Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. The novel throws you right into Elise’s quest for vengeance from the very first chapter. What was your initial reaction to her character and her methods? Did your opinion of her change as you learned more about her past and her love for Gareth?

2. How did you feel about the “Why Choose” romance dynamic, where Elise develops connections with all four Kings? Do you think this structure strengthened or weakened the central murder mystery, and why?

3. Dark Fae is a prequel to the authors’ popular Zodiac Academy series, leading to events that happen five years later. How effective was it as an entry point into the world of Solaria? For those who have read the main series, how did knowing the future of this world change your experience of reading this origin story?

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

1. Elise’s primary motivation is her desire to avenge her brother. Share about a time in your life when a powerful emotion motivated you to take on a challenge or make a significant change.

2. Gareth makes a series of morally questionable choices to protect his sister. Where do you draw the line between doing something wrong for the right reasons? Have you ever felt caught in a situation where the “right” choice wasn’t clear?

3. Elise adopts a new hairstyle and persona to infiltrate Aurora Academy. Can you recall a time when you felt the need to present a different version of yourself to fit into a new school, job, or social group? What did that experience feel like?

4. Loyalty is a powerful motivator for many characters. Think about the different loyalties you balance in your own life, such as to family, friends, or work. How do you navigate situations where those loyalties conflict?

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

1. Aurora Academy operates on a social hierarchy where power is everything and violence is tacitly encouraged. In what ways does this fantasy world reflect or critique power structures you see in real-world institutions, such as schools, workplaces, or politics?

2. What does the controversial “bully romance” subgenre, where love interests begin as antagonists or tormentors, suggest about contemporary desires in romance fiction? Why do you think this particular dynamic is so popular with readers?

3. The authors built a massive, interconnected universe and a loyal fanbase primarily through independent digital publishing platforms like Kindle Unlimited. How do you think this direct-to-reader model, driven by social media, is changing the kinds of stories that get told and who gets to tell them?

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

1. How did the authors’ use of flashbacks from Gareth’s perspective affect your reading experience? Did these glimpses into the past change your theories about his death or your understanding of the present-day characters?

2. The theme of The Cyclical Nature of Dehumanization and Abuse is central to the story. How do Ryder’s past trauma and Elise’s quest for vengeance illustrate this self-perpetuating cycle? Does the novel offer any hope for breaking this pattern?

3. How does Killblaze evolve into a symbol of the deeper corruption festering within the academy?

4. How does the motif of biting and fangs develop the theme of The Cyclical Nature of Dehumanization and Abuse? Consider how Elise uses this motif to express different things, such as dominance, survival, and intimacy.

5. The Four Kings each embody a different dark romance archetype. In what ways do Dante, Ryder, Leon, and Gabriel fit neatly into these roles? Were there any moments where their actions surprised you or subverted your expectations of their character type?

6. Leon’s character is built on a sharp contrast between his charming, easy-going exterior and his capacity for ruthless violence. How does the narrative use this duality to build suspense and challenge both Elise’s and the reader’s judgments?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. If you were hired to cast a TV adaptation of Dark Fae, which of the four Kings would be the most difficult to cast, and why? What qualities would an actor need to capture that character’s complex nature?

2. Imagine you are a student at Aurora Academy who is not a King or a member of a major gang. What kind of Fae would you be, and what strategy would you use to survive in its brutal, hierarchical environment?