1. Willadene and Mahart each suffered the loss of her mother during childhood. Compare and contrast how this loss affected each of them.

2. Discuss Mahart's changing relationship with: a) her father, the Duke; b) the Chancellor Vazul; c) the Lady Saylana.

3. Explain why the Duke allowed Willadene, Mahart, Nicolas, and Prince Lorien to leave court and live in the north.

4. Why does this story have a medieval setting instead of a modern one? How would a modern setting change the story?

5. Nicolas is nicknamed "the Bat." What is the significance of this?

6. Give examples of events that could be explained by modern day knowledge but appear to be magic to the characters.

7. Discuss the Chancellor Vazul's attitude toward Mahart.

8. Compare the religion of the Star to a modern day religion.

9. Compare and contrast the personality traits of the Lady Mahart and the Lady Saylana.

10. Compare...