Across the Vanishing Sky

Dex fears that he has inherited his murderous father’s capacity for violence. How do Dex’s life choices reveal his efforts to separate himself apart from his family’s legacy?

How do Braedyn’s conflicts with Sheriff Miller, Vincent Faber, and Travis Moore critique the nature of justice? Do all of these antagonists deserve their fates? Why or why not?

How do Waylon’s personality quirks work to counteract the Archer brothers’ dark past?

Examine the novel’s prologue. How does Cowles create an immediate sense of familiarity with Nova as a character? What techniques does she use to convey a deeper sense of Nova’s personality and personal values?

Across the Vanishing Sky features several crossover characters from Catherine Cowles’s other series. Beyond fan service, what purposes do peripheral figures such as Anson Hunt and Ridley Sawyer serve in this particular story?

How does the presence of Skylar at Twisted Oaks change the brothers’ dynamic? What does her personality reveal about Kol’s parenting techniques and her uncles’ influences?

The Archer family’s hot sauce competitions take center stage in Braedyn’s bid to win the brothers’ respect. How does she use this ritual to take control of the family gathering? How does the brothers’ liking for hot sauce reflect their collective definition of strength?

For much of the novel, Vincent is implied to be the primary suspect in Nova’s disappearance. How does Cowles execute this extended red herring? What narrative techniques does she use ass misdirection?