In a universe dominated by secrecy and political intrigue, what are some examples in the novel where there is a bond of trust? How is trust established and maintained? Why is it difficult for some characters to build trusting relationships?

Who are the “heretics” referred to in the novel’s title, and what does it mean to be deemed heretical? What do these heretics reveal about the novel’s themes of religious and political corruption?

Analyze the different forms of love in the novel such as romantic, filial, and platonic love. Why are these types of relationships considered taboo? What benefits do the protagonists experience from engaging in loving relationships?