Describe the cultural and historical influences that Ifueko has utilized in the creation of the fictional Arit empire. How does Arit’s imperial center destabilize common historical notions of empire and power?

A central theme in Raybearer involves the tension between fate and personal choice. Which of the two has the strongest impact on Tarisai’s development?

Families of origin and families of choice each play an important role in the identity formation of many characters in the novel. Which scenes demonstrate the power and the limitations of familial love?