1. What are the advantages of telling this type of story in the first person? What are some of the disadvantages?

2. Discuss Aleric's description of his birth --- why is this so important to the tale? Do messianic figures have certain parallel lives --- is Aleric's early life a presager of later events? Why do you think the author took us to a lowly place to begin this life? What perspective does Aleric bring to us, having come up from nothing, as he discovers the world?

3. Aleric constantly refers to the old tales, legends, and prophecies. How do these stories add depth to the novel? Given its historical aspects, does it ground the story with a more realistic sense of place?

4. Aleric's grandfather tells him "All is good and bad. There is no one or the other. You must look at the bad and see the good in it." Do you think this is true? What are the good and bad in Aleric? What about Corentin?

5. Was the revelation of Corentin's parentage a surprise? Does it cause you to view him, and his motives, differently? If so, how?

6. Aleric says that his warrior brothers and their crusade "brought the love of mankind back to me." How ironic is this statement given that he is engaging in slaughter in the name of God? It is possible to celebrate and embrace humanity when you are engaged in war?

7. Pythia's taking of Aleric is savage, yet Aleric feels a sense of erotic pleasure. How can one feel such pleasure during such a great and painful violation?

8. How do the vampires in this story compare to those of other stories? What powers do they possess that are unique?

9. Was it selfishness that made Aleric bring Ewen into the tribe? Had he truly loved his friend and sought to end his pain should he not have just taken his life?

10. Aleric walked into Pythia's trap to become a vampire. Why do you think he would be so quick to follow his visions and return to Alienora? Why do you think he would not suspect another trap?