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Stevens, Amanda "The Kingdom" Start Date: June 29th, 2013 "revisiting this one"
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Notice we did DQs for Chapters 24-40 as the last set.
Thanks, Mods for setting this up!! And for warning us about the spoilers.I'm excited!!
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Just checking - are we all ok to start on June 22?
I'm still working on
. I may be a day or two behind you guys but will try to catch up quickly!
I'm excited and ready!
Is it 22nd yet for you people?
It is! Are you ready to start posting?
I haven't started reading it yet.. But I am going to start in an hour or so.
Is it just me or is GR having problems with saving comments? The wheel just keeps turning and turning but once I refresh the page the comment is there.
I haven't noticed anything but I haven't been posting much.
Oh good there is a post in the GR Feedback Group. It's not just me then.
And of course, it's the weekend :)
I'm finishing up one book and then will start later today.
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 1 – 6 1. What do you think about Asher Falls and Thorngate Cemetery? Do you feel the eerie atmosphere – or dark enchantment – as you read about it? Well, at least we know why the book is named “The Kingdom.” It feels eerie and rather unsettling.
2. What did you think of Thane Asher, the guy on the ferry? Did Amelia’s necklace really fall off? What vibs are Amelia picking up for him? Is he an alcoholic? Is he attracted to her; are his feeling sinister? He was kind of strange and threatening. I think he somehow made it fall off. And most likely an alcoholic.
3. What is your first impression of Luna Kemper, Real Estate Agent extraordinaire? What about out Amelia’s tussle with her over Angus? How about the Daughter of our Valiant Heroes? Do you think there is more to the story about why Luna hired Amelia? Where does that second, narrow door in her office lead?
Luna is definitely strange. I would be heading back out of town. Definitely more to the story. And not sure about her office.
4. Does Sidra Birch have the ability to see ghosts, like Amelia? Who’s ghost was it the picture? Is she the same as the one by the Floyd Covey’s dock? It appears that Sidra probably sees ghosts. And I didn't make the connection between the ghost on the dock and the one in the picture.
5. Why does Amelia feel something different with the dock ghost? Is it a result from her experience with the Others in the last book?It's possible her powers are growing and changing
6. BOOK QUOTE: Is it really you? - Okay, what does THAT mean? Somehow Amelia is attached to this town is the only thing I can figure out.
7. Do you think Floyd Covey’s house – having been a church –really is hallowed ground and protection from ghosts? I certainly hope so.
8. Who was the bizarre, creepy guy at the cemetery who slithered under the fence? I don't know but he completely creeped me out!
9. Who was in the library moaning with Luna – if it even was Luna? I assume Thane
10. Yikes! Chief Wayne Van Zandt! Now I’m freaked out he’ll hurt Angus. What are your thoughts?He was just as creepy as everyone else in that town. I like the dog. He's the only normal thing there. I would take the dog and leave.
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Yes! I saw them. So pretty. And here's another pretty picture!!Here's one of my favorite old cemeteries in LA. I used to visit it as a young teenager. It's in St. Francisville, LA.
Started this book earlier today. I'm on chapter 5. Loving it so far!!
And I'm starting it now. Leslie, I liked the pics you posted when we read the first.
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 1 – 6 1. What do you think about Asher Falls and Thorngate Cemetery? Do you feel the eerie atmosphere – or dark enchantment – as you read about it? Well, at least we know why the book is named “The Kingdom.”
The author did a good job of making it eerie.
2. What did you think of Thane Asher, the guy on the ferry? Did Amelia’s necklace really fall off? What vibs are Amelia picking up for him? Is he an alcoholic? Is he attracted to her; are his feeling sinister?
No judgements yet on Thane Asher. Yep, it could have fallen off. Amelia, I think, is thinking too much of Devlin. So I'd say most things/people remind her of him. Hmm, maybe. He's interested in her. I'm not sure if that is good or not yet.
3. What is your first impression of Luna Kemper, Real Estate Agent extraordinaire? What about out Amelia’s tussle with her over Angus? How about the Daughter of our Valiant Heroes? Do you think there is more to the story about why Luna hired Amelia? Where does that second, narrow door in her office lead?
The author is looking to set up things to be creepy that I'm trying not to get influenced by Amelia. She could be a unreliable narrator. But, I'm not liking Luna. There's more to the dogs than she's saying. I don't think Amelia taking this job without any further research was a good idea. Probably a back room? (I didn't really notice the door)
4. Does Sidra Birch have the ability to see ghosts, like Amelia? Who’s ghost was it the picture? Is she the same as the one by the Floyd Covey’s dock?
I do think she does. But maybe there's something else going on too that we are not aware. I can't guess right now. And I didn't make the connection with the dock ghost. Do the people who become ghosts are usually the same age as when they die?
5. Why does Amelia feel something different with the dock ghost? Is it a result from her experience with the Others in the last book?
That is possible but it could also be due to the place. There's some foreshadowing going on in this book.
6. BOOK QUOTE: Is it really you? - Okay, what does THAT mean?
This sentence is the foreshadowing part. I'm thinking Amelia has some sort of attachment to this place.
7. Do you think Floyd Covey’s house – having been a church –really is hallowed ground and protection from ghosts?
So far it seems very likely
8. Who was the bizarre, creepy guy at the cemetery who slithered under the fence?
I want to see how people can slither. I've been trying to imagine but so far I haven't been successful. Anyway, I don't have an idea but I'm not going to creeped out.
9. Who was in the library moaning with Luna – if it even was Luna?
Amelia's assuming Thane. I'm not so sure yet.
10. Yikes! Chief Wayne Van Zandt! Now I’m freaked out he’ll hurt Angus. What are your thoughts?
I don't like that Chief. Why is the first thought is to put the dog down? As I said, it's too early in the book to make judgements. Atleast, I'm trying not to.
Something tells me I'm not a right person to read horror books if I don't go with the flow.
Vi wrote: "And I'm starting it now. Leslie, I liked the pics you posted when we read the first."Unfortunately those pics were on my laptop in my genealogy program so I can't get to them. And I can't remember where I posted them.
And I agree about the foreshadowing part. If I remember from the first book, this author likes to keep you guessing throughout the book.
You are valiantly trying to resist the "pull" that the author is trying to exert. I appreciate your effort as I just completely fall under her spell!
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 1 – 6 1. What do you think about Asher Falls and Thorngate Cemetery? Do you feel the eerie atmosphere – or dark enchantment – as you read about it? Well, at least we know why the book is named “The Kingdom.”
The way the author has written the description, neither place is giving off a warm and fuzzy vibe and is not something that is saying "come visit us on your next vacation."
2. What did you think of Thane Asher, the guy on the ferry? Did Amelia’s necklace really fall off? What vibs are Amelia picking up for him? Is he an alcoholic? Is he attracted to her; are his feeling sinister?
The necklace didn't just fall off - I think he tried to steal it in order to get her attention, which he did. I'm not sure he's an alcoholic. I think he is intrigued by Amelia and wants to learn more about her.
3. What is your first impression of Luna Kemper, Real Estate Agent extraordinaire? What about out Amelia’s tussle with her over Angus? How about the Daughter of our Valiant Heroes? Do you think there is more to the story about why Luna hired Amelia? Where does that second, narrow door in her office lead?
Luna has a lot of secrets. She obviously knows a lot more than she is letting on regarding the town. The Daughter of our Valiant Heroes sounds like another weird organization. The door has to be special with the way it was described.
4. Does Sidra Birch have the ability to see ghosts, like Amelia? Who’s ghost was it the picture? Is she the same as the one by the Floyd Covey’s dock?
I think Sidra senses things but may not quite know what she is sensing. I think the ghost in the picture is someone who has a deep history in the town and might be the same ghost as the one by the dock.
5. Why does Amelia feel something different with the dock ghost? Is it a result from her experience with the Others in the last book?
I think she is becoming more aware of the presence of ghosts since everything that happened with Devin.
6. BOOK QUOTE: Is it really you? - Okay, what does THAT mean?
There is a connection some how between Amelia and this place.
7. Do you think Floyd Covey’s house – having been a church –really is hallowed ground and protection from ghosts?
Yes.
8. Who was the bizarre, creepy guy at the cemetery who slithered under the fence?
I have no idea but he slithered. Who can slither?
9. Who was in the library moaning with Luna – if it even was Luna?
My guess would be Thane.
10. Yikes! Chief Wayne Van Zandt! Now I’m freaked out he’ll hurt Angus. What are your thoughts?
Again, he knows more than what is going on. I think he's more bark than bite.
Leslie wrote: "I like the dog. He's the only normal thing there. I would take the dog and leave."I agree completely!
Vi wrote: "Something tells me I'm not a right person to read horror books if I don't go with the flow."
I'm with Leslie on this one - I am completely under her spell :)
Moderators of Nothing but Reading Challenges wrote: "Beautiful pics posted in the "old" thread."I loved looking through those photos.
I am when I'm reading (for the most par) but the questions make me think otherwise.. if only for the sake of it.I think I stopped somewhere around Chapter 14 when I got sidetracked with Dragon Bones. I'll have to continue this tomorrow.
Rebecca wrote: "Moderators of Nothing but Reading Challenges wrote: "Beautiful pics posted in the "old" thread."I loved looking through those photos."
Those photos were so beautiful. I never knew cemeteries could be like that. I have to say - I've never been to a cemetery so I didn't have any idea at all.
Answers to Lisa Kay's Questions for Chapter 7 - 12
11. Thoughts on Ivy? What’s with the tattoo on her ankle, one of the symbols carved into the cliff at the falls? Will that come into play later? What are people afraid of at “the thin place”?
I'm not a fan of her. The tattoo will definitely come into play later. Probably evil ghosts/spirits?
12. BOOK QUOTE: Do you agree with the statement, How can you know who you are if you don’t know where you come from?” Do you agree? Do you think there are exceptions?
Personally, I don't agree with it completely. It's very subjective - depends on the person. It's how you are now that matters.
13. Were you relieved that Sidra told Amelia about the old clock tower in the square being hallowed ground. Again, how would she know?
I was wondering why she said that. Sidra's probably seeings ghosts too so it'd be good sense to know where the hallowed grounds are.
14. What is going on with Amelia’s sense of destiny? Or is it just familiarity? Do you believe in destiny?
The foreshadowing is leading me to believe she is connected to Asher Falls somehow. I believe in destiny :)
15. Okay, I was more puzzled than freaked out over the blackbird hitting the windshield and the crows on the branches and power lines. Do you think Amelia will learn anything more about it from Catrice Hawthorne, the redheaded ornithologist at the party?
That bird scene was really out of the blue and very very strange. I'm not sure if it symbolizes anything or just a freak coincidence. I don't know if she'll even mention that scene. I wouldn't to strangers.
16. Do you have any guess as to whose twenty to thirty year-old unmarked grave that was up in the hill thicket? Who is keeping it up? Why did Amelia pass out after she traced her finger along the severed stem etched in the stone? What amorphous evil was causing that wind that chased her down the hill? Is that the real reason they brought Amelia to Asher Falls? To rid the place of “it”? (BTW, thank goodness for Angus, even if he did start it by running off!)
I think it should be related somehow to the Ashers. No idea who's keeping it up. Amelia herself said she was in unchartered territory so this could be one of them. Again, no idea what the evil is. I can only Amelia was bought down specifically for a reason but I don't know why.
17. BOOK QUOTE: On a scale of 0-10, how strongly do you believe in what Amelia said,“And those who pay tribute to the dead usually have a commensurate respect for life.” What do you think of Thane’s cryptic reply?
I actually don't have any belief. We don't have dead buried to visit and do such stuff so I've never thought like that. We do have a ceremony that honors the dead every year but that's about it. I'm the wrong person to ask this question.
18. What were you impressions of the women at the dinner party? Who stood out the most? Luna, Bryn, Meris, Catrice, their conversation about Tilly Pattershaw? Is Sid’s mother, Bryn Birch, really a witch, as Ivy implied?
It was an interesting mix of characters. The thing that really stood out above everything else was the undercurrents. I'd really love to know what they were thinking. I don't believe Tilly's like they say - there's a under text here that we don't know yet. I'm discounting Bryn.
19. What about the men? Who stood out more? Hugh Asher, Pell Asher, Thane Asher? Are you, like Amelia, getting a different impression of Thane now?
Thane is standing out for me. I am getting different impression which is making me curious. I'm tempted to cheer Thane over Devlin.
20. BOOK QUOTE: “You should make the time. Without the touchstone of family, one leads an imbalanced life.” True? False?
My family's big on family especially my dad. I agree with him to an extent but it's not limited to blood. It's about who you consider family. Honestly, there are times when you just need family and times when you want to stay away from them for a day.
21. What about great-aunt Emelyn Asher, the Sleeping Bride? Could she be the ghost at the dock? In the unmarked grave on the mountain? Or did she pass away too long ago? Maybe it was Thane’s fiancée, Harper?
I don't think it's the great-aunt. Didn't she pass away too long ago? I don't see why Harper would linger.
22. Do you think Luna knows who is in that unmarked grave in the laurel bald, or was that shadow that flitted around her face at Amelia’s mention of it at the dinner table just to make us suspicious of her? And why did she question the grave being cared for?I think Luna knows about that grave. If the grave is cared for, then it means somebody knows about the grave too. Maybe she didn't like that?
23. BOOK QUOTE: “But there is some symbolism – a rose and a rosebud. The inclusion of both sometimes signifies a dual burial of mother and child. And the presence of the severed stem may indicate a sudden or unexpected death.” Ah! Something more to think about.
I'm amazed at all the symbolisms for the graves. I never knew there was all these stuff.
24. What was Maris’s sudden departure all about? And Luna’s smile over it?
It has to be hard living with Hugh. She'd probably know about Luna too. Luna's acting smug? I don't like her.
25. I have to admit, after Amelia talk after the dinner with Thane Asher, if Angus(view spoiler) -- but I have since ruled it out. You? And why was Thane perplexed when asked if his grandfather was heartbroken over the loss of him?
That thought didn't even cross my mind unfortunately. If the grandfather is so callous of his blood relations, him caring for dogs also seems a stretch. Which could be why Thane was perplexed. I do want to know if the dog was found.
26. So, we have an answer: the forth girl in the picture at Thane’s house – that he found in a book after his mother died – is the ghost at the pier. Freya. Why did Edward, Thane’s step-father, go completely white upon seeing it? Was she Tilly’s daughter?
Wasn't it mentioned it was Tilly's daughter? Maybe Edward & Freya went out when they were younger?
27. So, seems like Thane is interested in Amelia? Right? I have several theories on this, one of which is that Amelia is somehow related, and Hugh wants him to marry her so that his children will have Asher blood. That is why Pell Asher was peeking out at them when they said good night. Good theory?
That's a good theory. I didn't think of that when I read. Does Thane know about Pell's manipulation?
28. BOOK QUOTE: “Leave now!” Okay, was that a warning or a threat? I’m having my suspicions. You?
A warning?
29. Who took Angus and set him up as bait? And why? I’ll admit again my mind was darting all over the place jumping from person to person. I even suspected Ivy, at one point, because she’s crushing on Thane. In the aftermath of it all, what do you think? And, what was that stuff on Angus? And the hundred birds swooping down? Whatreally brought Tilly there? And her cryptic, “It don’t come for me.” ???
The Angus incident was so weird. Why would anyone do that? And Tilly knows more than she's letting on. I wonder what.
30. What grave did Amelia’s mother visit? What did you think of her reaction to the town? Was it Asher Falls? Who was she afraid of taking Amelia?
That portion made me convinced Amelia has ties to Asher Falls. Maybe her mother gave birth to her here and she was adopted by her current parents.
31. What was your impression of Amelia and Tilly’s talk the next morning? What about her daughter loving the graveyard under Bell Lake? What about Tilly’s admonition for Amelia to go home because she didn’t understand things? Anything else in particular stand out?
Tilly doesn't seem like unbalanced as Lily & her friends said. As I said, Tilly knows a lot but she seems to be reluctant to share it with Amelia. And everybody wants Amelia to leave Asher Falls. At this point, I think it's better she leaves too.
32. Is Thane right? Was the cemetery neglected out of disrespect? Why are Thane’s hands beat up?
Nobody bothered to care about it and Pell didn't seem like a person who inspires familial loyalty
I finished the book so i'm going to skip the next set of Qs and go straight to the last one. I can't wait for you guys to wake up.
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 7 – 1211. Thoughts on Ivy? What’s with the tattoo on her ankle, one of the symbols carved into the cliff at the falls? Will that come into play later? What are people afraid of at “the thin place”?
I don't have an opinion yet on Ivy. I do think that the tattoo will be important later as I'm sure it hold a message. I think the "thin place" hold secrets and mysteries which is why everyone is afraid.
12. BOOK QUOTE: Do you agree with the statement, How can you know who you are if you don’t know where you come from?” Do you agree? Do you think there are exceptions?
I think it's always helpful to know where you came from and who your family is but at the same token, you need to be who you are.
13. Were you relieved that Sidra told Amelia about the old clock tower in the square being hallowed ground. Again, how would she know?
I think something happened to Sidra that she has spent time looking for safe spaces.
14. What is going on with Amelia’s sense of destiny? Or is it just familiarity? Do you believe in destiny?
I'm thinking there is a tie between Amelia and Asher Falls.
15. Okay, I was more puzzled than freaked out over the blackbird hitting the windshield and the crows on the branches and power lines. Do you think Amelia will learn anything more about it from Catrice Hawthorne, the redheaded ornithologist at the party?
I think that she will find a friend in Catrice. That bird scene was a little eerie!
16. Do you have any guess as to whose twenty to thirty year-old unmarked grave that was up in the hill thicket? Who is keeping it up? Why did Amelia pass out after she traced her finger along the severed stem etched in the stone? What amorphous evil was causing that wind that chased her down the hill? Is that the real reason they brought Amelia to Asher Falls? To rid the place of “it”? (BTW, thank goodness for Angus, even if he did start it by running off!)
I don't know who is buried there or who is maintaining it. Again, I think Amelia's senses are developing so she is feeling more here and there. (view spoiler) Great job to Angus for leading the way! (view spoiler)
17. BOOK QUOTE: On a scale of 0-10, how strongly do you believe in what Amelia said, “And those who pay tribute to the dead usually have a commensurate respect for life.” What do you think of Thane’s cryptic reply?
I would say a "6". I know it's a big European tradition to maintain and visit the graves of those who have passed on. It's a huge tradition to visit every year on the day they passed away. At the same token, they celebrate births and birthdays just as much. I think his reply is just indicating that there is more to his family than anyone would believe.
18. What were you impressions of the women at the dinner party? Who stood out the most? Luna, Bryn, Meris, Catrice, their conversation about Tilly Pattershaw? Is Sid’s mother, Bryn Birch, really a witch, as Ivy implied?
Catrice stood out. I can't wait to meet Tilly!
19. What about the men? Who stood out more? Hugh Asher, Pell Asher, Thane Asher? Are you, like Amelia, getting a different impression of Thane now?
Hugh. There's something about him. I don't really have a different impression of Thane.
20. BOOK QUOTE: “You should make the time. Without the touchstone of family, one leads an imbalanced life.” True? False?
True.
21. What about great-aunt Emelyn Asher, the Sleeping Bride? Could she be the ghost at the dock? In the unmarked grave on the mountain? Or did she pass away too long ago? Maybe it was Thane’s fiancée, Harper?
(view spoiler) I think the girl at the dock is Harper.
Vi wrote: We don't have dead buried to visit and do such stuff so I've never thought like that. We do have a ceremony that honors the dead every year but that's about it. I think it's interesting all the different traditions for burying our loved ones. A lot of places in the south bury above ground (a lot having to do with sea levels) while in other parts of the US we bury below ground and only have tombstones.
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 7 – 12 11. Thoughts on Ivy? What’s with the tattoo on her ankle, one of the symbols carved into the cliff at the falls? Will that come into play later? What are people afraid of at “the thin place”?
I think there is witchcraft or some type of coven there. She is a nasty piece of work and you just want to smack her.
12. BOOK QUOTE: Do you agree with the statement, How can you know who you are if you don’t know where you come from?” Do you agree? Do you think there are exceptions?
I think it is very important to know where you come from. I think people who are orphans are constantly searching. Even adopted children who have wonderful adopted parents still want to know where they come from. That is the amazing thing about genealogy. It answers those questions.
13. Were you relieved that Sidra told Amelia about the old clock tower in the square being hallowed ground. Again, how would she know? I think she's trying to help. Which is a very good thing. Obviously more foreshadowing. And I assume she had to use it at some point.
14. What is going on with Amelia’s sense of destiny? Or is it just familiarity? Do you believe in destiny? I've been in places that give off a familiar vibe. Not sure about destiny. I believe that God has a plan for us, but that we have free will that can cause us to veer from that plan. But I'm willing to suspend belief for the story.
15. Okay, I was more puzzled than freaked out over the blackbird hitting the windshield and the crows on the branches and power lines. Do you think Amelia will learn anything more about it from Catrice Hawthorne, the redheaded ornithologist at the party? More foreshadowing, I think. Crows are supposed to symbols of death or something. Reminds me of Alfred Hitchcock's movie The Birds. Freaky.
16. Do you have any guess as to whose twenty to thirty year-old unmarked grave that was up in the hill thicket? Who is keeping it up? Why did Amelia pass out after she traced her finger along the severed stem etched in the stone? What amorphous evil was causing that wind that chased her down the hill? Is that the real reason they brought Amelia to Asher Falls? To rid the place of “it”? (BTW, thank goodness for Angus, even if he did start it by running off!)I think it's connected to Amelia. And I think Amelia is an Asher. And I love her Angus!
17. BOOK QUOTE: On a scale of 0-10, how strongly do you believe in what Amelia said, “And those who pay tribute to the dead usually have a commensurate respect for life.” What do you think of Thane’s cryptic reply?I don't remember what Thane said, but I definitely agree with this statement. I think honoring the dead is so important and that's why it's a major part of many religions and cultures. In New Orleans, All Saints Day on Nov 1st is still highly participated in. People go to the cemeteries and clean and whitewash the tombs and bring flowers. It's an important part of the Catholic religion.
18. What were you impressions of the women at the dinner party? Who stood out the most? Luna, Bryn, Meris, Catrice, their conversation about Tilly Pattershaw? Is Sid’s mother, Bryn Birch, really a witch, as Ivy implied?I think she probably is. And none of them were people I would want to be around.
19. What about the men? Who stood out more? Hugh Asher, Pell Asher, Thane Asher? Are you, like Amelia, getting a different impression of Thane now? He's still pretty mysterious, but yes - I like him alot better. Pell Asher was an interesting character and Hugh just creeped me out.
20. BOOK QUOTE: “You should make the time. Without the touchstone of family, one leads an imbalanced life.” True? False? True
21. What about great-aunt Emelyn Asher, the Sleeping Bride? Could she be the ghost at the dock? In the unmarked grave on the mountain? Or did she pass away too long ago? Maybe it was Thane’s fiancée, Harper? The great Aunt reminded me of uncorrupted saints. Very strange. And I'm not sure about Harper. Still very confused!
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 13 – 17 22. Do you think Luna knows who is in that unmarked grave in the laurel bald, or was that shadow that flitted around her face at Amelia’s mention of it at the dinner table just to make us suspicious of her? And why did she question the grave being cared for?Not sure about this. Everything Luna does is suspicious.
23. BOOK QUOTE: “But there is some symbolism – a rose and a rosebud. The inclusion of both sometimes signifies a dual burial of mother and child. And the presence of the severed stem may indicate a sudden or unexpected death.” Ah! Something more to think about. True
24. What was Maris’s sudden departure all about? And Luna’s smile over it?Obviously Luna wants Hugh and not sure about Maris.
25. I have to admit, after Amelia talk after the dinner with Thane Asher, if Angus (view spoiler) -- but I have since ruled it out. You? And why was Thane perplexed when asked if his grandfather was heartbroken over the loss of him? Not sure about anything at this point.
26. So, we have an answer: the forth girl in the picture at Thane’s house – that he found in a book after his mother died – is the ghost at the pier. Freya. Why did Edward, Thane’s step-father, go completely white upon seeing it? Was she Tilly’s daughter?
27. So, seems like Thane is interested in Amelia? Right? I have several theories on this, one of which is that Amelia is somehow related, and Hugh wants him to marry her so that his children will have Asher blood. That is why Pell Asher was peeking out at them when they said good night. Good theory? I kind of agree with this theory.
28. BOOK QUOTE: “Leave now!” Okay, was that a warning or a threat? I’m having my suspicions. You?Both?
29. Who took Angus and set him up as bait? And why? I’ll admit again my mind was darting all over the place jumping from person to person. I even suspected Ivy, at one point, because she’s crushing on Thane. In the aftermath of it all, what do you think? And, what was that stuff on Angus? And the hundred birds swooping down? What really brought Tilly there? And her cryptic, “It don’t come for me.” ??? It was all really strange. I would have taken pictures of the traps and the hole in the screen. She has photographic equipment. She is so used to keeping secrets that this gets her in more trouble.
30. What grave did Amelia’s mother visit? What did you think of her reaction to the town? Was it Asher Falls? Who was she afraid of taking Amelia?Yes, I think her mother was talking about Asher Falls. I think Amelia is somehow connected to the town.
31. What was your impression of Amelia and Tilly’s talk the next morning? What about her daughter loving the graveyard under Bell Lake? What about Tilly’s admonition for Amelia to go home because she didn’t understand things? Anything else in particular stand out? I think Tilly has a lot of answers.
32. Is Thane right? Was the cemetery neglected out of disrespect? Why are Thane’s hands beat up? I'm not sure what he's getting at. More cryptic remarks.
Hi ladies- I finally finished
~ I'd like to say I'll start this tonight but it will probably be more like tomorrow with the Blackhawks playing tonight!! Woohoo!! I'll try to catch up with you guys....
Finished, Finished, Finished!! Loved it. Now we need y'all to finish so Vi and I can talk.
I got distracted by something else - I'll finish soon, I promise!
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 13 – 1722. Do you think Luna knows who is in that unmarked grave in the laurel bald, or was that shadow that flitted around her face at Amelia’s mention of it at the dinner table just to make us suspicious of her? And why did she question the grave being cared for?
I believe the person in the grave is the girl from the photo (unless my assumption of ages are wrong.)
23. BOOK QUOTE: “But there is some symbolism – a rose and a rosebud. The inclusion of both sometimes signifies a dual burial of mother and child. And the presence of the severed stem may indicate a sudden or unexpected death.” Ah! Something more to think about.
I think the death was the result of something stupid - a tragic accident but the child did not die.
24. What was Maris’s sudden departure all about? And Luna’s smile over it?
She was afraid of the truth getting out. Luna knows something is going to happen soon. Amelia was not hired by accident.
25. I have to admit, after Amelia talk after the dinner with Thane Asher, if Angus (view spoiler) -- but I have since ruled it out. You? And why was Thane perplexed when asked if his grandfather was heartbroken over the loss of him?
Oh, I didn't think about that connection. I think Thane was perplexed because unless you have pet you don't understand how strong that connection can be.
26. So, we have an answer: the forth girl in the picture at Thane’s house – that he found in a book after his mother died – is the ghost at the pier. Freya. Why did Edward, Thane’s step-father, go completely white upon seeing it? Was she Tilly’s daughter?
It goes back to someone did something stupid. I think she's Tilly's daughter.
27. So, seems like Thane is interested in Amelia? Right? I have several theories on this, one of which is that Amelia is somehow related, and Hugh wants him to marry her so that his children will have Asher blood. That is why Pell Asher was peeking out at them when they said good night. Good theory?
That's where I'm headed with my theories.
28. BOOK QUOTE: “Leave now!” Okay, was that a warning or a threat? I’m having my suspicions. You?
A warning. Protection is being offered.
29. Who took Angus and set him up as bait? And why? I’ll admit again my mind was darting all over the place jumping from person to person. I even suspected Ivy, at one point, because she’s crushing on Thane. In the aftermath of it all, what do you think? And, what was that stuff on Angus? And the hundred birds swooping down? What really brought Tilly there? And her cryptic, “It don’t come for me.” ???
Luna is suspect #1. I'm not sure what "it" wants but "it" isn't happy!
30. What grave did Amelia’s mother visit? What did you think of her reaction to the town? Was it Asher Falls? Who was she afraid of taking Amelia?
I think she visited the grave of Amelia's birth mother. Based on her reaction, it was definitely Asher Falls. She is afraid the Ashers will take her back. (view spoiler)
31. What was your impression of Amelia and Tilly’s talk the next morning? What about her daughter loving the graveyard under Bell Lake? What about Tilly’s admonition for Amelia to go home because she didn’t understand things? Anything else in particular stand out?
I think Tilly is avoiding Amelia to protect her.
32. Is Thane right? Was the cemetery neglected out of disrespect? Why are Thane’s hands beat up?
The cemetery has been neglected as a result of fear.
(view spoiler)
I really enjoyed the comparison between Devin and Thane in Chapter 17. I thought this outlined everything perfectly.
And what was up with the (view spoiler)
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 18 – 2333. BOOK QUOTE: “Grudges are like superstitions. You know they don’t make sense, but you cling to them, anyway.” What do you think of this quote? Are you one to hold a grudge? I was a bit surprised that Luna was the girl Chief Wayne Van Zandt went up to the falls to meet the night of his attack. That she threw him over doesn’t. Do you think he still holds a grudge – or a flame in his heart?
This is a perfect quote and very true. I've learned to let grudges go because they are not worth it. I think Chief Wayne is just holding a grudge.
34. BOOK QUOTE: “They do call you the restorer.” Well, this tripped her up. Good Gravy Beans, I just thought: I hope Hugh doesn’t have designs on Amelia!
It did trip her up, literally! I don't think Hugh has designs on Amelia.
35. Okay, I got the impression that Thane was experiencing something were at the falls, too. While Amelia thought of Devlin, I’m thinking Thane’s déjà vu was about Harper. What do you think of this theory? I believe whatever evil forces were there were generating those dark emotions and desires?
I think Thane was trying to fight it because he's experienced it before. Most likely he thought of Harper - his lost love.
36. Dogs can smell DNA similarities; do you think that could explain Angus’ strange behavior at the grave site?
Hmmm....I hadn't thought of that...
37. So, Ivy’s sounding a little more out there than I originally thought. She’s stalking Thane! Do you think it was Ivy at the falls? We learn a bit more about the hex signs; however, it makes me wonder if Ivy’s tattoo has the same anomaly, with the lower points of the star being open ended. Could explain what makes her so “bad.” Thoughts?
I think it's Ivy. I hope we learn a little more about her and her tattoo. She could be a portal for evil.
38. BOOK QUOTE: “Soon.” and the “scrabble of claws.” Eeep! Creepy! So, do you think it was human, animal, or phantom that whispered that promise in the mausoleum next to the Sleeping Bride?
A phantom. I think it's the same thing she saw slithering under the fence.
39. Should Amelia move on? Who are you favoring now: Thane or Devlin?
I'm torn by this - neither one is really right for her.
40. What stood out to you in Amelia’s conversation at the library with Sidra? Think she really will tell her – or show her – something important about the hexes?
That she's really afraid of Luna.
I loved that Luna was wearing a moonstone around her neck!
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 24 – 40BIG SPOILERS:
Wow. Where to begin? A few things I guessed right, but several I didn’t. How about you? Which of your theories panned out? Instead of straight discussion questions, for the most part I’m going to post statements about things and let you respond. And I may ask a few questions about future storyline possibilities.
41. I was totally floored by what Sidra claimed to Amelia. I wasn’t expecting Amelia to be the cause.
I always thought she had some time to the place. I can now understand her being the cause.
42. I thought Catrice and her profession would play a critical element in the story; though I totally bought her car trouble ploy. And she did give Amelia a glance into her past. That, and the artist in her recognized Amelia’s features. Same with Hugh’s wallpaper wife, Meris; I expected more; I was mistaken. And that encounter with Hugh on the path home from Catrice’s house. I thought he was thinking of getting rid of Meris in order to have Amelia for a wife. You?
I was expecting a little more from Catrice. in the end, she disappointed me. I never thought that Hugh was after Amelia. When he showed up on that path, I knew he did have a connection with the other 3 though.
43. But I figured Freya wasn’t killed in the fire. However, I was thinking something got twisted around there – what with Tilly visiting the cemetery – which was why I was thinking the ghost at the pier might not be Freya. Who was in that grave in Thornhill Cemetary, if it wasn’t Freya? The rose and rose bud offering didn’t freak me out; I just thought it terribly sad.
I wanted this to be an accidental death that a bunch of stupid teenagers did. I wasn't expecting the way things happened. I don't know who is buried in Thornhill Cemetery - unless it was just a ruse to make sure that no one visited the real grave.
44. The love making scene was a little freaky. Isn’t this the second time this author has given us a scary sex scene? And why was Thane’s medallion “familiar”?
The medallion represented Amelia's tie to Devin. The sex scenes are more than a little freaky!
45. I was trying to figure out how Amelia’s adoptive father was connected to all this, but I didn’t even think about that being the relationship he would have to Amelia. I had to be hit over the head with the brown sparrow shard in his belongings.
This was not the connection I was expecting at all but in a way, I'm glad this is there. This means so much more from a family point of view.
46. BOOK QUOTE: “I’ve heard people say that the hardest thing in the world is to live with someone you don’t love. But I’ve always thought it would be far more difficult to live with someone who doesn’t love you.” I totally agree with this! You?
I completely agree!
47. I was NOT expecting Amelia to have been buried, despite the feeling of “suffocation” and “walls surrounding her.” I just thought she was a breech birth, or had the cord wrapped around her neck.
This again makes so much more sense and explains some things from the first book.
48. Why, when Amelia asks her father to help her destroy “it,” does he reply, “You still don’t understand, do you?”
She doesn't get that "it" isn't a thing, it's within her.
49. What did you think of Angus’s ‘possession’? Was it Luna controlling him – or something else?
Something else.
50. Were you satisfied with the end of Luna?
(view spoiler)
51. I didn’t trust Pell, but man-oh-man! I wasn’t expecting him of out-right murder! And yet, Thane went back for him? Or maybe just a confrontation? And, oh man did the big Harper reveal surprise me. Evil man! Do you think she’s at the mental hospital Ree Hutchins told Amelia’s Aunt Lynrose about?
I think Thane was looking for the confrontation/answers and needed to go back for Pell. I hadn't thought about the mental hospital but that would be interesting and it's been said that money buys anything.
52. What did you think of the destruction of the house? I wasn’t surprised that Amelia didn’t want any part of the estate.
I saw this as a symbolization of the fall of an "empire". I can't blame Amelia for wanting to just walk away from it all.
53. Just when I thought we’d seen the last of Ivy – bam – she’s back! I was surprised there. Or have we seen the last or Ivy? Or her father, for that matter? He’s mentioned a couple times in the book. Maybe he arranged things concerning Harper.
I don't trust Ivy and think she might follow Amelia to get her revenge.
54. What did you think of the underwater cemetery scene and who the snake guy in the frock coat was?
I love the underwater scene. I am not sure who the snake guy was and trying to figure out the connection.
55. Did you like the ending? Were things tied up enough for you? Will you continue the series?
I liked the ending but felt that some things were left hanging. I will continue the story only with the hopes that maybe things will start to tie together.
Great comments, Rebecca!
Thanks Leslie! This was really only my second buddy read and it makes me realize how many details I gloss over. I can't wait to see what you and Vi thought of it.
So glad you liked it, Rebecca! Great answers, especially to #48.
I loved it! I'm thinking about my answers to some of the questions. Her lovemaking scenes always freak me out a little. And they are never concluded. She leaves us and her characters hanging just like she does in other aspects of her story.
I'm not surprised about Pell. He seemed like an evil old man from the beginning.
But so many questions are still left even at the end of the book.
Oh, goodie! You liked it, Leslie. Can you wait until September to read the next one? I picked it as one of the BOM books.
Absolutely, LK! That's a perfect time to read it.
Nothing But Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
A Discovery of Witches (other topics)Dragon Bones (other topics)
A Discovery of Witches (other topics)
The Kingdom (other topics)
This topic is open for discussion of The Kingdom. Be prepared for SPOILERS.
Synopsis:
Deep in the shadowy foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains lies a dying town...
My name is Amelia Gray. They call me The Graveyard Queen. I've been commissioned to restore an old cemetery in Asher Falls, South Carolina, but I'm coming to think I have another purpose here.
Why is there a cemetery at the bottom of Bell Lake? Why am I drawn time and again to a hidden grave I've discovered in the woods? Something is eating away at the soul of this town—this withering kingdom—and it will only be restored if I can uncover the truth
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CHAPTER BREAKDOWN EXPECT SPOILERS.