A Dawn of Onyx

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What similarities and differences does A Dawn of Onyx have to other indie-published romantasies such The Serpent and the Wings of Night, The Bridge Kingdom, or From Blood and Ash?

2. What aspects of A Dawn of Onyx did you enjoy most? Which parts disappointed you? Explain your reasoning.

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Arwen frequently suppresses her own needs in order to care for others. Have you ever felt similarly responsible for someone else’s well-being? How did you handle this imbalance?

2. Do you agree with Arwen’s decision to help Halden escape? Why or why not? What might you have done in her position?

3. Given Ryder’s ignorance of King Gareth’s nefarious goals, his decision to desert the army is taken out of fear and a desire to return to his family. Is this a justifiable or honorable decision? Why or why not? How would you react if you were in Ryan’s position?

4. During her visits with Halden in the dungeons, Arwen begins to notice his habit of belittling her and wonders why she ever found his demeanor attractive. Have you ever noticed a romantic interest’s “red flags” or problematic behaviors after taking time away from the person?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. How do Arwen’s evolving views of Kane and the war reflect people’s real-life shifts in perspective when new information comes to light? How does the novel critique the role of propaganda in influencing political stances?

2. The Fae are portrayed as nearly extinct due to the misuse of a finite resource. What parallels can you draw between this aspect of the story and the environmental issues that are prominent in the real world?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. Identify and analyze at least three moments that mark key turning points in Arwen’s inner development. Is her personal growth realistic or overexaggerated?

2. Kane is introduced as a potential villain but is gradually revealed to be more nuanced. How does the author change her portrayal of him over time? How does this deliberate shift fit into the typical structure of a romantasy?

3. How does the use of Arwen’s first-person perspective affect your understanding of the politics at work in the novel? If Arwen’s perspective had been altered with Kane’s, how would this structural shift alter the rhythm and tone of the story?

4. Why does the author withhold key information, such as the details of the prophecy, the truth of Kane’s identity, and the ominous nature of Halden’s intentions?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Place yourself in Mari’s shoes as a scholar of Fae lore and interpret the seer’s prophecy, line by line. Drawing from your interpretations, theorize the direction that the rest of the series might take.

2. Pretend that every character in the novel is a powerful Fae who is capable of shifting into an animal form. Which animal would each character become, and how does this choice exemplify their essential character?

3. Choose a chapter or a scene from the novel. For every character present in that scene, put them in a hypothetical game of Roses and Thorns. What is their rose and their thorn at that moment in the story?