Book Details
Little, Brown Young Readers
Paperback, 192 pages
$7.99
ISBN-13: 978-0316154093
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The Foretelling
Discussion Questions

1. Animals play a strong role in The Foretelling As Rain explains, "Horses were everything to us. Our goddess, our sisters, our sustenance." Bees and bears (Usha) are also a significant part of the book. What does Rain learn from each of the different animals mentioned in the book? Can you think of cultures besides the Amazon culture in which people live side-by-side with animals and treat them as equals? Do you think this is possible in modern society?
2. Gift-giving is another theme in the novel. The smith gives Rain the bronze scythe he has made. Melek gives Rain gloves made from Usha's claws for her to wear in battle. Io gives Rain an amulet. Rain gives Deborah a headdress made of raven feathers. Rain describes horses and bees as gifts that her people have and that no men have been granted. And both Rain and her mother are given the gift of prophecy. Deborah says, "Sometimes a gift is meaningless, sometimes it means the world." In what ways do you think her observation holds truth? How is the gift of prophecy in particular both a blessing and a curse?
3. Rain questions and ultimately rebels against some of the ways of her tribe. What are some of the ways she rebels in thought? In action? Do you believe that it is better to stay true to your duty and submit yourself to those who need you - or to break free from that which you don't entirely know and follow your instinct? Have you ever had to make such a choice? What were the consequences?
4. Rain describes the void between her and her mother at the beginning of the book. How does her relationship with her mother change during the course of the story? Why do you think she often refers to her mother by her first name, Alina, or as "the Queen"? How do you interpret their last conversation, in which Rain's mother says that she should have waited to name her, and Rain replies, "I’m Rain, and I'm grateful for that name"? Do you think Rain feels accepted by her mother in the end?
5. Why do you think that Rain feels such aversion toward Penthe and Io at the beginning of the book? "I had already decided to hate Penthe, and I quickly decided to hate Io as well" What causes her change of heart?
6. In Amazon tribes, women reign. Do you believe that men and women can live apart? What are some of the positive attributes male characters, such as the smith and Melek, possess? What do you think draws Rain to Melek?
7. Rain spends her days practicing marksmanship and horsemanship. When she enters her first battle, she is both physically and mentally ready to strike down her enemies, and claims that she is stronger than fifty men. Do you think she is emotionally ready for battle? Why or why not?
8. The Foretelling is a story of both peace and war. What do you think is more important in life – power or love?