1. How is technology portrayed in the novel? Do you think that Shade's ability to download himself into various computers is a way of keeping him alive? The advanced technology of the overlords allows them to create dangerous creatures. Do you think that this technology is out of control?

2. Is Shade human? Is the Winger who has Brat's brain human? What characteristics determine whether one is a human being?

3. Ninde and Gold-Eye are parents at the end of the novel. But they have not grown up in families with parents, so they may not know how to act like parents. Do you think that they will be good parents? Why or why not? What advice would you give to them about being parents?

4. What are the differences between the character of Shade and the character of Robert Ingman? Where do you discover those differences? How...