The study guide identifies Jay Kristoff’s work as part of the grimdark fantasy subgenre and notes his authorial history of engaging with sensitive religious themes. How do these contexts inform a reading of the novel’s critique of the One Faith and the heretical Esani cult?

How does Fabien Voss embody the theme “The Corrupting Nature of Absolute Power”?

Analyze how the novel reframes the notion of “brokenness,” not as failure, but as a source of strength. Please use examples from the text to support your answer.

Examine how the themes of “Love as an Act of Rebellion” is developed through the character arcs of Gabriel de León, Reyne á Maergenn, and Aaron de Coste in Empire of the Dawn.

Explore the symbolic function of blood throughout the narrative. How does the novel explore the dual nature of this symbol? What larger ideas does the duality of blood represent?

Dior is portrayed as a messianic, “chosen-one” figure common in fantasy narratives. Comparing her to other chosen ones, such as Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games or Harry Potter from the eponymous series, discuss how author Jay Kristoff modifies the trope.

How do the narrative styles of Gabriel and Celene, as observed in their testimony to Jean-Francois, differ? What do the differences reveal about the respective characters of the siblings?

In contrast to trends in contemporary fantasy which sometimes position vampires as romantic anti-heroes, Kristoff portrays them as symbols of corrupt power. What other differences do you observe between traditional vampiric lore and Kristoff’s portrayal of vampires? How does the author build on the lore, and how does he deviate from it?