Rule of the Aurora King

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Rule of the Aurora King picks up immediately after the events of Trial of the Sun Queen. How did you feel about the pacing and the immediate shift into Lor’s captivity with Nadir? Did the story meet your expectations as a sequel?

2. How does this book compare to other popular romantasy series you may have read, like Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses? In what ways does it embrace the genre’s conventions, and where does it offer something new?

3. What was the most memorable aspect of the book for you? Was it the high-stakes plot, the enemies-to-lovers romance, the world-building, or a particular character’s journey?

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

1. Lor’s primary motivation is protecting her siblings, Tristan and Willow, and this loyalty drives most of her decisions. Are there people who occupy this role in your life, and how has your desire to protect or support these loved ones shaped your choices?

2. Nadir and Lor both grapple with the fraught legacy of their families. At what point does a legacy become a burden versus a source of strength? How have you upheld aspects of your family or community’s legacy while rejecting others?

3. Lor struggles to trust Nadir after having been betrayed by nearly every authority figure in her life. Have you ever found that past experiences are an impediment to trust?

4. Amya often acts as a mediator and a moral compass, using empathy where her brother uses intimidation. Have you ever found that you could accomplish more through empathetic connection than through force or coercion?

5. Defiance is Lor’s primary survival tool, from throwing a vase at Nadir to choosing a red dress at the festival. Have you ever felt that defiance was your only option in a difficult situation? Can you think of a time when this instinct served you well or perhaps made things more difficult?

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

1. The Aurora King’s regime is marked by arbitrary imprisonment, systemic oppression, and the use of enslaved labor. How does this portrayal of a totalitarian state reflect real-world historical or contemporary governments? Does it offer any commentary that feels particularly relevant today, perhaps in the vein of classic dystopian works like George Orwell’s 1984?

2. The novel features a rigid social hierarchy that separates High Fae, low fae, and humans, with each group having different rights and privileges. How does the book use this fantasy structure to explore themes of prejudice, classism, and systemic injustice?

3. Nadir’s plan to overthrow his father is a rebellion from within the ruling class. What does the novel seem to suggest about the nature of power and the potential for change? Is it more effective to dismantle a corrupt system from the inside, or is external revolution necessary?

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

1. The narrative frequently cuts away to flashbacks of Lor’s ancestor, Serce. How did this dual timeline affect your reading experience? Did understanding Serce’s ambition and catastrophic choices add to the tension of Lor’s own journey?

2. What is the significance of Lor’s magic being “locked” away? How does the author use this premise to represent her psychological trauma and her journey toward reclaiming her identity and power?

3. Nadir’s character is a study in contradictions; he is both a cruel prince and a protective ally. How does the author use his internal monologues and his private interactions with Amya and his mother to build this complexity and challenge your first impressions of him?

4. How do the cold, beautiful Aurora lights contrast with the re-emerging red roses in the ruins of Heart? What do these natural symbols tell us about the kingdoms and the characters connected to them?

5. The story is built around the “enemies-to-lovers” and “forced proximity” tropes. How does the power imbalance of their captor-captive dynamic complicate the romance between Lor and Nadir? Do you feel the narrative successfully navigated this tension?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. The novel ends on a cliffhanger, with the group resolving to travel to Aphelion to seek help from the Sun Mirror. Write an epilogue or bonus chapter in which they arrive at the Sun Court. What challenges do you predict they will face, especially with Atlas still hunting for Lor?

2. Nadir’s inner circle includes his sister Amya, his captain Mael, and the spy Hylene. If you were to join their rebellion against the Aurora King, what role would you want to play, and what unique skills would you bring to the team?

3. Imagine that you are a director adapting the novel for a movie or TV series. Who would you choose to play the roles of Lor, Nadir, Amya, and King Rion? What qualities make your chosen actors perfect for bringing these characters to life?