How does St. Clair imbue the early encounters between Isolde and Adrian with foreshadowing to hint at to Isolde’s identity as the reincarnation of Yesenia? Are these references effective, too heavy-handed, or too vague? Cite specific textual evidence to support your argument.

How does St. Clair use casual references and key narrative details to create a sense of the broader political realities that dominate the world of Cordova?

Discuss the overlapping roles of religion and mythology in the narrative. How do the various characters’ metaphysical beliefs (or firsthand experiences) influence their perceptions of the world?