The Stones of Nomuru could be just a routine adventure, but its richness of themes gives it more than the usual depth and makes it a good topic for discussion.

The issue of what happens when a culture mixes with a less advanced one is one worthy of examination, as is the issue of what happens when foreign religions mix with local ones. The latter issue is a potentially explosive one, so discussion leaders might find it a good idea to approach it gently.

1. How does The Stones of Nomuru borrow from the experience of European colonization of the Americas? How does the foreknowledge the Kukulkans have from their study of human history shape their behavior toward the colonists? By being forewarned, will they be able to avoid the tragedies that befell Native Americans?

2. How industrialized are the Kukulkans? Does this industrialization help them to understand...