How does the division of the book into two parts shift the focus of Aerin’s character development? Compare and contrast the person she is at the beginning of Part 1 with the person she becomes at the beginning of Part 2, paying particular attention to the inner battles she has won and the ones that are left to fight.

In what ways do mental health conditions impact Aerin’s life and growth as a hero? How is mental health symbolized in the novel, and how is it represented explicitly? Use specific examples to support your analysis.

Is the description of the Northerners as demonic and inhuman reductive or effective in representing the themes of the novel? Consider the broader fantasy genre in your answer and decide how the tone and direction of the narrative might change if the Northerners were shown to be human like the Damarians?