How does the author evoke a fairytale feel while telling this story, particularly in the first half of the novel?

Describe Poison's character. Is she a good hero? What makes her succeed and why? How is she different from the other people of her world?

In what ways does the author subvert typical fairytale ideas and symbolism? Why does he do this?

Discuss the theme of reality and fiction in this story. Could this book be described as metafiction, and why?

Discuss the theme of free will in this novel. Is there such a thing as free will, and if so, who has it? Whose free will is limited and why?

Why does it disturb Poison so much to learn that the Hierophant is controlling her life? Why does she attempt to combat this by giving up? Do you think that she behaved badly...