Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. While you were reading, what did you expect to happen to Rose? Did your expectations change as you read? What did you think of how events unfolded?

2. Identify your favorite character, and explain why.

3. Discuss what you like about the ensemble cast and what the diverse characters add to the book. You may wish to compare Kings of the Wyld to other fantasy books featuring mercenary bands, like The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch or fantasy featuring broken heroes as protagonists, like The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie.

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

1. What distinctions did you see between the bonds between fathers and sons versus those between fathers and daughters? Did any of these relationships remind you of parent-child bonds in your own life?

2. What did you think of Clay’s wish to put his violent past behind him and lead a quiet life with his family? Can you identify personally with this, or do you know someone who has chosen to put aside past glory or an adventurous life?

3. What did you think about the scene in which the heroes must fight shadow versions of themselves? Have you ever felt that you were at odds with yourself, or that different aspects of your personality were in conflict?

4. The heroes find themselves looking back on their past lives with a mixture of nostalgia and regret. When have you looked back on a past era of your own life? What emotions did you feel?

5. Could you identify with Clay’s feelings of loyalty and affection for his bandmates? Do you have similar relationships in your life, people you’d do anything for if they asked?

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

1. What do you think the book gains by using a quasi-medieval setting for the fantasy world? You may wish to compare Eames’s setting with the medievalist worlds of John Gwynne’s The Shadow of the Gods, which draws on Norse myth, or The Devils by Joe Abercrombie, which is sent in an alternate version of medieval Europe.

2. What comments on modern celebrity culture or the music and entertainment industry do you see Eames making with his parallels? What does the nostalgia for the musical icons of the 1960s and 1970s suggest?

3. What attitudes toward cultural diversity do you see Eames making with his exploration of the distinctions between humans and monsters? How does he explore how cultural prejudice is formed and perpetuated?

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

1. Discuss the analogy of comparing mercenary bands to rock bands and how Eames uses, and plays with, that comparison during the novel.

2. Discuss the impact of making this Clay’s story and choosing his point of view. How would the story change if other points of view were integrated?

3. Discuss the theme of heroism as it is defined and questioned during the book. Who is the best example of a hero, and what support can you give for this selection?

4. Explore Lastleaf’s role as antagonist and what his history contributes to the book’s themes or message. What, overall, might the druins symbolize in this world?

5. Examine the themes of aging and glory and what they offer to the story.

6. Analyze the character(s) you most think are most monstrous, and explain what makes them so. How is heroism defined in distinction to monstrosity?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Read the second book in The Band Series, Bloody Rose, and discuss how the characters and themes of the first book continue or are changed in the second.

2. Write a short spin-off or sequel that shows the adventures of a favorite minor character that happens after the conclusion of the book. You might choose Lady Jain, Jeremy, Larkspur and Ganelon, Taino, the Sisters in Steel, the members of Vanguard, or someone else.

3. Write “The Battle for Castia” as a poem Kit might sing around the fire. You might choose a ballad form, or epic poem, or another poetic or musical style.