1. The Wildcat’s Victory is part counter-intelligence story and part alternate military history. Did the two work together? Did the author glorify war, or show its horrors?

2. Did your view of the characters change as the story progressed? Could you relate to their predicaments?

3. Were the 17^th century threats convincing or were they minimal, even within the limitations of their culture? The author modelled the Empire’s forces and tactics on the Duke of Marlborough’s campaigns, while the Iskander capabilities are mostly American Civil War, except for the Boer War field guns. Of course, the radio communications of the Iskanders shows up the importance in all campaigns of timely information. Were the perils and the stakes evened between the actors?

4. The major character, Gisel, is somewhat exaggerated, but does she act consistently and credibly in her role?

5. What specific issues did the author emphasize throughout the novel? What do you think he is trying to get across to the reader?

6. Was there character development in the story, or were characters unchanged by their experiences? What events trigger such changes?

7. Does the story tell you anything about the author’s attitude to cultures, technologies, and history? Were there aspects of Gaian history that were commensurate with ours?

8. What did you notice about the alternate Earth setting of the book and how did it enhance or take away from the story? Did you recognise any Earth originals?