Into the Dark Part 2 of 4

[colls]

Welcome to our second of four check-in and discussion posts for our Book of the Month.

This month’s book is Into the Dark by Claudia Gray
Part II, Chapters 7-13

Into the Dark Part 2 of 4

1. What are your thoughts about the plot from the past - Orla and Cohmac's rescue mission that seemed to have gone wrong, but eventually ended up with Starlight Beacon?

2. Do you think they made the right choice to remove the idols from the station?

3. Affie seems convinced she has proof of a conspiracy against her foster-mother. It's implied that Leox feels differently. What do you think the symbols mean?

4. Reath still isn't interested in being on the frontier. Do you think he'll change his mind or continue to wish for Coruscant?

5. Any predictions?



FYI - There's no need to answer all (or any) of the questions above - they're just talking points to get us started. Informal chatter is more than welcome! In-person book clubs often veer off topic, it's okay if we do as well. :)
All I ask is that you try to avoid spoilers for things past Part II of the book.

Comments

[kittywhite]

1. I think it’s foreshadowing a similar situation that will occur in the present either with the hope to avoid history repeating or how to cope better with the outcome. Cohmac is still dealing with his grief years on so hopefully he can get some closure too.

2. No. Either they’ve unleashed the evil on the station where the Guild is still up to something or it’s now being carried along to cause more trouble elsewhere.

3. Poor Affie, I feel for her being the last to know and think the truth will crush her :(
I think the symbols are a pick up/drop off list to let other Guild members know that the illegal cargo has been safely deposited or moved to its next destination.
I also unfortunately think her biological parents died doing something shady and that her adoption wasn’t just out of kindness but a bit of obligation for letting it happen in the first place.

4. I think he’ll be a bit more mature about it by the end of the book in a “this is where I am needed and can be of the most use” rather than be 100% converted.

5. I’ve been thinking about the riddle of the Kyber Arch. My answer to it is that no Jedi is ever truly alone. Everything and everyone is connected through the Force, even if they’ve passed on their lessons and memories remain with those who knew them.
Also been thinking about our strange friend Geode, maybe he communicates through vibrations and if you aren’t sure what to listen for you won’t hear him? Affie and Leox have travelled together with him for a while so know what to look out for but the Jedi have no idea so he just seems like a rock. He can be sensed through the Force so he’s definitely alive!

[colls]

1. I think you are right. I find the repression of grief theme in this book an interesting take on the "attachment" taboo.

2-4. And since I'm so late in replying (sorry! busy week) your predictions here is spot on. :)


The Kyber Arch is an interesting riddle, and your theory is pretty likely. I personally hope it's revealed with a bit more dramatic effect than what we're seeing so far.

I like how the author is having Geode communicate mostly with a stern look (as interpreted by Leox & Affie) or with inputing coordinates. It reminds me of Morn on DS-9 who was always accused of talking too much, only on-screen he never spoke.

[brokenmnemonic]

1. One of the things I'm pondering is that Cohmac has had thoughts about the Jedi refusal to use or study the dark side, and I'm curious about whether that was first prompted by something that happened on the past rescue mission - like the death of his master. I'd not be surprised if the mission is also related to how the idea of the Starlight Beacon came about, but Cohmac's thoughts pinged for me because of the Dawn of the Jedi comics I've been reading.

2. I think I'd have preferred it if they'd brought more Jedi to the station to study the idols and see if they have any better ideas, but I'm guessing that there's every chance that some of the more pillage-and-loot crews might jump away and then come back with more people to loot the station and possibly take the idols before the Jedi could get reinforcements. I think either way, something bad is going to happen...

3. I like kittywhite's idea that the symbols relate to the Guild moving illegal cargo around.

4. I think something is going to happen on the mission that will convince Reath that he needs to stay in the region rather than going back to Coruscant - whether out of a feeling of personal responsibility, or because the other Jedi need him. Reath hasn't known much of anything other than the main Jedi temple, which is where he's comfortable, and I think he doesn't know who he is yet.

5. I'm really curious to see if another party turns up at the station - like a faction of the Guild - with either great or terrible timing for those inside. I'm also wondering if there's someone in there who's also planning on looting or exploiting the station, but in a more discrete/longer-term way that the smash-and-grab tactics used so far.

[colls]

1. I've always liked the idea of balance with the Force, and find characters who thread that needle (like Asaj Ventress, Ahsoka Tano, Anakin up to a point, etc) to be very interesting.

2. Right?! Like, maybe INVESTIGATE? But I also see now that I've read further along that it was needed to drive the plot.