Imps of Goldstone Wood discussion
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Veiled Rose Read-Through 2017
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Possible Discussion Questions for this week:1. What to you think of Hill House and its current inhabitants? Leo, Felix, Dame Willowfair, Mousehand, Rose Red...
2. What do you think of Rose Red's Imaginary Friend, and her Dream?
3. Should she have told Beana about them?
4. What do you think Leo saw in the pool?
5. Isn't Lady Life-in-Death creeeepy?
6. Share a favorite quote from this section!
Feel free to answer any or all you'd like to and chat about anything else you want! :)
Hey, Stargazer, thanks for running things. :) I'm actually running behind on the reading, but I still remember the story well enough from my first reading of the book that I'll take a whack at the questions tomorrow anyway. (I have to go somewhere out of the house today.) Then I'll read like the wind and try to catch up with the schedule. :)
I've had a crazy-busy week too and got behind! Hoping for time to answer your questions tomorrow. :-) Thank you, Stargazer, for picking up and leading the discussion, and I really look forward to reading everyone's thoughts on this story!
I'm unfortunately too busy to re-read Veiled Rose this month--planning to hop on the read-through bandwagon next month on Moonblood for my first read of that one! :DMeanwhile, Veiled Rose:
1: LITTLE ROSE RED AND LEO ARE THE MOST ADORBZ THINGS EVER ALKDJLKSFJ THEY'RE SO CUUUUTE. That part at the beginning with them as youngsters together was definitely my favorite--one of my favorites in any book ever, actually--and they're just young and cute and fun and British somehow and SO SO GREAT. That is all. XD
3: She should TOTALLY have told Beana about them!
5: YES. O_O SO. MUCH. YES. Eep.
Thank you stargazer I'm in. By going back into Leo's childhood, I was hooked on this book right away. He seems so complex in "Heartless" and I wanted to find out what brought him to that point. It almost seemed like it was he who was truly heartless in the first book.The dynamic in the first chapters with Foxbrush really sets the stage for so much in the future. Children are so impressionable at a young age.
Yes, she should have told Beanna, but it's amazing how Rosie really just appears to be a little girl he meets in the mountain at first in Ch. 2. When you realize the depth of her character gradually, you also realize how she might not have told Beanna because it seems like those from the far world long for contact with the near.
The music video I made with my daughters regarded chapters 7 through 9, if you watch it, turn on the subtitles which makes it easier to follow:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rL7Hu...
1. (edited because I forgot to answer the question) I think the inhabitants of Hill House are fun and interesting. They're pretty different from the people we met at Oriana Palace. Just overall, a different culture. I liked Mousehand especially because it seemed like he had such a big heart. <32. I'm trying to remember which one was which while also not saying it outright in case anyone reading along hasn't read Heartless yet... (I'm so behind schedule I haven't started the book yet, so I'm operating on memory only right now.) Of course, if you've read Heartless, you know who the Wood Thrush is (I think he was referred to here as the "imaginary friend"?) and that he's watching over Rosie because of genuine love and concern for her. The "Dream", on the other hand, comes off like a stinkin' pedophile here, I'm sorry to say. 0.o Creeeeeepy!
3. Yes. Beana could have told her which one to trust.
4. As I recall, we found out at some later point what Leo saw, but I don't remember just now what it was. At the time of my first reading of Veiled Rose, I kind of thought he saw Rosie without her veil on.
5. YES DO YOU REALLY HAVE TO ASK??? :p When first reading these books, I remembered wondering if Lady Life-in-Death and Death-in-Life had any connection to The Rime of the Ancient Mariner. I had to read that in school and found it so weird that it stuck with me even all those years later. I since read on the Goldstone Wood blog (Yay, backreading!) that they *were* inspired by that poem. It is interesting, in a scary kind of way to see the Lady's and Dragon's different methods of ensnaring people. The Dragon starts out seductive, and then, if that doesn't work, goes to in-your-face-forceful. The Lady is far more subtle and makes you think it's all your idea, and you're the one who's in control and gets you to chase the wrong dream and pretty much ensnare yourself through deception.
6. I would share one if I'd read the section yet. I am very, very, behind. >.> Hoping to get it started tonight, though! So much catching up to do...
Michael wrote: "The music video I made with my daughters regarded chapters 7 through 9, if you watch it, turn on the subtitles which makes it easier to follow:
"
I remember that video from the music contest! You all were so cute. XD :)
@Deborah: Yes, they're so cute!! I love little Rosie and Leo. <3@Micheal: Huh. Leo is kind of heartless in "Heartless"... Interesting. So many heartless people in "Heartless"...
I love Foxbrush and Leo's relationship. They're so funny as kids. Yeah, I guess this does set up for future stuff in Moonblood and Shadowhand.
Oh, I loved the Balled of the Beanpole! Didn't know that was y'all. Little Beana's my favorite--so cute!
@E.F.B: Awkward confession here: the first time I read Veiled Rose, I got the Dream and her Imaginary Friend (Yeah, that's what Rosie calls the Thrush), mixed up sometimes. I feel so bad. But now it's obvious because 1) I know better, 2) the Thrush is The Thrush, and 3) you can tell by what they say. The Prince is her Friend, and he's gentle and kind, but the Dream is kind of. . . possessive? of her, and doesn't want anyone else to know he's there, and he pretends to be nice, but it doesn't work very well. He uses flattery and just wants to kiss her. . . and we all know what getting kissed by that evil thing means. o.o
1) Do you think Rose Red was right or wrong to leave the mountain?2) How would things have been different if Rose Red listened to the Thrush?
3) Does Daylily love Leo?
4) Do you think the people of Southlands are misunderstanding the story of Maid Starflower? Do you think we do that sort of thing in our world?
5) What sort of things are sticking out to you? If re-reading, what new things are you noticing?
I've noticed a couple new things. . .
Eshkan is the Arpiar Name for the Prince.
The Eldest's House main hall doors open to the east and west...
I've read Moonblood, so I know what Beana's worried about. o.o
And please don't feel obligated to join in the discussion this weekend if y'all are too busy celebrating the resurrection of the Lord Jesus with your families—because that's more important! :) We can always chat on Monday. :) But it might also mean you have MORE time to chat—it always depends! :) I probably won't be on tomorrow, though.
Happy Easter! :)
Great questions! I haven't read the chapters yet but I'm looking forward to reading them with these questions in mind.
I'm currently on Part 2 chapter 4, still in the process of catching up, but I'll answer the questions as well as I can anyway. "1) Do you think Rose Red was right or wrong to leave the mountain?"
This is actually a hard question. I want to say she was wrong because she should have trusted Beana and the thrush, but as I reread, I'm noticing anew that she'd convinced herself both Beana's talking and the thrush were imaginary. Meanwhile, the Dream was tormenting her at night (which she should have told Beana about!), she was afraid of starving to death when winter came, and had no clue the danger she'd put herself in by going to the lowlands. From a reader perspective, I'm sure she would have been taken care of somehow had she stayed on the mountain, but looking at things from Rose Red's perspective, I understand why she thought she had to leave.
2) How would things have been different if Rose Red listened to the Thrush?
I guess she might not have had to go through all the hardships she ultimately went through. But then again, all those hardships got worked together for the good of many people, so...
3) Does Daylily love Leo?
I think she did come to a point where she thought she loved him, but it wasn't in the right way. *resists urge to blurt Shadowhand spoilers*
4) Do you think the people of Southlands are misunderstanding the story of Maid Starflower? Do you think we do that sort of thing in our world?
Yes. I haven't reread to that point yet, but as I recall, they kind of put all the importance on Starflower and forgot the wood thrush's/golden hound's role in things. People most definitely do that in our world, the Bible being a prime example of something that gets misunderstood/misinterpreted, both intentionally, and unintentionally.
5) What sort of things are sticking out to you? If re-reading, what new things are you noticing?
Stargazer wrote: The Eldest's House main hall doors open to the east and west...
I've read Moonblood, so I know what Beana's worried about. o.o
Ah, so it is!
Same. o.o
The things I've noticed upon rereading (as far as I've gotten, anyway) that I didn't notice before are...
On page 109 there's some foreshadowing for what happens with Daylily in Shadowhand. On that note, I've found myself liking Daylily better this time around. She is a strong and highly intelligent young woman, just at this point, she unfortunately uses those attributes for the wrong reasons. But I see her potential better this time than on my first reading.
Page 124, I noticed that Moushand said the roses disappeared within a year of the night Mousehand found Rose Red as a baby. I didn't catch that the first time because I didn't know the real reason they disappeared. For some reason, I'd gotten it in my head that they'd been gone for longer than that.
Finally, I wanted to share this quote from Mousehand on page 125 because I really like it: "That's what it was, girl, right enough. A wood thrush, and at that hour, singing as though his heart would break for the pure joy of singin'! And I saw him, sittin' all proud and mighty like a little prince in the throne of my grandest, reddest rosebush, not two steps from the Swan Bridge."
I just really like that quote because the wood thrush IS the Prince, and I love the imagery of the rosebush being like a throne under which he was keeping Rosie safe. <3
Well, I'll keep trying to catch up on the reading. Looking forward to seeing others' responses.
I just now had a chance to read the questions and your comments, and want you all to know that it will be a while before I have time to read and catch up, since we're in the midst of moving! Safely in NC now, but much unpacking to do.I spent a few hours today playing with baby Princess Una. Who likes very much to roar like a tiny dragon then giggle. :-D
Enjoying being a grammy!
That. Is. Adorable. XDPraying safe travels for you and a non-stressful moving experience. :)
We now enter the smokey Netherworld-Southlands, and the (sometimes amusing) adventures of Lionheart...1) Do you think the dragon would have been banished and everything would have been all right if Rose Red had called on the Name the first time she thought of it?
2) Did anything strike you personally about Rose Red's journey through the Nether world?
3) Do you think Leo was wrong to leave Southlands? Was there something wiser he could have done?
4) Do you think he feels as badly for his people as he should? Is he ignoring important warnings about Lady? (Do we ignore important warnings?)
For fun:
5) Are you super curious about Beana's backstory yet?? And which of Leo's funny lines did you find the most hilarious?
Rose Red is so interesting... Sometimes she's just as lost and broken as we are, but other times she's SUCH a role-model. "I hate nobody." <-- That's suck with me since I first read it. Several times I've started to think I hate someone and than I remember what Rosie said, and I remind myself " I hate nobody!" I should always remember that.
Other things I thought:
Sunan. <333 I'm super curious about him too! Even more so since I've read G-T and part of GD...
I love the little emperor too... Did anyone else get the idea that his uncle killed his dad, because. . . ouch.
I want to know more about Beana!
Leo's Chhayan is hilarious. XD "upward fly the lizard..." And the pink trees and dripping frogs. ;D
@E.F.B.: I love that quote! I know, the thrush IS the Prince!! I love Mousehand. (Yeah, all the Shadowhand spoilers! Foxbrush. <3) Yes, everything's so confusing because of course all things work together for good, but what would have happened if they'd made better decisions etc... I guess we just make bad decisions on our own, but He works it out for good. So now we can try to listen to Him about the decisions first! :)@Jill: Oh wow! Moving! Praying for y'all.
1. We can never know "what would have been IF" in this life, yet I do believe both Lionheart and Rosie missed many opportunities to spare themselves, others, and the entire country much pain if they had humbled themselves and cried out to the Prince much sooner. Easy for me to say as I sit here in my comfortable chair and criticize . . . yet I can relate to them so well. Pride is my worst sin--connected directly to so many other sins . . . I don't WANT to need help, not even from the One I love and trust the most.
Okay, back to work! :-) Great questions, Stargazer! <3
With Lionheart, I can understand the delay and crying out to the prince. He was full of his own Notions. But with Rosie, she seems so sensible. Why do you suppose she waits?
Well, Rosie didn't really know who "Eshkan" was, so why should she say his name? Maybe she thinks it is more sensible to depend on her own abilities and wisdom than to call out some strange name. She doesn't *know* that Eshkan is her imaginary friend. Or does she?Rosie's good sense and independence are two of her greatest strengths--but the flip side of these qualities can be stubborn unwillingness to accept advice or help, mainly because of pride.
God often mentions pride as the worst of sins--and it often takes the form of independence. We want to succeed and conquer in our own strength--no matter what. We want Him to approve our efforts even when we outright disobey Him.
Just my thoughts.
1) 100% agreed with Jill.2) I'm still in catch-up mode...Rosie'd only just run into the Wolf Lord when I was reading in the car this afternoon...But, unfortunately, I see myself in her unwillingness to call on the Prince as soon as she should have. In Rose Red's case, I feel she didn't call due to lack of belief in her "imaginary" friend's existence combined with lack of trust that he had her best at heart or that he could actually do anything to help. She may also be displaying some pride by thinking she has to handle it all by herself.
For myself, I have a personal relationship with Jesus, I belive He exists and *can* help me, but sometimes, for the dumbest reasons, I find myself doubting that He *will*. I convince myself that the issue is too small, too unimportant, to bother asking Him for help with because (here's where I match Rose Red exactly) I think I'm a "big girl" and should know how to handle this myself. Or it may be a bigger issue, but I let the issue fill my vision so much that it becomes bigger and more powerful in my mind than Christ's saving grace. So, due to a combination of pride, distrust, and giving power to the wrong things, I don't call on the One who can help me until I've already put myself through such emotional and spiritual turmoil that I feel as oppressed as Rose Red by the Dragon. Thankfully for both of us, when we do finally come to our senses and call on Him the "Prince" has been waiting right there all along, ready and willing to save.
3) Of course, I want to say Leo should have stayed with his people instead of leaving. Especially seeing how it was the Dragon himself who told Leo to go, I can't help thinking, "Er...Do you really think you should do anything the giant, evil, scaly dude says???" But then, what could Leo have done if he stayed, aside from succumb to the Dragon's poison with the rest of his people? Rose Red was the only one able to resist it and that was due to her not being human.
4) I hadn't thought about it before, but now that you ask, it does seem like Leo spent quite a bit of his time away thinking about how *he* could defeat the Dragon and maybe not enough about how his people were suffering under that oppression and how maybe it matters less who defeats the Dragon and matters more that the Dragon simply gets defeated. /end run-on sentence
Yes, yes he did. (YES, yes we do.)
5) YES!!! I wanna know what happened to her way back when!!! *crazed flailing* The sylph's poem was quite a lovely clue, though...
Speaking of the sylph, I noticed this time around that when Lionheart had volunteered to get the jester sylph to go back inside, the sylph had been saying "If I but knew my fault." I only realized now, having read Moonblood, that the sylph must have been singing the Night of Moonblood poem to himself, maybe as a means of comforting himself in his captivity.
And my quest to catch up on the reading continues...
Mod
That part with the Dragonwitch and the Wolf Lord....AUGH, WHY, SO MUCH FEELZ, WHY. The whole time I read "Dragonwitch" I kept irrationally hoping Etanun would redeem her, but the whole time I had in mind of the ever-drowning ghost in the Netherworld and I was just like, noooooooooooooooooooooooooooo. So it was really smart for Anne Elisabeth to let us know BEFOREHAND that nope, she dies all bad and wicked, so that none of us got our hopes up tooooo strongly.
The little emperor! Go kid! I hope to see you again someday!
The sylph..............does things to me. The Duke is my ideal for Bad Guy You Are Free to Hate.
I read all through lunch and now I'm actually on this week's reading!Stargazer wrote: "Sunan. <333 I'm super curious about him too! Even more so since I've read G-T and part of GD...
How much of GD have you read? I have theories about Sunan, but I don't want to spoil you, and technically, those theories can always wait until we've done the GD read-through. :)
I love the little emperor too... Did anyone else get the idea that his uncle killed his dad, because. . . ouch.
"
Yep, I definitely got that impression. I figure the uncle probably wasn't in direct line for the throne, so he wanted someone young he could manipulate and mold in his own image. But our little emperor doesn't seem like he's having any of that. ;)
Hannah wrote: "That part with the Dragonwitch and the Wolf Lord.... "
Heh, that part was so confusing during my first read of Veiled Rose (I think I actually confused the Dragonwitch with the Bane of Corrilond back then...), but it was definitely excellent foreshadowing nonetheless. I'm glad too that this bit allowed us to know how her story end, seeing how it was so tragic. I've wondered sometimes if some people might see it as a big spoiler once they realize that we learn her full story later, but I see it as just a piece in the puzzle. Just because we know the method of her final death doesn't mean we know the details surrounding it. In fact, knowing the full story makes her appearance here in VR that much more poignant. Even after Etanun came back for her and tried to reach out to her in love and forgiveness, she still had to ask Rose Red why she would willingly walk into Death's arms to help another. When I first read VR I wanted Rose Red to answer her, but now I see that it's true what Rose Red thought. The "poor dead monster could not understand" and never will.
The Duke... Ugh. You have to wonder how he got so corrupted that he allied himself with the Dragon and apparently never took the Dragon's kiss, either. There are many times he's even been so brash he doesn't seem afraid of the Dragon! I've wondered if maybe he gave himself over to Lady Life-in-Death at some point. She's always telling the Dragon he can't touch those that belong to her...
Getting back to Jill's Comment about knowing "Eshkan". it's interesting that Rosie will have to go into the depths of darkness pursued by, dare I say, "hounds of heaven" in order for "Eshkan" to begin to real reveal himself to her. It is in (valley Psalm 23) darkness that we can see light most profoundly.E.F.B. : The Duke really reminds me of some ex-football player who's turned into a hardened businessman and used people to get what he wants. A good leader leads the sheep, but a hireling takes from the sheep, not caring for their welfare.
As I wrote up the questions, my mom came in and informed me that she just planted the daylilly we've had in a pot for awhile... :)1) Do you love the part where Rose Red cries for Eshkan and He Comes? Isn't it beautiful and wonderful?!
2) Did you notice. . .
The references to Psalm 23? The reference to "soaring on wings like eagles"? All the hints for Moonblood? That every time Rose Red did something bad the lantern dimmed?
3) What did you think of the scenes from Heartless from Leo's point of view?
4) Did you laugh or cry? What part made you the happiest, and which part made you the saddest?
5) Any closing thoughts on the joys, sorrows, life lessons, hints for the other books, or anything else that were in this final part?
Loving y'alls comments! Thought-provoking insight, Jill and Michael, thanks.@E.F.B.: The *can* versus *will*. . . yeah.
"Er...Do you really think you should do anything the giant, evil, scaly dude says???" <-- XD That was kind of my thought too.
Oh yeah! The Sylph was singing the Night of Moonblood song! That was so cool to catch this time! I felt like he was praying it.
Yay, you caught up!
I'm less than half through GD. I got stuck (not because I didn't like it of course!) but due to other life things and haven't picked it up since, so I think I'll try to finish with the read through for it if I can and we get that far--that sounds fun. :) But I have met Sunan in it and. . . yeah. Curiosity all over the place! (DOES HE GET DRAGON KISSEDD??? (don't tell me. ;) )
Hannah wrote: "The sylph..............does things to me."
Like what???????? :O (Also, Shadowhand. :D)
Hey, maybe the emperor kid and Munny can have an epic little adventure together someday!
So thankful the internet is working!!! (for a little there I thought I wouldn't be able to post anything) Woohoo! :D
Yes, Stargazer, I LOVE the part where Eshkan holds Rose Red through the Dragon's blast of fire, and she is safe in his arms. I have a personal story connected with this scene: Just over four years ago I found out that I had cancer but didn't yet know how advanced it was. I wept and prayed in my uncertainty and fear, and this very scene came into my mind. I WAS Rose Red calling on Eshkan and feeling His arms upholding and protecting me--and I had the most amazing peace. At that moment I knew that it would be all right, that whether I lived for many more years or died within months, all was well because He would carry me through it all. Everything else fades away in the light of His presence.
As it turned out, the cancer was stage 1 and removed in one relatively easy surgery. It could come back, of course, but that's all right too. He is teaching me to take joy in daily life no matter what happens, to see it all in light of eternity instead of focusing on my fears. To focus on serving and loving other people and sharing my joy and peace in every possible way.
Strange and wonderful how God can use a fantasy story about a little goblin--written by my own daughter--to give me an eternity-changing moment. But then again, it was The Horse and His Boy that introduced me to a Jesus I could love and worship back when I was eight years old.
And E.F.B.--I can so relate! To trust and obey whether it is "can" or "will" is a lifelong journey. "Nevertheless, not my will but Yours be done." Always we are learning to surrender the control that is ultimately an illusion anyway and love His choices, which are always best because He loves and knows us so well.
I appreciate this discussion and sharing of thoughts and hearts about these stories so much, as I have ongoing difficulties and choices in my own life, and each one of you has challenged me to think and pray about things from different angles. Trust me, the trials don't end when you get older! But then you have His past faithfulness, mercy, and grace to remember, and every experience--trial or joy--is a blessing in the end when we walk through it with Him. As Michael reminded us, it is in the dark valleys that we truly see the Light. I might sound all holy and wise (or know-it-all!) to you, but I'm still just a confused girl in an aging body. ;-)
May our Prince of Farthestshore bless each of you this week!
Stargazer, daylilies are so pretty! <3 You may already know this, but they spread over time, so you’ll have more where that came from in a few years! We’ve got some orange ones here at my house on either side of the front sidewalk. They started out just being little clusters, but they spread enough that this year that they were getting too crowded. My mom dug a whole bunch of them up, divided them, and took them to work to give away to her co-workers.Our wood thrushes have finally come back, here. Sounds like there may be three of them. I know since only the males sing, hearing three of them at once means they’re probably having a territorial dispute, but it sure is a pretty sounding dispute. :)
1) Yes! I cry over it every time. Such a powerful reminder of how even though God allows us to go through troubles and experience pain, He is always there carrying us through it.
2) Yes to all of these. I love all the references these books make to the Bible. I also remember on my first reading, when the Bane of Corrilond mentioned Vahe and such, I was thinking, “Huh???” It made a lot more sense this time. Foreshadowing!
3) I thought Anne Elisabeth did an excellent job showing us those scenes from Heartless from Leo’s perspective. If done the wrong way, they could have felt repetitive and skippable, but Leo’s perspective brought enough new information to the table that it was worth reading them again. I was once again glad to see that he truly did care for Una and never intended to manipulate or hurt her. The problem was that he foolishly thought the Lady would let his dreams change and expand. This made that scene where Leo and Una were talking down by the stream particularly ironic, in a painful kind of way. Una asked him what happens when you realize a dream you held on to for so long isn’t what you really want or need and Leo was able to acknowledge that that’s just a part of growing up. But the Lady doesn’t want anyone to grow or change. She wants to keep people trapped chasing the same dream with no variations, even when it becomes apparent that that’s not what’s truly best for the individual(s) in the long run.
The new scenes that showed us things that happened to Lionheart at the same time as what was going on with Una in Heartless were informative, too. In Heartless, when the Dragon told Una that Lionheart had handed over her ring, he made it seem like Lionheart wasn’t under any duress, he was just careless and a coward, etc., and that makes us think badly of him. But really…knowing the full story, would any human in that situation have done any different? Lionheart was beaten up by the Duke, then brought to the Dragon bound and gagged. On top of their threats, (and I actually forgot this detail) the Lady decided to show up in physical form and add to the pressure!
I was going to say that even had Lionheart not handed the ring over, the Dragon would have just killed him and taken it anyway, but then it occurs to me that the Lady wouldn’t have let the Dragon kill him. Still, she wanted the Dragon to get that ring too (Though not because she’s such a helpful and loving sister… I think she just wanted to start the Dragon on the road to his own destruction because that would mean less competition for her!) so I’m sure she could have continued to put Lionheart through things that would have made him beg for death (which he pretty much already was) had he not cooperated. Again, is there a human on the face of this earth who wouldn’t have given in under that kind of duress??? I all makes me see Lionheart in a different light. He wasn’t so much a coward in that instance as he was just human.
4) Did you laugh or cry? What part made you the happiest, and which part made you the saddest?
Note the crying in response to the scene mentioned in question number one^. Those tears were combined with happiness because that is definitely the brightest, sweetest scene in the book. I also cry at the very end of the story, not necessarily in a happy way, but not sad either. Veiled Rose is one of the few books I’ve read that dared to end on a note that was not a happily ever after, or even a happy for now. But it wasn’t a tragic ending either. It was just…to be continued. I particularly love how Rosie and Leo recalled that conversation from their childhood about legends with sad endings and applied it to their own continuing story. I’ll quote it here the way I did in my progress update, slightly shortened because this post is already rather long… “"It's been an adventure to be sure...And there is yet so much to be done. I can't promise this will be a happy story, Rosie."
"Maybe it will have a happy ending," said she. "When everything's complete and come full circle...Remember, you have to read all the legends together to know for sure...There may be a story out there somewhere to make this one happy."
"I'd like to know that story someday."
Then they walk down the mountain together, and the wood thrush sings, “Won’t you return to me?”
*tears up again*
5) Oh, you know I have more thoughts. ;) *checks note written on phone*
When the young emperor took Leo to the temple to see the Oracle, I had forgotten that while the Dragon, as always, was depicted as both Dragon and man, the Lady was depicted as both woman and some kind of bird. Makes me wonder if she was once able to manifest herself that way and then something happened to stop her.
On page 306 when Lionheart was took a nap near Goldstone Wood, I TOTALLY forgot that he dreamed about the Other. On my first reading I didn’t know what the Other was, so I guess I totally ejected it out of my mind, but now I know what it is! More foreshadowing!!!
Page 311 when Lionheart was looking at that painting in Oriana of the Dragon on the stone, I hadn’t noticed before that he realized it was done in an old style of storytelling, intended to convey a certain truth of the tale without specific accuracy to the characters. For one thing, I find it interesting that, despite this fact of the style, the Dragon’s physical appearance was apparently accurate, and it makes me wonder which of the other characters’ appearances were accurate and which weren’t. (Specifically, those three identical men.) It also make me wonder what truth the picture is supposed to convey. Hmm…
I addressed the rest of my observations earlier on in the post, so I guess that’s it for this book. I’ve enjoyed reading it with you all and look forward to the next one! Have we decided yet if the next book will be Moonblood or Goddess Tithe?
Blessings to all!
Stargazer (I keep wanting to type Starflower, LOL!) Okay, since you’ve only read half of GD, I’ll keep my lip zipped until then. (YOU’LL NEVER MAKE ME TELL!!!! ;))Oooooh, I love the idea of them having an adventure together! They’d make for a great contrast too: The young emperor having so many pressures on him at such a young age and Munny not having those same pressures. But they’ve both been through tough times in relation to their parental situations (the emperor’s father being dead and Munny’s mother being sick) and that could bond them!
Jill, that’s a beautiful story, thank you for sharing it. <3 I’m so sorry that you ever had to face the monster of cancer, but it’s wonderful that Rose Red’s experience reminded you of the Truth and you were able to have peace in that moment. I know that when difficult personal or even global events have happened, scenes from these books have come to my mind as well and helped to redirect my thoughts to the One who cares and is truly in control of it all. I’ll be praying for your continued health and wellness. *hugs*
Btw, you don’t come off as a know-it-all by any means! I enjoy and appreciate your thoughts as much as everyone else’s, and I think it’s great how these books appeal to such a wide range of ages, allowing us to benefit and learn from each other’s unique perspectives and experiences when we come together for discussion. :)
Mod
And yes, Stargazer, the Syph makes me feeeeelz all the sad *it needs chocolate and blankies* feelz. (Not that the slyph would appreciate such things)
Also, everybody, the fan art contest is up for viewing and voting! http://goldstonewoodfanartcontest2017...
Oooooooh, fan art time! *rushes to check it out*
Jill, I really empathize with your struggles. Make sure to eat lots of good healthy fats!It is so encouraging to read this discussion thread. I confess that I haven't had the time to stay caught up, so I've jumped through scenes.
I, too, was really impressed seeing the situation with Leo and Una from the other perspective. Just goes to show that you can always know what's going on with someone.
I just really enjoy reading everyone's posts!
Not the right thread, necessarily, but I just started reading Moonblood! :D I'm not sure if we're planning on reading it this month or if there'll be a thread or "official reading schedule", but I just decided to start it in case, and I got TOTALLY SUCKED IN and read like a quarter of it last night. O_O (I'd read Heartless and Veiled Rose before so Moonblood is next for me.) I love it so much so far!! :D I missed this world and these characters and didn't even realize it until I started. ^_^ *huggles book*
That's great, Deborah! Moonblood is soooo good! I went ahead and started it myself--might as well get ahead instead of behind this time-- and I'm enjoying it once again. Hope you enjoy the rest of it too! I'll be here with the tissues when you're ready for them. ;)
Thank you so much everyone for your comments and thoughts!Okay, here's a thread for Moonblood:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
I really enjoyed reading discussing Veiled Rose with you all!
God bless you all!
E.F.B. wrote: "That's great, Deborah! Moonblood is soooo good! I went ahead and started it myself--might as well get ahead instead of behind this time-- and I'm enjoying it once again. Hope you enjoy the rest of ..."Tissues? UH-OH. XD
And yay, thread!
Running a little late here, so today/this week we're discussing the first 9 chapters of Veiled Rose...
Schedule:
April 8 (Today) – Part 1, Chapter 1-9 (All of Part 1) (p 1-96)
April 15 – Part 2, Chapter 1-8; Part 3 Chapter 1-2. (p 97-188)
April 22 – Part 3, Chapter 3-7; Part 4 Ch 1-4. (p 189-282)
April 29 – Part 4, Chapter 5-13; Part 5, Chapter 1-end. (p 283-end)
I hope everyone has a great time! :)