Glow

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Give your overall impression of Glow. How does it compare to the previous books in the series? Were you surprised by any of the developments?

2. Kennedy’s Plated Prisoner series is a romantasy. How is it different or similar compared to other romantic fantasy books that you’ve read?

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

1. Auren has freed herself from Midas’s abuse, but still struggles to reclaim her agency in Glow. Have you ever struggled to move on from something difficult that happened in your past? How did your experience of recovery compare to Auren’s?

2. Auren embarks on a passionate affair with Slade in this book, but she is still navigating how to balance her need for autonomy with their romantic relationship. Have you ever faced challenges in balancing your need for independence with a desire for connection? How did you resolve this issue?

3. The flashbacks and dreams the characters experience suggest that the past can have an enormous influence on the present. How does your past continue to shape who you are today, in both positive and negative ways? 

4. Slade is accused of neglecting his kingdom while he attends to Auren. Have you ever felt torn between competing responsibilities in your own life? How have you responded to these pressures?

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

1. Glow depicts a political world in which greed and corruption are rampant. How might Glow be read as a political commentary on present-day problems of power?

2. Auren’s recovery from an abusive relationship is at the very heart of Glow, while other characters—like Slade and Elore—have also experienced abuse. In what ways is the novel’s handling of this issue sensitive or insensitive? Are there any elements of the text that you found especially accurate or problematic?

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

1. Analyze the book’s narrative structure. Why do you think the author chose to use first-person narration throughout? How do the different points of view affect the novel’s plot, characterization, and/or exploration of key ideas?

2. How are Slade and Auren different or similar in terms of their character arcs? What challenges do they face, and how does each character respond to them?

3. Discuss the settings of Annwyn and Orea. How is each one described? What is the wider significance of each setting?

4. Think of several examples where elements from the fairy tale of King Midas influence the novel. How does Kennedy adapt the tale for her own ends in Glow? What is the significance of these changes?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. If Glow were made into a movie, who would you cast in the roles of Auren, Slade, and Midas? Explain your choices.

2. If you could have a magical ability, like Auren’s gold-touch, what type of magical ability would you choose? What would you do with your new magical powers, and why?