Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Children of Fallen Gods fits into the popular “romantasy” subgenre. What made its blend of epic fantasy and romance unique compared to other books you’ve read in this category, like Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses or Rebecca Yarros’s Fourth Wing?

2. What did you think of the dual storyline structure, which alternates between Tisaanah’s war in Ara and Aefe’s conflict in the Fey lands? Did you find yourself more invested in one plotline over the other? Did you anticipate the convergence or was this a surprise?

3. Of all the shocking moments in the book, from Zeryth’s death and Tisaanah’s revival to the final reveal about Reshaye’s origins, which one had the biggest impact on you as a reader, and why?

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

1. Max is a reluctant leader, driven more by a desire to protect those he loves than by any ambition for power. Consider your experience of leaders—what made them good and/or poor leaders for you?

2. Aefe’s identity is shaped by her father’s rejection and her lifelong quest to earn his approval. How have your childhood/family experiences shaped you and your ambitions in life?

3. The refugees betray Tisaanah under duress, believing they are saving their own families. Think of a time when you have had to make a difficult decision that hurt another person. In retrospect, was this the right thing to do? Why or why not?

4. The novel explores ideas of freedom. What does freedom mean to you and in what ways do you try to enjoy it in your own life?

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

1. The civil war in Ara is sparked by a conflict between Zeryth, a low-born but powerful leader, and Atrick Aviness, who represents the traditional royal bloodline. How does this conflict reflect the triggers of war or fights for legitimacy in the real world, either in the past or present?

2. The novel explores experiences of enslavement. In what ways does it draw on key historical narratives of enslavement, and of freedom or escape from that enslavement?

3. Consider the book as an allegory for real political machinations. What does this reading reveal about the nature of power, allegiance, and betrayal in the structure of the society you live in?

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

1. What is the significance of the magical prison Ilyzath? How does it function to reveal hidden aspects of the characters and their fates?

2. Let’s talk about the big reveal that Aefe is Reshaye. What impact did the twist have on your understanding of Reshaye as a character? How do you think this will play out in the next novel—and why?

3. The Prologue’s narrator speaks of a story that will “end with a scream.” Now that you’ve finished the book, who do you think this narrator is? Is that different from what you guessed at different points during reading? Why was that?

4. Carissa Broadbent’s first novel in this series, Daughter of No Worlds, focuses on Tisaanah’s initial quest for power. In what ways does this sequel explore the more complex theme of what happens after power is obtained, testing the ideals established in the first book?

5. What roles does sex and sexual desire play in the book? How does this mirror the other concerns of the novel, such as moral values, power, and freedom?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. The novel ends with Max imprisoned and Tisaanah vowing to rescue him. If you were writing the first chapter of the next book, where would you begin? Plan or write the first scene, talking care to consider Broadbent’s style.

2. If you could halt the action to give one piece of advice to a character at a critical moment in the book what would you say? What would this alter in the narrative?

3. Nura becomes Arch Commandant at the end of the book. Imagine that she creates something to mark her ascent to power, perhaps an event, building, or monument. What would this be and how would it reflect her projected view of herself. What might it reveal that she doesn’t intent?