51 pages • 1-hour read
God of Malice
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Essay Topics
Content Warning: This section features discussions of sexual violence and harassment, rape, ableism, mental illness, death by suicide, suicidal ideation and self-harm, animal cruelty and death, substance use, addiction, graphic violence, sexual content, cursing, illness and death, physical abuse, and emotional abuse.
In the author’s note of God of Malice, Rina Kent defines Killian as “a true psychopath, not a make-believe, nor a bad boy who’s eventually tamed. He’s a villain with very questionable actions, […] morally black” (8). Though Killian is shown to have a few good or neutral characteristics, he’s never described as anything but a villain. What does the romanticization of his character reveal about the novel’s themes? What does Glyndon’s struggle to accept her love for Killian reveal about the nature of that love?
The idea of consent is often muddled and unclear in God of Malice. How does the blurry definition of consent reflect Glyndon’s character arc and her relationship with Killian? Cite specific examples.
The chapters of God of Malice alternate between the perspectives of Glyndon, Killian, and others, a common narrative approach in contemporary romance novels. How do these differing perspectives affect Glyndon and Killian’s characterization? How does each of the characters portray themselves, and how do they portray each other?
God of Malice falls firmly within the genre of dark romance, yet it also uses tropes of other genres such as mystery and thriller. How does the use of multiple genres impact the novel’s plot or the main characters’ relationships?
How does the setting of Brighton Island contribute to the novel’s plot and tone? Why might Kent have chosen this location rather than a big city like Glyndon and Killian’s hometowns?
Contemporary romance novels often include depictions of sex to show a connection between the main characters. Does the inclusion of sexual assault and dubious consent subvert this trope? Why or why not?
A few characters from Kent’s other novels are mentioned or have cameos within God of Malice. Is there any significance to these inclusions? What do Kent’s novels taking place in the same universe say about God of Malice and the characters within?
Analyze a minor character from the text such as Annika, Landon, or Nikolai. What is their significance within God of Malice, and how do they expand on the novel’s themes or plot points?
The genre of dark romance is often contentious, particularly regarding novels that romanticize toxic relationships or don’t adhere to accepted morals. Does Kent justify the use of genre tropes like violence, abuse, and assault to convey a broader message? Analyze two or three examples from the text to support your opinion.
God of Malice is the first novel in the Legacy of Gods series. In what ways does the ending of this story foreshadow the upcoming novels or establish the other relationships in the series?
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