Gods of Jade and Shadow

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of racism.

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What did you think of Moreno-Garcia’s approach to weaving Mayan mythology into a 1920s Mexican setting? How does this book compare to her novel Mexican Gothic, which blends historical fiction with supernatural horror elements?

2. Casiopea’s story follows many classic fairy tale patterns, yet it subverts others in significant ways. Which fairy tale elements felt most familiar to you, and where did you notice Moreno-Garcia deliberately breaking from those traditional expectations?

3. The novel balances intimate character development with epic mythological stakes. How effectively did you feel the book managed this scope, moving between Casiopea’s personal growth and the cosmic battle between the death gods?

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

1. Casiopea spends years dreaming of escape from her grandfather’s house before Hun-Kamé gives her the opportunity to leave. Have you ever felt trapped in a situation where you could envision a different life but couldn’t see a clear path to get there?

2. Throughout their journey, Casiopea repeatedly makes sacrifices while Hun-Kamé initially contributes very little. Think about relationships in your own life where you’ve felt the give and take was unequal. How did you handle that imbalance, and what similarities do you see in Casiopea’s approach?

3. The 1920s setting shows Mexico caught between traditional ideals and modern influences, much like Casiopea herself. When have you experienced tension between honoring where you come from and embracing change or new opportunities?

4. Martín’s character arc shows him leaving his small world and discovering how unprepared he is for bigger challenges. Describe a time when you stepped outside your comfort zone and realized how much you still had to learn.

5. Hun-Kamé’s growing humanity changes him in ways he never expected, making him question everything he thought he wanted. Have you ever had an experience that fundamentally shifted your priorities or made you reconsider what you thought would make you happy?

6. Casiopea chooses duty over personal desire when she refuses to name Hun-Kamé and claim him for herself. When have you faced a similar choice between what you wanted and what you felt was right?

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

1. The novel takes place during a period when American culture was filtering into Mexico, creating tension between traditional and modern values. How do you see similar cultural tensions playing out in today’s world, and what does the book suggest about navigating these changes?

2. Casiopea initially believes she’s unattractive because of her dark skin and Indigenous features, having internalized colonial beauty standards. What does her journey toward self-acceptance reveal about how systemic oppression affects individual self-worth?

3. Vucub-Kamé wants to return to the old ways when humans worshipped through sacrifice and fear, while Hun-Kamé accepts that times have changed. How do you see this conflict reflected in contemporary debates about tradition versus progress?

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

1. How does Hun-Kamé’s transformation from god to someone more human drive the central tension of the story? What does his growing capacity for laughter, sleep, and love suggest about the relationship between power and humanity?

2. Stars appear throughout the novel as symbols of hope, freedom, and the connection between Casiopea and Hun-Kamé. How does the symbolism of stars evolve from the beginning to the end of the story?

3. Moreno-Garcia structures the story as both a hero’s journey and a fairy tale, but with a female protagonist making the ultimate sacrifice. How does this choice change the traditional dynamics of both narrative forms?

4. The contrast between Hun-Kamé and Vucub-Kamé represents more than just good versus evil. What do these twin brothers symbolize about different approaches to leadership, change, and power?

5. Casiopea’s race against Martín on the Black Road serves as the climax, but the real victory comes through her sacrifice rather than simply reaching the finish line first. What does this suggest about the nature of true triumph in the novel?

6. Secondary characters like Loray, Xtabay, and the various mythological figures each serve specific functions in Casiopea’s journey. How do these encounters shape her understanding of power, loyalty, and moral choice?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Picture the novel adapted as a film or television series. Which scenes would be most challenging to translate to the screen, and how would you translate the magical elements like Xibalba or Hun-Kamé’s transformation to a visual medium?

2. The story ends with Casiopea learning to drive and heading into an uncertain future with Loray. What kind of adventures do you think await her, and how might her experiences with Hun-Kamé influence her next chapter?

3. Throughout the book, various characters must choose between self-interest and larger loyalties. Design a modern-day scenario where someone faces a similar choice between personal gain and collective good, incorporating the same moral complexity Moreno-Garcia creates.

Need more conversation starters? Inspire your group with our Discussion Questions tool.