Essay Questions

Why is Tavi unsure about himself at the beginning of the novel?

Tavi is unsure about himself at the beginning of the novel because he seems to be the only person without the ability to fury craft. Although others can control natural elements such as earth, fire, wood, air, and water, Tavi has not yet found his domain. This is turn makes him feel inadequate and a little isolated.

What is Amara's true identity?

Although Amara introduces herself to Tavi as a slave, this is not her true identity. Instead, Amara is an apprentice of Fidelias, training to become a spy for Gaius Sextus. She is on a mission trying to gather information about possible traitors.

How did Butcher compare Tavi to his other literary characters?

Butcher has stated that the character of Tavi is the opposite of his other well-known character Harry Dresden, from his series The Dresden Files. This makes sense, as Tavi is at first the only person who cannot craft furies, whereas Harry Dresden is the only person in the country who is a wizard. As such, the characters have very different problems.