Glorious Rivals

Explore the novel’s complex definition of trust by comparing the calculated, temporary alliance between Rohan and Savannah with the emotionally volatile, secret-laden partnership between Lyra and Grayson.

Jennifer Lynn Barnes uses the concept of “echoes” in both the plot and themes of the novel. Analyze how this metaphor structures the narrative, connecting past events to present conflicts and contributing to the text’s representation as a solvable puzzle.

How does the novel use the rivalry between Grayson Hawthorne and Rohan to expose the inherent flaws in both of their worldviews?

Glorious Rivals is structured as a high-stakes competition within a larger, real-world “game.” Examine how the formal rules of the Grandest Game obscure the more dangerous, hidden agendas of characters like Eve, Calla Thorp, and Alice Hawthorne. What does this structure suggest about the nature of power and control?

How does the calla lily’s meaning shift over the course of the novel? How does this change contribute to the themes of the novel and the arcs of characters like Lyra and Brady?

Classic island mysteries like Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None or, more recently, Lucy Foley’s The Guest List, often use an isolated setting to create suspense and paranoia among a cast of characters with hidden secrets. Discuss how Glorious Rivals employs these conventions, and analyze what unique, new elements Barnes brings to this established formula.

Discuss how the opulent and isolated setting of Hawthorne Island functions as a character. How does it contribute to the novel’s thematic meaning?

Argue for Savannah Grayson’s role as a tragic hero rather than an antagonist. Consider how her motivations complicate a straightforward reading of her actions, particularly her alliance with Eve and her ultimate victory.