 5 @Ayla

The descriptions are so luscious and I can picture me walking through everything. I'm really getting into this story. I'm kinda understanding the power here. The Darklings a..."


Oh, I get it know! Alina was on the other side of the Fold in the first place.
Thanks :)

So I'm a little behind on schedule, but I tried to catch up today.

Chapter 8/23

(view spoiler)[ I'm so excited to see what Alina can do as a Sun Summoner! And I'm starting to understand more of the Grisha system, but it's still confusing. Maybe I should make a list of the different groups and the colours of their keftas.

And I love Genya as well! She's genuinely nice to Alina :)
I don't like the King and the Queen as well...
(hide spoiler)]

Chapter 12/23

(view spoiler)[ I accidentally read one chapter too many, but I'm so happy Alina finally found her power! And it's very interesting to read how she managed to suppress her power as a little kid. She must be very powerful then. I'm excited to see what she can do with her power!

The Apparat is so creepy indeed... Sneaking up on her and telling her weird and cryptic things all the time...

I feel so sorry for Genya as well... She seems so nice and everyone else is treating her like shit. Especially the king using her as his prostitute... That's just disgusting!

And Zoya is so annoying indeed... Super jealous and all that.

(hide spoiler)]

Chapter 14/23

(view spoiler)[ Well, finally Mal showed up. I'm annoyed by his sudden attitude towards Alina and especially about his thoughts about her feelings for the Darkling. I understand he is worried but I mean, all this time Mal has been the one running around going after other pretty girls and leaving Alina to be the one to watch and be fine with it. He has had all this time to show some more interest in her, and now all of a sudden he is angry because Allina has moved on and found someone who does show interest in her?! Pshhh, I'm done with Mal. I'm team Darkling. Although I'm afraid he'll drop Alina right after he has gotten what he wanted from her. Guess we'll find out soon enough...

It's exciting to see they found the Morozova's herd. I'm curious to see what the effect will be on Alina's powers.

I definitely agree with you on the ball as well. They should be focusing on the war. Instead they are having lush events like this.

(hide spoiler)]

So I was catching up and when I was on page 248 I realised there are 33 pages missing in my edition... Noooooooooo
I sent an e-mail to amazon and I hope I'll receive a new copy soon, so I can catch up.
Otherwise I'll have to skip that part and hope there aren't any major events happening there.
This is so frustrating... I want to read more without getting spoiled....

Awww no. That sucks! Hopefully you get your new copy soon!

Until Chapter 20

(view spoiler)[ Oh so now Mal is in love with her? I mean I guess you don't really appreciate people until they are gone. But still. Not sure about the ship just ugh.

Goddammit I got so frustrated when she didn't kill the stag. I mean yea I get it she felt bad for it but the whole world is at stake and you're going to be a slave to the Darkling forever. And pretty much her light that she used the other night is how they found her. But still. And the Darkling caught her and everyone thinks she just stayed in seclusion with the Darkling. I feel bad for Genya because she just wants to know what's going on.

I'm scared as to what happens next. (hide spoiler)]

Until the end

(view spoiler)[ I'm sorry I couldn't help myself. I had to finish it. When Alina found her power and it was more powerful because she showed the stag mercy, I thought it was beautiful. I don't have much to say except that I loved the lost letter from Mal and I ship them again XD. Also, I can see in the next book she is going to have conflict with her powers because she might be experiencing some greed with it. Because she likes the way it feels. Can't wait for the next book! (hide spoiler)]

When we finish, I was hoping maybe we could do the discussion questions at the end of the book together

Ilsen wrote: "Awww no. That sucks! Hopefully you get your new copy soon!"

A new edition will be sent to me!
It will arrive this Wednesday or Thurday :)
But I want to continue reading so badly... I will continue as soon as I have my new copy.

So I just received a new edition, including the pages that were missing before!
I'll try to finish the book tomorrow and then we can do the discussion questions at the end of the book, like you said Ilsen, once Iris has finished as well :)

@Ilsen

I just finished the book and I must say the ending was pretty cool!
(view spoiler)[
The part where she regained her power because she showed the stag mercy was so beautiful indeed! Especially the fact that it was stronger than the Darkling's power.
The next book sounds promising, especially after what Leigh said about it in the interview (at the end of this book).
(hide spoiler)]

These are the discussion questions:
(view spoiler)[
1. Alina and Mal grow up in an orphanage in Keramzin. How does this affect Alina's experiences at the Little Palace? Mal's experiences in the First Army?

2. How is the Fold connected to the Darkling? What does this connection say about him and his power?

3. How does Alina feel about her power? How do her feelings change? Why?

4. What is the connection between Alina and the Darkling? What does Alina think of this link at different points in the novel?

5. How are the Grisha talents like science? Why are other people afraid of what the Grisha can do?

And I thought maybe we could also discuss these questions, from the interview:

6. What is your favorite scene in Shadow and Bone?
7. If you could be one of the Grisha, which type would you be?

(hide spoiler)]

@Ayla

(view spoiler)[ I'm glad you think it was beautiful too! I read the first few chapters of Siege and Storm and I'm just so excited!! And now I'm going to answer these discussion questions.

1. Alina's experiences were different in the Little Palace because she wasn't used to such luxury. She was used to getting scraps and being lonely and unwanted. In the Little Palace, she was wanted because she was the Darkling's favorite and had a very special power no one else had. She felt uncomfortable but she soon embraced it and became who she is. Humble but confident in her powers. Mal grew up in the orphanage with Alina by her side and once she was gone, he didn't realize how much he took Alina for granted. He was just so used to seeing her always and never realized how much he pushed her aside and it helped him grow. He also didn't grow up with many luxuries but he had a bigger confidence than Alina. (Ok I'm doing this in parts because these answers are going to be long XD) (hide spoiler)]

Question 2

(view spoiler)[ The Fold is connected to the Darkling because he created it because of anger and greed and wanting to take over the lands. While I kinda forgot the reason or maybe it just wasn't explained or I don't remember, it does say that he has an immense amount of power. Enough power to defeat himself. It might even grow immensely after there. The Fold is essentially human bodies that he destroyed now brought to life to feed on the souls who enter. (hide spoiler)]

Question 3

(view spoiler)[ At first, she is scared of it. She doesn't know how it happens or what caused this new power to come to her. She doesn't know how to control it after she figures out it's real and then she digs deep into herself to find the power that she has been hiding for so long and embraces her power. When she finally embraces her power, she feels stronger and healthier than she has ever before after letting go of her past life. She has been holding back her powers because she has finally found the one person who makes her feel happy and she didn't want to let that go so she pushed her feelings down so she could always be with Mal and she was doing the same in The Little Palace without even realizing it. So when she finally let go, she felt free. (hide spoiler)]

Question 4

(view spoiler)[ The connection between Alina and Darkling was pure lust. She felt like she was connected to him but in reality it was just his power to draw her to him. The Darkling used her infatuation to his advantage and played her to do what he wants. I do think that the Darkling is still misunderstood but also greedy. Alina thought it meant that there was something good to him but then realized he was just using her. Sometimes she wanted to give in but she stayed with her morals. (hide spoiler)]

Question 5

(view spoiler)[ Oh that's a hard question. I know they are kinda like science but it's really hard to explain. I think I will get it better after a while but right now I don't remember anything about the science. I just know that they can't create anything out of thin air. I mean not technically. Yep I'm going to need a refresh on that topic XD. On the fact of why people are afraid of them, it's because they seem alien to them. Having powers that other humans do not have. They are wary of it because they aren't sure if they are with the humans or against them. (hide spoiler)]

Question 6 and 7

(view spoiler)[ Oh man I have so many favorite scenes. Definitely at the end where she stands up to the Darkling because she realizes by showing the stag mercy, she is more powerful than the Darkling because he can't show real mercy. Also when we find out why Alina runs her finger through her palm and it was because of the excitement of seeing Mal and the heartwarming scene between them when they were trying to find the stag. I would probably be a Healer because I hate seeing people die and I would do anything in my power to make sure it doesn't happen. (hide spoiler)]

finished it!!! sorry I was very late... I can't see the questions they all say [spoilers removed] or do I have to log in on my laptop to see them? 'cause rn I'm on my phone...

I'm just going to answer all the questions, before looking at your answers, and then compare them to see if we have kind of the same answers :)

Question 1

(view spoiler)[Alina, of course, isn't used to all the luxuries of the Little Palace, since she used to live in an orphanage. Whereas the other Grisha's act like it's completely normal and sometimes come of as a bit spoiled.
Mal is a bit harder to determine, but I guess he is already used to a bit more of a harsh life. He is also overcompensating in his behaviour (flirting with all the girls etc.), because he probably wants to hide his past and doesn't want to be insignificant again. Idk if this makes sense xD
(hide spoiler)]

Reaction to your answer:
(view spoiler)[
Of course, I hadn't thought about the Darkling-part yet. She was unwanted at first indeed, but the Darkling did want her. So this must have been pretty different for her.
And, with Mal, especially at the end of this book it becomes clear how much Mal had missed her while she was gone. He took her for granted indeed. But this also resulted in him being able to know and express his feelings for Alina more clearly. (hide spoiler)]

Question 2

(view spoiler)[Both are dark and of course, the Darkling created The Fold. You could see The Fold as a reflection of the Darkling and his powers. The Darkling has to be very strong, in order to create such a thing as The Fold. (hide spoiler)]

Reaction to your answer:
(view spoiler)[I agree with you. It's also a reflection of his bad characteristics, like anger and greed. (hide spoiler)]

@Iris

Yayyy :D
You can only open spoilers on your laptop, but the questions are at the end of your book as well :)

Question 3

(view spoiler)[At first she feels useless, cause she can't call her own power. But later on she learns how to call her power and she feels quite powerful, although she has her boundaries. She is proud of it and wants to impress the Darkling with her powers.
When she learns the Darkling lied to her and has bad intentions, the power becomes more 'her own' (sort of?). And in the end, her power is so strong, due to the stag, she can defeat the Darkling (temporarily). She even admits it feels good when she uses her power, which could lead to greed if she isn't careful enough. (hide spoiler)]

Reaction to your answer:
(view spoiler)[She is scared of it in the beginning indeed. And it's fascinating to read how she has to let go of Mal first, before she can call her powers. (hide spoiler)]

found the questions! I´ll awnser them tonight and react to both of your awnsers (Why did I have to be last :P Okay that may have been fully my fault anywayzzz :P)

Okay so I’m not really familiar with the English terms since I’ve read the Dutch edition, but I’m going to try anyway. If I’m wrong feel free to correct me 

Question 1:
(view spoiler)[I think, since they are orphans and have never really been apart, it is obvious they feel lonely as if a part of them has vanished. For Aline I think as well that because she used to have only Mal, she is not used to other people and that not all people are as good and as loyal as Mal. (hide spoiler)]

Reaction:
(view spoiler)[I totally agree with you on the fact that Alina was at first unwanted by everyone and now she’s met the Darkling she is wanted, for the first time in her life. Maybe that’s also what she felt when he kissed her and it wasn’t actual love. It was just because she felt wanted by someone. Though she did always have Mal so I don’t think this would have been the first time she’d felt wanted. But on the other hand Mal might have taken Alina for granted and then the feeling of being wanted might have been less as with the Darkling. (hide spoiler)]

Question 2:
(view spoiler)[Well, the Darkling created it, didn’t he…? What it says about his powers, is that he does have quite a bit of shadowpowers (:P). It suggests that the Darkling can be capable of a lot of things, I mean if he can produce a shadow area so big that it covers an enormous part of Ravka for centuries he must be quite powerful. It is not something you can just do, as we speak, you have to possess a huge amount and an amazing control over your powers. (hide spoiler)]

Reaction:
(view spoiler)[I don’t believe the exact reason why he did it is explained in the book, though I agree it must have been out of some greediness. (hide spoiler)]

Question 3:
(view spoiler)[At first she doesn’t even know about it and is scared what’s going to happen after the Darkling takes her. After that when she expresses these powers with help from the Darkling, I feel like she feels kind of intimidated by her powers and when she wants to try it herself I feel like she’s frustrated because she can’t make the power come out of her by herself. Further in the story Alina even starts to enjoy her powers, but when she finds out the Darkling wants to use her powers to do bad things with it, she feels like she would have never wanted this kind of power. Eventually I think she decides that her power is something she can save a lot of people with, even though the Darkling tries to control Alina’s powers. (hide spoiler)]

Reaction:
(view spoiler)[I agree that she felt free once she released all of that power. Besides that I also think that she has to watch out. If she gets too happy with it and constantly wants more and more and more it can turn into greediness and then we won’t have a sea filled with immense darkness but with immense light. Lol. (hide spoiler)]

Question 4:
(view spoiler)[At first she’s afraid of him. Then she develops feelings towards him ( I have to admit I did too, I mean he was kind of cute before he turned into someone who wanted to control the world anyway) and finally falls in love. Throughout the story, especially in the beginning, I felt like the Darkling wanted to protect Alina as if she were a small fragile girl, though that changed when, you know, the plottwist came. Also when the Darkling says Alina has a power and that together with his power they can save the world, though Alina doesn’t believe him. Then she admits and want to help the Darkling save the world, but when she finds out what he really wants to do, she doesn’t want to have a connection with the Darkling anymore and flees. (hide spoiler)]

Reaction:
(view spoiler)[I agree that the Darkling may be misunderstood. We don’t know a lot about him yet, so I hope that may become clear in the upcoming books. (hide spoiler)]

Question 5:
(view spoiler)[How do you explain this in English… Well, I believe the Grisha can only control the element of choice (well the element they can control is not really a choice, I believe…) when a part of that element in any form is in there nearby environment. The rest is magic to me lol. I think other people are afraid of the power of the Grisha, because they can’t explain it, and when people can’t explain things they get scared and think of some sort of superpower or magic, like the people in the prehistorical ages. They said thunder was caused by some sort of God, only because they couldn’t explain why else it would happen. (hide spoiler)]

Reaction:
(view spoiler)[It’s quite a difficult phenomenon, though, and it’s only been mentioned like once. It’s all just a little vague, but it’s good to know that I’m not the only one who doesn’t fully understand that part. (hide spoiler)]