What traits make up a hero? Who are the heroes in this book and why? Who are the reluctant heroes in this book and why? Compare and contrast heroes and reluctant heroes.

What family member influences each member of the group to join the quest and how did the family member influence them? Do you think each member originally joined the quest because of their family? If not, who joined mostly for another reason? If so, why is that such a huge motivating factor verses just doing the right thing?

What effect does war have on the four lands? What is the difference between the war that occurred during the time of science and the time of magic? Do you think one type of war is better than another? Why or Why not?

Why do you think that truth was the Sword's power? What...