Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of graphic violence, sexual content, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and sexual harassment.
Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.
1. God of Wrath is an interconnected standalone, meaning it’s part of the larger Legacy of Gods series but focuses on a new couple. How did this structure affect your reading experience, especially if this was your first entry into Rina Kent’s universe? Did knowing about the characters’ family histories add depth, or did it feel like you were missing crucial context?
2. The relationship between Cecily Knight and Jeremy Volkov is built on coercion, stalking, and brutality. What was your overall reaction to their dynamic as the romantic core of the novel? Did the author manage to build a connection that felt believable amidst such extreme circumstances?
3. The “predator and prey” initiation game is central to the plot. Have you encountered similar high-stakes games in other books? What distinguishes the hunt in God of Wrath from others, especially in how it serves the characters’ psychological development?
Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.
1. Cecily’s public persona is that of a quiet “prude nerd,” which she uses to hide her private desires. Have you ever felt that people close to you misunderstood your personality or interests? Did you find this misrepresentation beneficial or harmful?
2. Early in the story, Cecily believes her ability to be invisible is a “superpower.” Have you ever felt that being unnoticed was a strength or a protective shield? Do you still feel that way?
3. Cecily’s initial crush on Landon King is based on an idealized image she created, which shatters when she learns his true nature. Have you ever discovered that someone you cared about wasn’t how you originally believed they were? How did this impact your relationship with them?
4. The characters have different perspectives on loyalty, particularly within friendly or romantic relationships—for example, the friends feel loyal to Creighton after Annika Volkov breaks up with him, while Jeremy accuses Cecily of being disloyal for abandoning Annika. Have you ever felt caught in the conflict between friends and unsure of how to show your loyalty? How was the conflict resolved?
5. Adrian Volkov advises his son Jeremy not to repeat his past “mistake” regarding mistrust in a relationship. Have you ever had to learn to trust someone whose world or way of life was completely different from your own? What did that experience teach you about the nature of trust?
6. Cecily recovers from her traumatic past through an unconventional sexual and romantic dynamic with Jeremy. Have you ever experienced positive emotional development through subversive or untraditional relationships? Were people in your life supportive or critical of your decisions?
Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.
1. God of Wrath is a prime example of the dark romance genre, which has seen a huge surge in popularity on social media. What do you think is the appeal of stories that feature anti-heroes, morally ambiguous situations, and taboo themes? How does this subgenre challenge or subvert the expectations of a traditional romance novel?
2. Jeremy frequently takes justice into his own hands, from torturing Cecily’s ex-boyfriend to punishing men who harass her. The novel frames these violent acts as a form of protection. What message does this send about justice and power, particularly when sexual crimes against women are rarely prosecuted in the real world?
3. The narrative uses consensual nonconsent and primal play as a framework for Cecily’s healing from past trauma. How does the book navigate the complex and sensitive territory of reenacting trauma in a consensual setting to reclaim agency? How does its message align with feminist ideological arguments about consent and empowerment in the modern day?
Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.
1. How does the author’s choice to alternate between Cecily’s and Jeremy’s first-person perspectives impact your understanding of their relationship? What crucial insights do you gain from Jeremy’s chapters that you wouldn’t have from Cecily’s point of view alone?
2. The motif of masks and hiding is central to the novel. How does the significance of masks, both literal and metaphorical, change for Cecily and Jeremy from the first initiation to the hunt in Epilogue 2?
3. Jeremy’s secluded Gothic cottage is more than just a setting. In what ways does this space function symbolically to represent the private, lawless world where their relationship can exist and develop?
4. Consider Landon’s role in the narrative. What is the purpose of presenting him as a foil for Jeremy? How does it do so?
5. What is the significance of Cecily using their safe word, “Smoke,” to end the relationship in the hospital? How does this moment subvert the word’s original purpose and become the ultimate act of her reclaiming personal agency?
Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.
1. Cecily finds healing and connection through her relationship with Jeremy. Imagine a different path for her after the attack by Zayn at the animal shelter. If she had decided to heal on her own without reconciling with Jeremy, what do you think her life would look like one year later?
2. You’ve been tasked with designing a new room in Jeremy’s cottage meant just for Cecily. What would this space look like, and what specific objects or features would you include to reflect her healed self and her journey throughout the novel?
3. Annika is often caught between her loyalty to her brother and her university friendships. Write a short journal entry from Annika’s perspective after she learns the full truth about Cecily and Jeremy’s relationship. What would be her fears, hopes, and conflicting feelings about the two people she cares for most?



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