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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. For whom does the death bell toll?

2. Who rescues Talia?

3. How accurate is Rolan at seeing "through" Talia's eyes?

4. With whom does Talia take a blood bond?

5. What is the advice given Talia by her confidant?

Short Essay Questions

1. What makes a significant change in Elspeth's attitude towards companions?

2. What does Talia ask Skif to do and how does she rescue him?

3. What does Talia learns about Hulda?

4. What subject does Sherrill broach with Talia before Sherrill leaves on her first assignment?

5. What is disconcerting about Elspeth?

6. Why is Skif dressed in black one night and why does Talia do the same?

7. How does Talia learn about Ylsa's death?

8. What does Skif ask of Talia and how does Talia respond?

9. How is Talia's life at the Collegium three years after her arrival?

10. What does Talia decide she needs to do as she is growing in her gift and duties?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In most fiction, readers would like all the loose ends to be neatly "tied up." Discuss the following:

1. Do you think Arrows of the Queen is successful as a fantasy novel? Why or why not.

2. What about this book would motivate you to read another of Mercedes Lackey's Herald and Companion series? What would discourage you from doing so?

3. Were all the "loose ends" satisfactorily settled for you? Why or why not.

Essay Topic 2

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss the following:

1. Fully explain why you think Arrows of the Queen is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

2. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

3. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

4. Have you ever read a book that when you finished, you do not understand the relevance of the title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

Essay Topic 3

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Talia and Skif. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? How do they compare as to the way they are raised before being chosen? Do you think they will both become good Heralds? Why or why not.Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Talia and Rolan. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character? How do the fact that they are different species influence your response to them?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in Arrows of the Queen help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples.

(see the answer keys)

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