- Veronica and Stoker’s relationship has evolved over the course of six books. How would you characterize their relationship now?
- Veronica is impulsive and intrepid. Are these strengths or weaknesses in her character?
- What drives Veronica? What drives Stoker?
- Alice Baker-Greene is inspired by real-life mountaineers such as Fanny Bullock Workman and Annie Smith Peck. What challenges did they face as climbers? As suffragists?
- Veronica and Stoker live in a world that struggles to adapt to modern technology. How is that similar to the struggles we face in the twenty-first century?
- Princess Gisela faces the conflicting demands of heart and head. Do you think she chooses wisely in how she balances the duties of a head of state with her personal inclinations?
- Veronica meets another member of her family in this adventure. How would you characterize Empress Frederick?
- Veronica makes a difficult choice with regard to meeting her father. Did she make the right choice under the circumstances?
- Veronica chose to participate in a masquerade that proves dangerous. If she knew at the beginning what would happen, do you think she would have acted differently?
- How do their dangerous adventures affect Veronica and Stoker’s relationship? Does peril bring them closer or do you think it is driving them apart?