Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. How would you classify the novel? In your opinion, is the narrative dominated by romance tropes, dystopian patterns, or common themes from science fiction? Explain your answer.

2. The story ends on a major cliffhanger, with Bruce’s life and the future of the Civilized World in the balance. How did you feel about this ending?

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

1. For Loredana, fencing is the core of her identity, and she feels lost without it. What passion or skill is central to your own sense of self, and why? 

2. Harrison advises Loredana to “[c]hoose your hard” (47), suggesting that in their world, survival requires selecting the least terrible option. Have you ever faced a situation where all the available choices were difficult? How did you navigate this crisis?

3. The Waldsten sisters have very different ways of responding to their family’s turmoil. Which sister’s perspective did you relate to the most, and why? 

4. Jack’s journey involves confronting his alcohol addiction and rebuilding his self-respect after Charlotte’s betrayal. What does his struggle suggest about the challenge of finding personal agency when one’s social standing is dependent on others?

5. After betraying Jack, Charlotte underwent extreme cosmetic surgery. Have you ever felt a desire to reinvent yourself after a difficult period in your life?

6. Edmund is trapped between his own moral compass and the brutal legacy of the Prew family. Think about a time when you had to choose between loyalty to yourself and loyalty to a group or institution. How did you resolve this issue?

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

1. The televised executions of “Bloody Sunday” are used as a tool of political control and intimidation. What are some modern parallels to this use of mass media to create fear and spread propaganda?

2. The Civilized World is rigidly structured around a genetically engineered caste system based on blood color. How do the authors use this portrayal to deliver a scathing critique of modern-day racism?

3. Consider the novel’s portrayal of the robotic “Pinkies.” To what extent do their descriptions critique (or champion) the advancement of artificially intelligent technologies in the real world?

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

1. Analyze the authors’ consistent use of creative metaphors. Why does Loredana often personify her surroundings?

2. The energy shield is presented as a source of both safety and confinement. How does the final Ranger attack change the novel’s broader portrayal of the shield’s true purpose?

3. What status do the Pinkies hold in the Civilized World? Are they most aptly described as administrative tools, or are they yet another marginalized, enslaved underclass? Consider the enigmatic figure of Henry in your response. 

4. Many characters in the novel make difficult choices as the inevitable result of an oppressive system. Which character’s choices most thoroughly compromised their sense of self, and why?

5. The authors chose to self-publish their planned nine-book series, retaining complete creative control. How does the narrative structure of Because I Killed Him depart from the conventional pattern of a basic plot structure?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Imagine that you’re Professor Jerome and must recruit a new Brasscoat informant. What qualities would you look for, and how would you ensure the person’s loyalty?

2. If you were in charge of the social-media account for Tattletale, what kind of posts would you create about the yacht-party incident on Founders Day? 

3. If you were to design your own cover for Because I Killed Him, which symbols would feature most prominently?