How do you feel about Athelstan’s decision to trust Yasmini, despite the warnings he received about her?
- I think it was a risky move, but ultimately the right one. Sometimes you have to take a leap of faith.
- I understand why he did it, but I wouldn’t have trusted her as far as I could throw her.
- I think he was blinded by her beauty and charm. It’s easy to underestimate someone like Yasmini.
- It was a foolish decision that could have cost him his life. You can’t trust someone who is so deeply embedded in the world of spies and intrigue.
If you were in Athelstan’s shoes, how would you have navigated the treacherous Khyber Pass?
- I would have hired the most experienced guide I could find and kept my wits about me.
- I would have relied on my instincts and my training. The Khyber Pass is no place for the faint of heart.
- I would have tried to blend in as much as possible and avoid attracting attention.
- I would have sought the help of the local tribes. They know the terrain better than anyone.
How prepared do you think Athelstan was for the challenges he faced in the Khyber Pass?
- He was a British officer, so he probably had some training, but nothing could have fully prepared him for that.
- I think he was woefully unprepared. He was lucky to survive.
- He adapted quickly to the challenges he faced.
- He was resourceful and quick-witted.
What is your favorite memory related to reading King of the Khyber Rifles?
- I loved the scene where Athelstan first meets Yasmini.
- The description of the Khyber Pass was breathtaking.
- I couldn’t put the book down once Athelstan entered the Khinjan Caves.
- I don’t have a specific favorite, but I loved the book overall.
What happens if Athelstan fails to stop the jihad?
- The British Raj could lose control of the entire region.
- Countless lives would be lost.
- It could spark a wider conflict.
- I’m not sure, but it doesn’t sound good.
What do you think Athelstan needed most in order to succeed in his mission?
- He needed to understand the motivations of those around him.
- He needed to be able to adapt to unexpected situations.
- He needed to be ruthless and decisive when necessary.
- All of the above.
What is your favorite aspect of the setting of King of the Khyber Rifles?
- I love the rugged beauty of the Khyber Pass.
- The descriptions of British India are fascinating.
- The Khinjan Caves sound like an amazing place to explore (though maybe not in real life!).
- I enjoyed all of the different settings in the book.
Which of these scenarios from King of the Khyber Rifles did you find the most suspenseful?
- Athelstan’s encounter with the suspicious Hillman on the train.
- Athelstan’s time in Yasmini’s home in Delhi, facing her tests.
- Athelstan’s orchestration of the jailbreak for Yasmini’s men.
- Athelstan’s journey through the Khyber Pass, facing danger at every turn.
- Athelstan’s exploration of the Khinjan Caves with Rewa Gunga.
You have a choice: spend a week exploring the Khyber Pass with Athelstan King or relaxing in luxury at Yasmini’s Delhi mansion. Which do you choose and why?
- I’d choose the adventure with Athelstan King! Exploring the Khyber Pass sounds exciting and I’d trust him to keep me safe.
- Luxury at Yasmini’s mansion sounds amazing, and a lot less dangerous. Sign me up!
- I’m torn! Both options sound incredible, but ultimately I think the thrill of exploring the Khyber Pass would win me over.
- I’m not sure I’d want to get involved in either situation. That part of the world seems a bit too intense for me.
What keeps you up at night about the possibility of a jihad in King of the Khyber Rifles?
- The potential for widespread violence and loss of life.
- The political ramifications and the impact on the British Raj.
- The fate of the characters I’ve come to care about.
- I’m not sure if I’d call it “keeping me up at night,” but it’s definitely a concern.
What aspect of King of the Khyber Rifles made you the happiest?
- The moments of camaraderie between Athelstan and his allies.
- The breathtaking descriptions of the Khyber Pass.
- The thrilling action sequences.
- The satisfying resolution of the story.
How do you feel about Yasmini’s ambition?
- I admire her drive and determination.
- I think she’s power-hungry and dangerous.
- I feel sorry for her. She’s clearly been through a lot.
- It’s complicated.
What comes to mind when you think about the cultural differences between Athelstan and Yasmini?
- The clash between the British Empire and the people they ruled over.
- The different ways men and women navigate the world, especially in that time period.
- The challenges of communication and understanding across cultures.
Athelstan is tasked with preventing a jihad in the Khyber Pass. How confident are you in his abilities?
- Very confident. He’s a capable and resourceful officer.
- Somewhat confident. He’s facing a difficult task, but he has allies.
- Not very confident. The odds are stacked against him.
- I’m not sure. It’s hard to say.
What do you think you need to know about the historical context of King of the Khyber Rifles to fully appreciate the story?
- The relationship between the British Empire and India during that time period.
- The history of the Khyber Pass and its strategic importance.
- The cultural and religious landscape of the region.
How often do you find yourself thinking about the themes of colonialism and imperialism after reading a book like King of the Khyber Rifles?
- Quite often. It makes me think about the legacy of colonialism and its impact on the world today.
- Occasionally. It’s a reminder of the complexities of history and the different perspectives involved.
- Not very often. I tend to focus on the characters and the plot when I’m reading.
How comfortable are you with the portrayal of cultural differences in King of the Khyber Rifles?
- I think it’s important to acknowledge the historical context of the story.
- I think the author does a good job of presenting different perspectives.
- I’m a little uncomfortable with some of the stereotypes.
How well do you think Athelstan sticks to his convictions in the face of danger and uncertainty?
- He is unwavering in his loyalty to the British Raj.
- He is willing to bend the rules if necessary.
- His convictions are tested throughout the story.
You have 24 hours to explore the world of King of the Khyber Rifles. What do you do?
- I would spend the day exploring the Khyber Pass, imagining the sights and sounds described in the book.
- I would try to learn more about the history of British India and the people who lived there.
- I would curl up with a cup of tea and reread my favorite passages.
What is your current biggest challenge related to discussing King of the Khyber Rifles with friends?
- Finding people who have read the book and want to discuss it.
- Articulating my thoughts and feelings about the story in a way that does it justice.
- Remembering all of the details!
Someone asks, “Did you like King of the Khyber Rifles?” What’s the actual answer, not just a simple “yes” or “no”?
- I thought it was a thrilling adventure story with a really interesting setting.
- It kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time!
- I enjoyed it, but it also made me think about some serious issues.
Which of these activities related to King of the Khyber Rifles would you enjoy the most?
- Visiting a museum exhibit about the history of British India.
- Watching a documentary about the Khyber Pass.
- Attending a lecture on the literature of adventure and romance.
How do you feel about the ending of King of the Khyber Rifles?
- I thought it was a satisfying conclusion to the story.
- I was a little disappointed. I wanted to know what happened next!
- I have mixed feelings.
Which of these topics or issues related to King of the Khyber Rifles is most likely to be a struggle for you to discuss?
- The historical accuracy of the portrayal of British colonialism.
- The representation of different cultures and religions.
- The portrayal of violence and conflict.
What’s your favorite example of Athelstan using his cunning to overcome a challenge?
- When he uses the stolen head to gain access to the Khinjan Caves.
- When he manipulates the tribesmen to escape from the mullah’s control.
- When he outsmarts Yasmini and thwarts her plans.
You are at a party and someone mentions they love historical fiction, what do you do?
- I immediately launch into a passionate summary of King of the Khyber Rifles and urge them to read it.
- I casually mention I just finished King of the Khyber Rifles and ask if they have any recommendations for similar books.
- I listen politely and try to steer the conversation towards other topics I’m more comfortable discussing.
If you could waive a magic wand, what would the perfect outcome for Athelstan be at the end of King of the Khyber Rifles?
- He would successfully prevent the jihad and return home a hero.
- He would find love and happiness with Yasmini.
- He would find a way to bridge the divide between the British and the tribesmen.
- He would be able to disappear into the Khyber Pass and live out his days in peace.
What is the trickiest part about understanding Yasmini’s character?
- Deciphering her true motives and allegiances.
- Reconciling her beauty and charm with her capacity for ruthlessness.
- Understanding how her past experiences shaped her worldview.
When you think about King of the Khyber Rifles, what are you most concerned about?
- Whether Athelstan will be able to prevent the jihad.
- The potential for violence and bloodshed.
- The fate of the characters I’ve grown attached to.
What do you think is missing in most discussions about King of the Khyber Rifles?
- A deeper exploration of Yasmini’s motivations.
- A more nuanced discussion of the ethics of colonialism.
- A greater appreciation for the author’s skill in crafting a thrilling adventure story.
What is your current level of expertise in the history and culture of the Khyber Pass region?
- I’m a complete novice.
- I know a little bit from reading King of the Khyber Rifles.
- I’m somewhat knowledgeable. I’ve read other books and articles about the region.
- I’m an expert.
Which member of the British Raj are you most like: Athelstan King, the by-the-book officer, or someone a bit more willing to bend the rules to get things done?
- I’m definitely more of an Athelstan – rules are there for a reason!
- I believe in following the rules, but I can be pragmatic when necessary.
- I think rules are made to be broken, especially in a situation like the Khyber Pass.
The “Heart of the Hills” is revealed, what is your first response?
- I’m awestruck by its power and mystery.
- I’m skeptical. There has to be a logical explanation.
- I’m intrigued to learn more about its history and significance.
Tell us a little about your view on the use of romance in an adventure story like King of the Khyber Rifles.
- I think it adds an interesting layer to the story and the characters.
- It’s not my favorite element, but I can appreciate it.
- It feels a bit out of place to me in a story like this.
What is your King of the Khyber Rifles goal?
- To finish reading the book and enjoy the adventure!
- To learn more about the history and culture of the Khyber Pass region.
- To find more books like it that I can get lost in.
What do you think Athelstan King would say are his top struggles in the Khyber Pass?
- Navigating the complex web of tribal politics.
- Trying to stay one step ahead of his enemies.
- Dealing with the unpredictable nature of Yasmini.
In a perfect world, what would Athelstan and Yasmini’s relationship look like by the end of King of the Khyber Rifles?
- They would find a way to work together and achieve a peaceful resolution.
- They would acknowledge their feelings for each other and start a life together.
- They would go their separate ways but retain a grudging respect for one another.
How do you determine your reading list’s adventure level each month?
- I don’t have a specific strategy. I just pick books that sound interesting.
- I try to mix it up with a balance of light and heavy reads.
- I’m always on the lookout for books that will transport me to another time and place.
Which of the following is most accurate when it comes to your taste in adventure stories?
- I prefer stories with a strong romantic subplot.
- I’m drawn to stories with exotic settings and plenty of action.
- I enjoy stories that explore complex themes of colonialism and identity.
To what degree do you experience anxiety when a protagonist is in a perilous situation?
- A lot! I get completely caught up in the story.
- A moderate amount. I can handle the suspense, but I’m definitely invested in the outcome.
- Not much. I’m able to maintain a healthy distance from the fictional world.
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you imagine yourself facing a challenge like Athelstan in King of the Khyber Rifles?
- Would I have the courage and resourcefulness to overcome it?
- What kind of allies would I be able to rely on?
- What would be my biggest fear in that situation?
How do you handle a book that explores challenging or controversial historical events?
- I try to learn as much as I can about the historical context.
- I approach it with an open mind and a willingness to consider different perspectives.
- I’m honest with myself about my own biases and how they might influence my reading.
How would you describe your relationship to the romance genre, especially within adventure stories like King of the Khyber Rifles?
- I’m a hopeless romantic and love a good love story, even amidst danger.
- I enjoy romance when it feels natural to the plot and characters.
- I tend to prefer my adventure stories without the added romance.
Are you stuck in a reading rut or are you open to exploring new genres and authors?
- I’m always looking for new books and authors to expand my horizons.
- I tend to stick with what I know and love.
- I’m open to suggestions!
What would you say are your top struggles right now when it comes to finding time for reading?
- I have so many other things on my to-do list!
- I get easily distracted by social media and television.
- I have trouble settling down with a book at the end of a long day.
What is your strongest trait when it comes to discussing literature?
- I love to delve into the symbolism and deeper meaning of a text.
- I’m really good at putting myself in the shoes of the characters.
- I bring a unique perspective to the table.
How do you handle situations where your interpretation of a book differs significantly from that of a friend or fellow reader?
- I love to have those kinds of debates! It’s all part of the fun of reading.
- I’m open to hearing different perspectives, even if I don’t agree with them.
- I tend to avoid those conversations. It’s not worth the argument.
You are assigned the role of Athelstan King in a play adaptation of King of the Khyber Rifles, how do you respond?
- I’m honored and excited to take on such an iconic role!
- I’m a little daunted, but I’m up for the challenge.
- I politely decline. I don’t think acting is really my thing.