Bradley's works seem to appeal to people who like to form communities to follow an author's work, and the Darkover series has its own network of fans and collaborators who discuss its intricacies endlessly. Although the historical novels do not inhabit so highly elaborated a fictional universe, they attract a wide readership — not only fans of Bradley and heroic fantasy, but also those enchanted by the Arthurian sagas, by myth and folklore, or by the new historiography restoring women's place in our chronicles. Goddess imagery and lore has immense appeal as well, so The Forest House and Mists would be good choices for discussion.

1. How would you regard Eilan as a female protagonist? What are her strengths and weaknesses?

2. What is the exact contribution of Caillean, and why is she so important?

Since she is part of no major action, why does she have such...