Why does Luce entertain Cam’s advances? How does his behavior contrast with Daniel’s, and how do her impressions of him shift over time? What does Luce like about Cam, and how does his behavior change her feelings about him?

How does the isolated setting of Sword & Cross impact the narrative? How does this setting characterize everyone within it? What unique aspects of the reform school contribute to the way things unfold between the characters?

How does the novel characterize Luce? Does she have any immutable qualities? Does her characterization extend beyond her mysterious past and romance with Daniel? If not, why not?

How does the novel characterize Daniel and Cam? How are these characters alike, and how are they different? How are their descriptions in the novel used to hint at their true nature? Why do you think Cam pursues Luce despite knowing about her fated romance with Daniel?

In what ways does Fallen utilize existing mythology and literature about angels to create its story? What allusions does the novel make that aid in the readers’ understanding of the events and characters within?

Two important twists occur in the final chapters of the book, shaping the way the climax and denouement take place. How do the revelations that Luce is not baptized and that Miss Sophia is an antagonist relate to the story and to each other? How does the novel foreshadow these revelations?

Luce receives gifts from both Daniel and Cam. How do these gifts differ in form? What do each of these gifts mean in the context of who presents them to Luce, and how are the intentions behind them different?

How do the mortal characters like Penn and Todd contribute to the novel’s events? Why is Todd’s death significant, and what does it suggest about the shadows that follow Luce? Why is Penn’s death significant?