Masters of Death

The Prelude is purposefully ambiguous to leave room for interpretation. What do you think the Prelude is about? Who are the three characters? How does the Prelude set up the themes of the novel? Provide specific examples.

How does the relationship between Fox and Brandt change over the course of the narrative? How does this relationship contrast with Viola and Tom’s romance, and how does deception play a role in each?

Why does the text use different mythologies in the narrative? How does this represent different cultures through The Exploration of Life and Death, and why is this important?

What is the significance of Viola and Tom’s relationship? How does Viola’s internal struggle over her vampirism affect her? How does Tom help her, and where do they overlap as creatures who are caught in between mortality and immortality as a shapeshifter and a ghost?

Describe the significance of Mayra and Cal’s relationship. How does their forbidden love affect their relationship? What is the significance of their desire to negotiate the terms of their relationship as angels in love rather than accept afterlives?

How does the idea of “balance is king” appear throughout the narrative (64)? How do Isis and Volos embody this philosophy differently? Do any other characters balance each other out?

How does Brandt adjust his speech patterns to get around telling the truth while still trying to convey his feelings? What does this say about the importance of language and honesty? Why does Death not take the curse back when he knows how much Fox loves Brandt?

What is the significance of Iðunn and Brandt’s relationship? What does Iðunn represent for Brandt and the text itself? Why does he return to her at the end of the novel with Fox?