Nest and the women in her family are appointed the guardians of the forest. Why do you think they were chosen? Do you think the fact that they are female has anything to do with the choice? Why or why not?

The main struggle in the novel is between those in service to the Word and those in service to the Void. Describe each of their servants. What characteristics do they share, and how are they different? Why are the servants mostly invisible to people?

How much do we learn about Caitlin Freemark throughout the novel? Nest and her grandmother both manage to withstand the temptations of the demon. How do they differ from Caitlin and this regard?

Old Bob Freemark appears to realize his wife and granddaughter have a strange connection, but Evelyn does not believe he will ever come to understand the...