1. Roland is the youngest and weakest of the Watsons, but he seems to succeed in Elidor while his brothers and sisters do not. Why do you think this is so?

What kind of power does he have in Elidor? Does he have the same power at home? Why or why not?

2. How do people get into and out of Elidor? Malebron says that the fall of Elidor would have an effect on the children's own world. What do you suppose would happen in the ordinary world if Elidor fell to the forces of darkness?

3. Is this just a fantasy novel, or does it deal with real problems that young people have? What real-world dissatisfactions, frustrations, and problems do the children encounter? To what extent does their experience help them deal with these problems?

4. How do you feel about Malebron when you first meet him...