Discussion Questions

  1. When the sidhe are unleashed, they take control of the kingdom’s citizens through their emotions. Do you think emotions can be trusted? Contrast how Eoghan and Conor deal with misleading emotions.
  2. Comdiu speaks differently to each of the characters. He communicates with Eoghan directly, He sends Companions to Aine, and He uses humans for Conor. What does that say about how God relates to us as individuals?
  3. The characters attempt to rely on Comdiu, but when they use their own wisdom, they get themselves into trouble. Sometimes they escape without having to take responsibility, and other times they have to bear the harsh consequences of their actions. What application do you see for your own life?
  4. Conor struggles with the question of whether he did the right thing by saving Aine and bringing her home to Aron. What do you think?
  5. Liam sacrificed himself in order to (he thinks) save the future of the brotherhood and Ard Dhaimhin. Do you think he was right or wrong in that action? Why?
  6. Both Conor and Liam are incredibly gifted but too confident in their own abilities. How are Liam and Conor similar to Niall? How are they different?
  7. All the characters deviate from Comdiu’s plan for them, thinking they are doing the right thing. Liam wants to protect his city, Eoghan wants to obey Comdiu, Conor wants to save Aine —all of which are noble goals. When does the “right thing” become the wrong thing?
  8. Aine, Conor, and Eoghan all undergo challenges and trials throughout the book, but they emerge understanding more about themselves and Comdiu’s will for them. How does God use trials and difficulty to teach you and prepare you for your service to Him?
  9. At Cwmmaen, the sidhe traps Conor and his companions within a glamour that makes everything appear to be normal, even desirable, but really just masks the corruption beneath. How is the illusion a metaphor for sin?
  10. In a number of places, Conor puts Aine before himself. He tells Haldor that he loves her, so he counts her life as more important than his. Later he says there is nothing he wouldn’t sacrifice for her. Is this good or bad? How does his sacrificial love —however imperfect —reflect God’s love for mankind (see Ephesians 5:25)?
  11. Conor believes he would not make a good king because he must be willing to sacrifice an individual for the good of the many. Is that position morally right or wrong? Is there a different standard of morality for a head of state versus an individual? Why do you think so?