Dacre mentions in Chapter 13 that five “is a sacred number […] for [the] gods, it is a blessing and a warning. When it comes to trusting others, pay heed to the magic of five” (109). In what ways does this number come into play throughout the novel or series as a whole?

What techniques does Ross employ throughout the novel to encourage emotional attachment to Forest and heighten the impact of his death? How does his death serve the novel’s themes?

Divine Rivals contains themes of the impact of the written world, family relationships in wartime, and the dangers of censorship. How does the sequel build on these themes?