Tamora Pierce's fast-paced, suspenseful writing and strong,
believable heroines have won her much praise and a large, devoted
fan following. She lives in Syracuse, New York, with her husband,
Tim, five cats, two birds, and various freeloading wildlife. Visit
her online at www.tamorapierce.com.
1. In the first pages of Trickster's Choice, Aly's mother,
Alanna, accuses Aly of "not wanting to do anything." On the same
page Aly says to someone else: "You try being the daughter of a
legend. It's a great deal of work." How do these two statements
relate to each other? When Aly is separated from her family, how
does it change both her and her mother? Could these changes happen
in a contemporary setting?
2. "This is going to be my greatest trick ever, pulled off under
the noses of mortals and gods alike," Kyprioth tells Aly. What
trick is he talking about?
3. Aly keeps her true identity a secret in the Copper Isles.
Why?
4. How are the Balitangs different from other slave owners? Does
it make a difference in their relationships with slaves? How are
slaves and servants different in the Copper Isles?
5. Kyprioth remarks that Aly is "marked by fate from birth, just
like her parents." What characteristics does Aly share with her
parents? Which characteristics are unique to her?
6. How are the morals of the people in Tortall different from
those in the Copper Isles? How are the raka and luarin different?
Tamora Pierce is inspired by both history and current events. Can
you think of specific times, places, or events that might have
inspired her when she wrote Trickster's Choice?
7. Why do the Balitang's raka slaves and servants protect Sarai
and Dove? What does it mean for the raka people?
8. "It isn't just children who need heroes. Don't you see what
she's done for women, for all women?" Dove asks Aly when inquiring
about the Lioness. Whom does each of the characters in the novel
look up to?
9. To survive as a slave and a spy, Aly has to use what she has
learned from her father and others. What are some examples of what
she has learned? How has she put that knowledge to use?
10. Why is Nawat the only crow to turn himself into a human? Why
does Aly resist falling in love with him? Is she only afraid to be
vulnerable, or is it something more?
11. What is Bronau's interest in Sarai? Why doesn't he ask her
father's permission to court her? What was his relationship with
Winnamine, Sarai's stepmother? Who do you think understands
Bronau's motivations best?
12. How is Aly's family like and unlike the Balitang family? How
do those two families compare to the royal family of the Copper
Isles? Do you think the families in this fantasy setting reflect
the relationships in families today?
13. If you could be like any of the characters in
Trickster's Choice, whom would you choose? Why? Are you
already similar to any of the characters? If so, How?