Based on Elias and Laia’s character arcs and the world of the novel, define freedom. Why did you define it as you did, and what aspects of these elements contributed to your definition? According to your definition, do you think Laia and Elias find freedom by the end of the book? Why or why not?

Based on what we learn about the Commandant in Chapter 46, do you feel her behavior and feelings toward Elias are justified? Why or why not? Can you see who she once was and the paths she took to become the ruthless leader she is at the time of the story? What do the Commandant’s past and present say about people who appear “bad?” Are “bad” people truly bad, or do they just do bad things? Support your answer with evidence from the text.

Choose two of the trials. Why do you think each was part of the trials to find a new emperor? What does each trial truly test the aspirants for, and what do the results say both about the individual trials and the characters? Do you feel the trials you chose were the best ways to test the aspirants for their intended purposes? Why or why not? If not, how would you change the trials? If so, what makes them so?