Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. The Zodiac Academy series is a prime example of the “bully romance” subgenre. How did you react to the intense and often toxic power dynamics between the Vega twins and the Celestial Heirs? Did it align with what you expect from this genre, or did it challenge your perceptions in any way?

2. This novel expands the world of Solaria, which is also the setting for the authors’ related series, like Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac. For those who have read other books in this universe, how does Shadow Princess deepen the lore and character connections? If this was your first entry, does it make you want to explore the wider world?

3. What was your initial reaction to the book’s dramatic ending with Orion’s death, and do you feel it was an effective cliffhanger that sets up the next book?

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

1. Tory’s decision to reject her fated Elysian Mate bond with Darius is a pivotal moment. She chooses her own healing over a destiny built on a history of pain. Have you ever had to put boundaries up or leave a relationship in order to protect yourself emotionally? What were the benefits or consequences of this choice?

2. When faced with Seth’s blackmail, Darcy chooses to keep her relationship with Orion a secret, causing a major rift with Tory. Have you ever felt the need to keep a secret to protect someone you care about? What challenges can arise when loyalty to one person conflicts with honesty to another?

3. Did you find yourself identifying more with Tory’s aggressive approach to conflict or Darcy’s more introspective one?

4. Which character’s internal struggle resonated with you the most, and why?

5. How do you view the balance between destiny and personal choice after reading about Solaria’s fated world?

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

1. Solaria’s society is a magical aristocracy where power and status are determined by one’s Fae Order and lineage, mirroring historical caste systems. How does the book use this fantasy setting to comment on real-world issues of class, privilege, and inherited power?

2. The Heirs’ plot to humiliate the twins at the Halloween party culminates in a viral story in The Celestial Times. What does this storyline suggest about the power of media and public perception in shaping a person’s reputation, especially in the age of social media?

3. How does the brutal environment of Zodiac Academy, where violence is normalized, reflect or critique competitive academic and social settings?

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

1. The shadows begin as a symbol of trauma forced upon the characters by Lionel. How does their function evolve throughout the novel?

2. What is the significance of the twins being Phoenixes, and how does this legendary Order—a symbol of rebirth—shape their character arcs?

3. The narrative shifts between multiple points of view, including those of antagonists like Darius and Max. How does seeing the story from the Heirs’ perspectives complicate their perceived motivations? What is the impact on the overall narrative?

4. How does the setting of the Palace of Souls contrast with Zodiac Academy, and in what ways does this shift in location change the story’s thematic focus?

5. What roles do prophecy and foresight play in driving the plot? How do they contribute to the characters’ development?

6. The concept of Elysian Mates is a central trope in the novel. How does this shape the dynamics between the protagonists and the central characters’ arcs?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. The Heirs perform a secrecy oath where they reveal their deepest vulnerabilities to strengthen their brotherhood. If you were creating a new character to join their inner circle, what defining secret would you give them that would test the Heirs’ loyalty but ultimately earn their trust?

2. Imagine you’ve been commissioned to design a new wing in the Palace of Souls dedicated to Tory and Darcy. What architectural features, magical elements, and personal touches would you include to represent their joint identity as Phoenixes?

3. If you could ask Gabriel Nox for a Tarot reading about your own fate at Zodiac Academy, what single question would you ask him, and what kind of cryptic, vision-filled answer do you think he would provide?