Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Ruthless Fae blends the popular “bully romance” and “dark academia” genres within a magical school setting. How did you react to this combination of tropes? In what ways did it feel similar to or different from other fantasy school stories you might have read, like the Harry Potter, Simon Snow, or Atlas series? How is it similar or different to other books in the series, like The Awakening and Sorrow and Starlight?

2. What did you think of the book’s pacing? Did you find the constant escalation of revenge plots between the twins and the Heirs engaging, or did it ever feel overwhelming?

3. Which character’s point of view did you find the most engaging or revealing, and why?

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

1. The twins must figure out who they are in the dangerous environment of Zodiac Academy. Think about a time you entered a new and challenging environment, like a new school or workplace. How did that experience shape your sense of self in ways you did not expect?

2. What role do close alliances, like the bond between Tory and Darcy or their friendship with Geraldine, play in helping you navigate difficult circumstances?

3. Has a piece of advice or a challenge from someone, like Professor Orion’s words to Darcy, ever prompted you to change your perspective on a difficult situation?

4. The rivalries at Zodiac Academy are intense and often brutal, yet they also push the characters to grow stronger. Think about a time you’ve experienced competition in your own life. How did that rivalry, whether friendly or not, influence your personal growth or actions?

5. The twins make a deliberate choice to shift from simply enduring cruelty to actively plotting revenge. Where do you draw the line between standing up for yourself and seeking retribution?

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

1. How does the novel use Solaria’s rigid aristocratic hierarchy and obsession with bloodline purity to critique real-world systems of inherited power and privilege?

2. Zodiac Academy’s social structure values inherited status over merit, reflecting ongoing debates about legacy and privilege in elite institutions. How does the conflict between the Vega twins and the Celestial Heirs explore these tensions?

3. What commentary does the novel offer on the power of social media in shaping public opinion and escalating conflicts? How do platforms like FaeBook become a battleground for reputation and power at the academy?

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

1. For those of you who have read other books in the World of Solaria, how does Ruthless Fae build upon your understanding of this magical universe?

2. How did the shifting perspectives, particularly getting inside the minds of antagonists like Darius, Max, and Seth, affect your perception of their actions? Did it make them more sympathetic, or did it reinforce their roles as villains?

3. The theme of The Cycle of Cruelty and the Morality of Revenge is central to the plot. In what ways do the twins’ methods begin to mirror the psychological warfare used by the Heirs? What does this suggest about the moral complexities of fighting back against a corrupt system?

4. How is the “dark academia” setting of Zodiac Academy used to explore the relationship between knowledge, power, and morality?

5. How does the recurring motif of fire reflect the inner states of both Tory and Darius?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. If you were a student at Zodiac Academy, what kind of Fae Order do you think you would belong to? What strategy would you adopt to navigate the treacherous social landscape and the war between the Vegas and the Heirs?

2. Imagine you are tasked with designing a new mandatory course for Zodiac Academy to combat its toxic culture. What would you call the course, and what would be its primary lesson for students like the Heirs?

3. Professor Astrum’s tarot cards guide the twins with cryptic clues. If you could design a new card for their deck, what would its symbol be, what would it be named, and what hidden message would it reveal about their future?