DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Growing up, most of us were taught to go the extra mile in peacemaking and getting along with others. But in this Us or Them medieval world, Gabi and Lia come up against this decision over and over again. What would it take to make you draw a line in the sand and refuse to budge? Would it be a societal trend, physical survival, or what? Describe.

2. Gabi goes through extreme physical and emotional trauma in this book. When she’s in the cage in Firenze, there is a very real possibility that she might die. Have you ever been on the edge of death? If so, describe. What did you learn about life that you want to remember? If you haven’t experienced this, what do you think it would teach you?

3. Would you ever date two different brothers at different times? How about two guy friends? Why or why not?

4. Do you ever wish arranged marriages were still done today? Discuss the pros and cons.

5. Many lives are lost in the battle for borders, property, and power in this book. What land would you fight for? Your family property? Your state? Your country? Other countries? If you wouldn’t fight for any land, describe your thoughts on that.

6. When Gabi is in the cage, she hears a voice she identifies as her father’s, but she’s not entirely sure and isn’t thinking clearly … it might be God’s. Who do you think it was? Discuss.

7. If you were in Gabi’s shoes, how would you convince your mom and sibling to stay with you? What would be the good parts about living in that era versus living in today’s culture?

8. In the end, Gabi risks her relationship with Marcello in order to try and go back and save her dad. Would you have done the same? Why or why not?

9. How would losing a parent change your family? If you have lost a parent, describe what has transpired for your family.

10. What do you think will happen in book three, Torrent?