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Book Club Questions for Priestess of Ishana

  1. At the beginning of the book Tesha is trapped in a set path of life. What are the limitations and advantages of that path? How does Tesha clear the way for a fresh start, a new path? Who else is trapped and/or freed in the course of the book?
  2. How does Tesha grow in the course of the book? At the beginning she values certain skills and sensibilities that she uses as priestess, but are some of them more a hindrance than a help? She’s a woman leader, and by the end her horizons of leadership are expanding. What are her best strengths as a leader? To what extent do those strengths arise from her gender?
  3. How much of Tesha’s ability to accomplish what she hopes for comes from her magical abilities and how much from her intelligence and other talents, learned or innate? What do you think is her most impressive act or battle fought?
  4. Which character were you most drawn to, Daniti or Tesha? Why?
  5. Which is the stronger woman, Daniti or Tesha?
  6. What kind of husband would Hattu really turn out to be? Should Tesha fall for him? Should he fall for her?
  7. Are the characters’ religious beliefs sincere or for show? Why do they believe or challenge beliefs the way they do?
  8. Tesha uses strict observance of the law, i.e.rule of law, to bring about justice. She also uses forbidden magic. How does she balance these two apparently contradictory aspects and is she right about both? What trouble or success do you predict for her going forward given these two paths?
  9. A key element of fantasy fiction is world-building. What drew you in with Starkston’s Bronze Age world? Anything provoke or alarm you? If you could magically travel there, would you choose to go to Tesha’s world?
  10. Priestess of Ishana plays on the idea of sight as an unreliable sense. What is the book saying about sight, perception and the way we view each other and our surroundings?
  11. Should Anna do more to teach Tesha about magic? How was she as a mentor?
  12. Who should rule this world: sorcerers, those of royal blood, priestesses or someone else?