The Bridge Kingdom (The Bridge Kingdom, #1)

How does the novel challenge the concept of loyalty and trust within the context of war and espionage?

Evaluate the portrayal of gender roles and implied societal expectations. How are traditional gender roles challenged or reinforced through Lara’s training and her role in Ithicana? What does the author imply about the mismatched power dynamics between male and female characters?

Compare and contrast Aren and Silas in both their roles as leaders and their personal relationships. How does the presence or absence of empathy affect their actions and attitudes?

How do Lara and Aren each navigate the internal conflict between personal freedom and the self-sacrifice?

How does martyrdom impacts the development of trust? Consider Lara’s willingness to sacrifice herself for Maridrina’s prosperity. How does her self-sacrificing nature make her more vulnerable, both personally and politically?

How does the author use physical geography to shape the novel’s various political conflicts? Examine the bridge’s contradictory status as a natural defense, a geographical burden, and a vulnerability.

Research the basic tenets expressed in The Prince, by Niccolò Machiavelli. How does Silas’s approach to leadership reflect these principles? Use specific examples from the novel to support your interpretation.

To what extent do alliances and betrayals shape the political landscape in the narrative, and which characters manage to maintain their integrity in such a treacherous setting?