BOOK 1
go or move downwards
descend
hide
conceal
forceful; powerful
vigorous
cut down (of trees)
fell
unable to be damaged by fire
fireproof
lively; a little shocking
racy
small movement of rocks and soil down the side of a hill or other slope
landslide
causing a feeling of being small, helpless, and astonished
overwhelming
getting weaker; losing power or strength
failing
great mass of snow and ice that slides down the side of a mountain
avalanche
the force which makes things stay on or drop to the ground instead of staying in the air
gravity
a system of speed writing using quickly-made symbols to represent letters, words or phrases
shorthand
an expert swimmer employed at a beach or pool to protect other swimmers from drowning or other accidents (used metaphorically in the passage)
lifeguard
something hanging from the ceiling which consists of several branches of lights
chandelier
like conversation; using the words of informal everyday speech or writing
colloquial