The Bone Season Series by Samantha Shannon – A Read Along discussion

I could read that kiss, when it finally happens, again and again. What did you think this time around?

It was still awesome. On re-reading, I could see it coming a little better. When I read the book for the first time, by the time I was most of the way through I thought it was likely that something would happen between Paige and Warden eventually, in future books. When they kissed, I was surprised, but pleased with how it happened. This time I was excited for it. A story with a relationship between two characters in their respective positions could go/be written so badly, but I really liked the way Shannon handles it.

Ah, that kiss....sigh. Felt like it had been a long time coming. Not sure if it surprised Paige or Warden more. (Or possibly Nashira?) Wonder if the kiss was a catalyst to the dead flower blossoming, or if it was a combination of things? The return of hope, perhaps? Agree with Alix that Ms. Shannon did a great job w/the writing of the "love" scene, very tasteful, special, and sweet.

Cindra, I also think that there is a connection between their kiss and the flower and I think it blossoming might have been what tipped Nashira off to something being up. I think Nashira's insistence that the Rephaim wear gloves, so as not to have skin on skin contact with humans it would seem, is related.

Makes sense. Possible that is part of what is considered a "Flesh Crime", the touching of humans. Perhaps because the Rephaim are something like aether in the flesh, their touching a human affects them as much as it affects whomever they touch.
Paige said about Warden "The lure of his touch was excruciating;". Perhaps he felt the same way. Also thought where Paige asked Warden what Rephaim minds are like and he said "Fire" was totally intriguing. Hope to see the chemistry between them continue to build. Fire and oil are incendiary...

I'm not satisfied with that kiss!
Paige & Warden did not quite seem to fit, at least, at first. In the last chapters Samantha at a stroke introduces all the "romance"! I want more fire! Please, if I don't read about them being together I will not believe in that story.


I've always thought what Alix said. There is more at that no-skin-contact and the dead flower stories(Nashira named it the flower of rebellion?)

Perhaps the introduction of the Paige/Warden thing was somewhat abrupt, but it seemed to me that there was a growing undercurrent between them. Something that went beyond the mentor/student relationship. (At least on Warden's part) His interest in Paige seemed deeper than what he showed superficially, even if it didn't start out that way. I keep thinking of when Paige said he was the most beautiful and terrible thing she'd ever seen. Even if it wasn't attraction to start, he seemed to fascinate her on many levels.

I have similar thoughts to Cindra. I remember reading the book for the first time, and feeling that not too far into it, it was pretty clear to me that Warden cared for Paige very much (even when Paige was still hostile towards him), but it wasn't clear to me in what way exactly. It would make sense, as we learn that he's seeing her memories throughout the novel, and so knows and understands Paige better than she does him. The second time through I found it easier to discern that Warden has growing 'feelings' for her as the story progresses.
It makes sense that he doesn't really show it, as they spend a significant portion of the story not knowing if they can trust each other, and I'm sure Warden was aware that Nashira was watching them closely. I find it interesting that when Paige infiltrates the house, she hears Thuban questioning Ivy specifically about Warden's relationship with her. This seems like a very significant piece of information, but in the aftermath of killing Kraz, isn't mentioned.
I don't think anything romantic enters Paige's mind until late in the story, because however attractive he may be, there's no way she would think of him in that way until she knows he's good and that she can trust him (which is part of what makes Paige awesome, it's too common to see female characters, and women in general, enamored with someone whom they know is dangerous). The kiss may have taken her by surprise, but that doesn't make it less believable for me.