In the Veins of the Drowning

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What were your overall impressions of the book? What is your opinion on this interpretation of Sirens?

2. This is a relatively short novel compared to the romantasies (romantic fantasy novels) dominating the genre currently. What elements do you believe were done well? What parts of the story do you believe would have benefitted from added page length?

3. Kalie Cassidy infuses her romantasy with lyrical prose and uses metaphor and symbolism heavily. How does this compare to other romantasies with an emphasis on descriptive language, such as One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig or Immortal by Sue Lynn Tan?

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

1. Agatha and Lachlan have gone through the same bonding and severing experience as Imogen and Theo plan to. Their relationship has never healed since. How does this increase the emotional stakes of the novel?

2. Have you ever experienced a situation where your “duty” or responsibility conflicted with your own desires or put you in a difficult place with someone else? Which route did you choose and how did this impact you and/or the relationship?

3. Imogen’s desperation to survive and fear of confronting her true self prompts her to rely on others for protection, even when it is detrimental to her well-being and hinders her ability to become autonomous. Have you ever been in a situation where your over-reliance on others hindered your growth or success?

4. Despite loving Theo, Imogen severs their bond to ensure their doomed prophecy doesn’t come to pass. Have you ever had to cut ties with someone you loved? How painful was that experience, and does the physical pain depicted in the novel of this severance metaphorically match the emotional pain that occurs when something like this happens?

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

1. In Imogen and Theo’s world, rulers such as King Nemea and the Empress of Obelia sacrifice their morality for power. How does this reflect our society? In what ways are morals neglected for more wealth, power, or influence?

2. Kalie Cassidy states that this book is an exploration of identity and belonging. How does this theme and Imogen’s struggle with it mirror the experiences all people face in the real world?

3. The depiction of Sirens in this novel is based on the original image of sirens from Greek Mythology. How does this impact your understanding of the creatures? How has this shifted your perception of other siren novels that lean on the “mermaid” interpretation of these creatures?

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

1. Cassidy divides the book into three titled sections: The Mountain, The Surface, and The Deep. How does this structure mirror Imogen’s transformation throughout the story? What does each layer suggest about her internal journey?

2. How does Cassidy use the concept of blood bonds to explore themes of autonomy, love, and control?

3. Both Imogen and Theodore struggle to balance what they want with what they owe to others. Do you think either of them makes the “right” choice in the end?

4. Imogen ends the book setting out on a dangerous purpose alone after using self-destructive magic. Did that ending feel hopeful, tragic, or something else? What emotions did it leave you with?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. If you could change just one choice Imogen makes near the end of the story, what would you have her do differently—and how do you think that would alter her fate?

2. Create a playlist that represents Imogen’s character and the arc she experiences over the course of the novel.

3. Rewrite a short moment in the book from another character’s perspective—for instance, Agatha during her capture or Theodore when the bond is severed. How does seeing the moment through their eyes change your understanding of the moment and the characters involved?