1. "Nothing was going right with the Wizards' University." How would you interpret the opening statement to the novel?

2. Jones focuses the novel on six first-year students. Do you think each student is equally important to themes and plot? Would a focus on one or two students improve the story?

3. What does the title have to do with the story?

4. Why does Claudia say that Wizard Wermacht is "pitiful," and why does Lukin say that he's "being exploited?" Do you agree or disagree with these opinions?

5. Wizard Corkoran is generally portrayed as incompetent. "Stupid lightweight in silly clothes," Lukin says. Is this a fair assessment? What hints does the novel contain to explain or excuse Corkoran's behavior?

6. When Wermacht tries to remove the jinx from Claudia, a cloakrack begins to follow her. She blames Wermacht, but he tells her: "Really deep down you want to...