How does the inciting incident (the conflict of those over age 14 disappearing) introduce mystery and tension? Which key points throughout the novel offer “reveals,” and how do the conflicts and unknowns build the rising tension to the climax of Sam defeating Caine? Cite textual evidence.

Track Sam’s character arc. How does he change as a person from before the FAYZ to after the FAYZ consumes their lives? How does Sam subvert or fit into classic superhero tropes? Cite textual evidence.

Sam states, “[...] there’s no line between freak and normal here. If you have the power, we’ll need you. If you don’t, we’ll need you” (410). What does this dialogue portray? What greater themes is Sam speaking to? Discuss the treatment of those with powers and those without prior to this point in the novel.