Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. As the fifth book in The Plated Prisoner series, how satisfied are you with the development of the narrative and character arcs thus far? Did the cliffhanger ending make you want to read the sixth and final installment?

2. The series is part of a subgenre of feminist retellings of classical myths, following books like Madeline Miller’s Circe. Do you find this series effectively captures or expands on the original myth’s cautionary tale about greed?

3. This novel splits its narrative between Auren in Annwyn, King Slade Ravinger on a revenge tour in Orea, and Queen Malina Colier facing a fae invasion. What did you think of this multi-perspective structure? Did you find that it built suspense and thematic depth, or were you more invested in one storyline than the others?

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

1. When Auren arrives in Annwyn, she forcefully rejects Wick’s attempt to make her a symbol for the rebellion, insisting, “I’m not a symbol, I’m a person” (111). Think about a time you may have felt pressure to represent a group or meet others’ expectations. How did you navigate balancing your own identity with a public role?

2. After the fall of Highbell, Malina takes responsibility for her part in the fae invasion and earns the respect of the survivors. Have you ever had to force yourself to apologize, even if it meant opening yourself up to further criticism? In your experience, what are the most important steps in taking accountability for a mistake?

3. Auren’s friendship with Emonie provides her with a rare moment of simple, genuine connection. How does this relationship differ from her other alliances in the book? Think about a friendship that has supported you during a ch

4. Slade’s grief and helplessness over losing Auren manifest in a destructive rampage across Orea. How have you seen people channel feelings of grief or powerlessness into action? Did you find this method effective or not?

5. Auren and Slade’s romantic bond is contrasted emotionally and physically with Malina and Dommik’s, as they have different arcs and power dynamics. Which relationship did you most identify with, and why?

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

1. The Carrick monarchy maintains its power in Annwyn by manipulating history, vilifying the Turley bloodline, and spreading lies about Oreans. Where do you see similar uses of propaganda or historical revisionism in our world today to control a narrative or consolidate power?

2. Gold is a prime example of the dark romantasy subgenre, which uses fantasy settings to explore mature themes like trauma and healing. What do you think this genre offers for discussing difficult subjects that a more realistic novel might not? Does the fantasy element create a helpful distance or a different kind of insight?

3. In Annwyn, the ruling class blames the land’s fading magic on “diluted bloodlines” from Oreans, creating a social hierarchy and justifying oppression. How does the novel use this fantasy-based prejudice to comment on real-world issues of xenophobia, nationalism, or the fear of outsiders?

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

1. How do the parallel journeys of Auren, Slade, and Malina reinforce the book’s central themes? What connections or contrasts did you notice between Auren’s quest for identity, Slade’s quest for vengeance, and Malina’s quest for redemption?

2. Auren’s magical abilities initially represent objectification and imprisonment, something that changes steadily throughout the series. How does the meaning of gold transform throughout her journey in this novel?

3. What does Slade’s rot magic represent about his character and his bond with Auren? How does the physical rot consuming his heart serve as a metaphor for both their separation and his actions?

4. Kennedy has stated that while the previous book, Glow, was about healing, Gold is about individuality. In what ways did you see Auren’s and Malina’s journeys in this novel focus on forging their own identities?

5. The late reveal that Slade knew all along that he and Auren were a Pāyur, a fated pair, is a major turning point. How does this discovery reshape his character and their relationship dynamic?

6. The novel uses Queen Malina’s arc as a foil to Auren’s. Both are women who have been used and manipulated by powerful men. What do their very different paths toward reclaiming their autonomy reveal about power, privilege, and responsibility?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Auren creates a massive, solid gold tree from the ashes of her home in Bryol as a memorial. If you were commissioned to design a monument for another event in the book, like the stand at Highbell or Nenet’s sacrifice in Geisel, what form would it take, and what materials would you use to convey its story?

2. Imagine you are a member of the Vulmin Dyrūnia. After seeing Auren’s reaction to being used as a symbol, you are tasked with creating a new recruitment strategy that doesn’t rely on her image. What message or story would you use to inspire fae to join the rebellion?

3. Consider how magical abilities in the novel often match the personal traits of the wielder. If you were transported to Orea and discovered you had a minor magical ability, what do you think it would be? In the fight against the fae, would you align with Slade’s unified army, join the Vulmin Dyrūnia, help Malina protect survivors, or forge your own path?