Who is Rose? Why is she behind in her schooling? What is she going to school to do? Who is Lissa? What is the bond between Rose and Lissa? Why does Rose sometimes dislike this bond? What created the bond? What does this suggest about Lissa's powers? What is Rose's relationship with Lissa like? What has caused a resent strain between them? Why does Rose not tell Lissa everything about what is going on in her life? What does that say about their relationship?

Who is Dimitri? What is his job? What is his attitude toward Rose? What explains this attitude? Why does Dimitri introduce Rose to Tasha Ozera? What is the result of this introduction? What does Dimitri appear determined to do with Tasha? Why? Is Dimitri simply trying to hurt Rose? Explain.

Who is Adrian Ivashkov? Why does he keep talking to...