The Grishaverse discussion

We learn about the Grisha caste system. How do you feel about this hierarchy?

One of my favorite parts is when the Darkling tells Genya that Alina's kefta should be black! But then Alina has to go and ruin it by saying she wants to wear blue! I would have wore that black kefta proudly.

What are your thoughts on Alina's decision to wear the blue color of the Summoners?

At first I didn't like Genya, but she has grown on me. However, the priest is crazy creepy. Do you think these two new characters are going to play important roles as the story continues to unfold?

I agree. Alina should have decided to wear black. But then, it shows that Alina is not afraid to decide for herself in front of the Darkling.

Me, too. I'd love to wear the black kefta.

you've got a point there, Isabelle. It's also good sign that for them both. For Alina, to be able to not always say yes to what the Darkling order her to and decide a different thing for herself. For the Darkling, to be able to appreciate and accept Alina's own decision for herself.

I have a feeling it's her defying him at times that both infuriates and interests him at the same time. He's not used to it. He's used to predicting people's actions and Alina is not as predictable. In the eyes of a near immortal, I think that sort of thing peaks interest.

Your right @WinterRose

yup, the different one is always interesting... for some people

Indigo/Fierce Fiction This morning we missed our stop on the way to work because OMG-- Hello Ravka. Welcome to the Little Palace. Nice to meet you Genya. Who says no to a black kefta?

Meida wrote: "Me, too. I'd love to wear the black kefta.

you've got a point there, Isabelle. It's also good sign that for them both. For Alina, to be able to not always say yes to what the Darkling order her to..."

I don't know if i would.

WinterRose wrote: "I have a feeling it's her defying him at times that both infuriates and interests him at the same time. He's not used to it. He's used to predicting people's actions and Alina is not as predictable..."

I agree 100% with this! It makes for great chemistry between these two characters.

It's a fantastic dynamic that really allows Alina to define herself as she grows into her powers.

Can we talk about Genya please? What were your first impressions of The Tailor.

My first impression of Genya was all wrong! I'm glad I was wrong. I love her character and her interactions with not only Alina, but with the other Grisha as well.

I feel like she is so sure of herself and her position within the Grisha and the King's Court despite how both of these groups seem to show her such disdain. I think that Alina is going to learn a lot from her.

Alina has the uncanny ability to suppress/repress her power. We see this when the Darling first cuts her to determine if she is Grisha. Alina fights off the Darkling’s first attempt to draw out her power.

Alina is so unsure of herself, while Genya seems to be 100% sure of herself. I'm hoping that Alina will learn from Genya's actions. Maybe then we will see Alina grow into her power.

I really hope she is going to remain and ally to Alina. At this point she could be loyal to the Darkling. Only time will tell.

I liked Genya from the start. To me she's someone who knows she's beautiful, but doesn't use her airs and graces to look down on others.
She seems torn in between wishing she were a real Grisha and actually liking what she does;
being a Tailor.

What I like in the Alina-Genya relationship is that I think they complement one another. Ironically, I think that deep within Genya carries less confidence in herself than Alina does. One bubbles with this amazing confidence at the surface, but there are times where we can catch glimpses of uncertitude in Genya- namely as to what she truly is. And then you have Alina who lacks outer confidence, but actually is pretty strong within.

Also, Genya seems to carry the potential of becoming Alina's friend and female ally in the Little Palace-
And even if we get a growing sense that Genya's functioning like a spy of some sorts for the Darkling; nonetheless she's a form of respite for Alina who finds herself alone (and very Mal-less:) in a world she is very foreign to.
Also, at this stage in the book we can get the impression Genya is being played by the Darkling: I'm thinking of that scene where the Darkling describes Genya as being a gift he gave to the Queen!

I admire Genya, and at the same time I feel sorry for her.She hasn't seen her family since the age of five and was brought up in the Little Palace-that's enough time to be brainwashed!
It's fairly certain she is being abused by the King. She doesn't get to wear an official Grisha Kefta, and is being given the cold shoulder by all the other Grishas.And to top it off, the one man she shows some interest for, is a nerd that doesn't seem to notice her- I do like David, but the truth needs to be said!

Genya is one of those strong female characters that carries a certain fragility within her; which makes her human and very believable.

Vanity is often considered a flaw, but sometimes I like it in characters. I like confidence and I've just had my fill of characters who are pretty but need everyone and their brother to tell them they are before they realize it. It's nice to see an attractive lady know she's attractive, and is proud of it.

So where some people were turned off by Genya, I was like "you go girl!" lol

I was kind of baffled in what Genya saw in David to be honest. That's kind of taboo to say because I know everyone loves this ship, but I was sort of thrown off by it. I'm looking forward to reading more about them though.

WinterRose you couldn't have stated any more perfect!

Im still curious as to the David/Genya pairing. We don't see much interaction, too! Any thoughts to help me further understand?

GUYS! Let’s talk about chapters 6-11! It all goes down.

((Warning! Spoilers for Chapters 6-11.))

Alina arrives at the little palace. All eyes are on her. Everyone believes she is the only one who can save Ravka. No pressure.

With the help of the most “tyrannical redhead” in the world, Genya, Alina goes from exhausted, mousey orphan to flat out fabulous. Genya is a tailor, much like Alina and the Darkling she is unique in her powers.

Along the way Alina learns about the Grisha orders and takes a stand against the Darkling’s orders when she refuses to wear a black kefta because it makes her feel even more like an outsider. Alina doesn’t realise how big a deal wearing a black kefta is until Genya tells her that no one has ever been granted permission to wear one before, save the Darkling.


After being introduced to the King, Queen and Court of Ravka, Alina learns that there is more to Court life then she could have ever imagined. With tons of intrigue and new faces, Alina feels more overwhelmed than ever as she begins her Grisha training.

Alina learns about the different Grisha orders, the strict Grisha caste system and the ins and outs of the palace. As she begins training with the mysterious Baghara, Alina begins to understand more and more about the Small Science behind Grisha power, though her own power remains elusive to her.

What did you think? Would you have turned down a black kefta? What about the Darkling? How about his interest in Alina’s progress? What were your first impressions of Genya? Baghara? Reading Shadow and Bone for the first time? What stood out to you in these chapters? Re-reading? Which bits were you happiest to revisit? Which Grisha are you? If you’re wondering you can take the quiz here: http://grishatrilogy.com/quiz/

I think I would have turned down the black kefta. Not because it identified me as different from the other Grisha, but because it would have made me even more his creature. I know that they're all technically his, but because he "grants" it, the black kefta is really just another symbol of his dominance. (Granted, I'd probably be a Grisha-in-hiding. I don't play well with others. ;) )

I got Materialki. I think I could have some fun building something....

Angela wrote: "I think I would have turned down the black kefta. Not because it identified me as different from the other Grisha, but because it would have made me even more his creature. I know that they're all ..."

Yess. Me too :D I would turn it down as well. For the same reason I think as well. And hah. I don't play well with others either ;p But agh. Being a Grisha would be amazing :)

I have to admit Genya turned out to be a better friend to Alina than I thought she would be. I was worried that she was going to be a mean girl and a frenemy. She turned out to be someone with a great heart.

According to the quiz, I got The Darkling. *swoon*

I absolutely loved Genya from the start. She was learned woman of the world. She knew both the evils and goodness in the world. I'm so happy that Genya and Alina became friends, because she taught her a lot about herself!

SO MUCH AWESOME