The Hounds of God is most profitably read and analyzed along with the rest of the trilogy. While it is not essential to have read the other books to understand this one's plot, much of its character and thematic development will be missed without such background.

A discussion might also widen its scope to include other medieval fantasy worlds and works such as Kurtz's Deryni, Lackey's Valdemar, and even C. S. Lewis's Narnia. Plots, themes, the meanings of magic, and the uses of fantasy for illuminating reality and teaching moral lessons, are among the possible topics for lively discussion.

1. "The Hound and the Falcon" is the title of the trilogy. At its very end, Jehan is holding a brooch decorated with a hound and a falcon, both of whose eyes look at him knowingly.

What do you think this represents?

2. Nikki reluctantly, at the last moment...