If you've yet to read the amazing Shadow and Bone, the first book in this series, you might be wondering what exactly are The Grisha and Corporalki? So here is a little introduction...
The Grisha Orders
The Grisha are the magical elite of Ravka, also known as the soldiers of the Second Army. They practice the Small Science: they manipulate matter at its most fundamental levels. I like to think of it as a magical version of molecular chemistry. Status is everything to the Grisha, and the three main orders are: Corporalki (The Order of the Living and the Dead: Heartrenders and Healers), Etherealki (The Order of Summoners: Squallers, Inferni and Tidemakers) and Materialki (The Order of Fabrikators: Durasts and Alkemi).
Corporalki The Order of the Living and the Dead
* Heartrenders (Red and Black)
* Healers (Red and Gray)
Ravka is surrounded by enemies and basically operates as a garrison state. The Corporalki are considered the most valuable soldiers, and consequently, they are the highest ranking Grisha. A Corporalki Heartrender can snatch the air from your lungs, slow your pulse until you drop into a coma, or literally crush your heart in your chest—all without ever laying a finger on you. Healers put you right again.
From the author Leigh Bardugo
I've always imagined that the Corporalki motto would be "The Cause and the Cure." They tend to be the most arrogant Order, not just because they're the most valued soldiers in the Second Army, but because they go through the most rigorous and secretive training.
My Thoughts on the Corporalki
Heartrenders control the heart and with a flick of the wrist can stop it in your chest. I’d be terrified to discover I had this power knowing I would be used to kill in the army. There is something very scary about a Grisha that can kill so quickly, so cleanly, and with so little effort.
When I first thought about what it would be like to be a Healer I figured it would be a pretty amazing gift! Think of all the good you could do and lives you could save! But then I got to thinking about the times when for whatever reason you couldn’t save someone. It hurts to watch someone you love in pain knowing there’s nothing you can do about it but imagine if there was something you could do but failed and the guilt you would feel because of that. I think Healers have a tougher time than we’d first imagine!
Both of the Corporalki have the power to save and destroy and I for one wouldn’t like that responsibility hanging over my head. Separately they are strong but together they are lethal as they can bring a pain worse than death. They can torture and heal you over and over and over again. With the Corporalki your life is literally in their hands.
Giveaway
I'm insanely jealous of the prize I'm giving away to one of you guys today! As a Grisha fan I think it's pretty awesome! So here's what you could win...* An exclusive signed copy of The Gathering Dark (now known as Shadow and Bone) with the covers being changed these copies are not being made any more so a signed edition is a rare and special thing indeed!
* A copy of Shadow and Bone AND Siege and Storm with the gorgeous new covers!
* A Grisha keyring from Hebel Design in either a Healer (left image) or Heartrender (right image) design, your choice!
One UK/ Ireland winner will win this entire Grisha goodie pack!
Rules
To enter please fill in the Rafflecopter
Open to UK/ Ireland residents only
End date: Wednesday 19th June
Winner will be contacted by email and will have 1 week to reply else another winner will be selected.
Good luck to everyone entering! Stop by Serendipity Reviews tomorrow for more Grisha goodness this time all about the Materialki!
Follow Leigh Bardugo on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/lbardugo/
Thank you to the lovely Nina at Indigo for putting this tour together!
Love this post. These missed our radar, thanks for sharing :) Very insightful and without spoilers, I think - thank you!! Sounds right up our street :) :) :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Avril! Glad such a fab series is on your radar now!
DeleteI think I found Heartrenders the creepiest! The way they have so much power over you and you can't stop it...it's terrifying! I much prefer the healers, but like you said, they must have a tough time. It's a lot of responsibility! Thanks so much for the giveaway :).
ReplyDeleteIt really is! You're welcome, Liz!
DeleteThis is such a wonderful post Jess, I would probably hate to have the responsibilities that the Corporalki have especially the ones the heartrenders have I don't think I oculd bring myself to torture someone or end their life. Thanks for sharing such an insightful post with us and a brilliant giveawya too! :)
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it Jas! I agree I'd hate to be a Corporalki they are terrifying!
DeleteI saw these books around lately and they totally got my attention. So, thanks for sharing this great post and for the amazing giveaway, of course! :)
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome! They're amazing books!
DeleteI love this explanation, Jess, it's very helpful. I just bought Shadow and Bone on audio and plan to listen to it soon. I live in the US so I won't be entering the giveaway *sobs*! :)
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoy it Rachel!
DeleteI have wanted to read Shadow and Bone forever, it sounds so good and I see lots of love for it all over the blogosphere. So happy to finally know a bit more what it's about. Of course I now want to read it more than ever!
ReplyDeleteBookishTrish @ Between the Lines
I'm so glad the post has got you more interested Trish! It is a fantastic series!
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