Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. The deadly competition trope is central to Starside’s plot. How did you feel this narrative framework compared to other books that use it, such as Suzanne Collins’s The Hunger Games? Did the Questral and the Culling feel fresh and exciting, and what elements made it stand out for you?

2. What was your reaction to the final reveal that Harlan Raker is the God of Death? Did you find this twist satisfying and well-earned?

3. Alex Aster is a major figure in the romantasy genre, which blends high fantasy with a central romance. How successfully do you think the novel balanced these two elements? Did the relationship between Aris and Raker enhance or distract from the world-building and high-stakes plot?

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

1. Aris’s entire journey is fueled by her decade-long quest for vengeance. Think about a time you were driven by a single, powerful goal. How did that intense focus shape your priorities and actions, and do you see any parallels with how revenge both sustains and isolates Aris?

2. The alliance between Aris, Kira, and Zane is founded on shared vulnerability in a brutal environment. Reflect on a time you formed a bond with others during a high-pressure or competitive situation. What role did trust and honesty play in building that connection?

3. Stellan acts as a classic mentor figure for Aris, providing her with skills, protection, and a guiding philosophy to be a “phoenix.” Have you had a mentor in your own life who shaped your development in a similar way? What qualities did they share with Stellan?

4. Have you ever hidden part of yourself because you worried how others would react? What helped you feel comfortable sharing, or what still makes it difficult?

5. Kira’s primary motivation for entering the Questral is selfless: to save her sister, Anise. When you’ve faced a difficult challenge, what has motivated you to keep going? Has that motivation changed over time?

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

1. How does the stark division between the resource-rich Starside and the barren Stormside reflect real-world issues of border disputes and wealth inequality? Where do you see similar power dynamics at play in our world today?

2. The Questral is presented as a rare chance for social mobility, but the guide suggests it functions to reinforce the power of the ruling class. Can you think of any real-world systems or events that seem to offer opportunity but may ultimately serve the interests of those already in power?

3. How do you think platforms like TikTok are changing the publishing industry and the types of stories that become popular? Does knowing about an author’s marketing journey affect your reading experience?

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

1. The theme Revenge as a Motivation for Survival is central to Aris’s journey. How does the novel explore both the power and the potential cost of her all-consuming quest for vengeance? Do you believe the story presents revenge as a sustainable motivation in the long run?

2. What is the significance of Aris’s and Raker’s godswords being two halves of a single, powerful blade? How does this shared weapon come to symbolize their deeply intertwined and conflicted relationship throughout the story?

3. Fire and ash serve as a powerful motif for Aris’s character arc. How does this symbolism evolve from representing her initial trauma in Silverside to signifying her ultimate power and rebirth after she survives the City on Fire?

4. Harlan Raker’s character is described as one whose development comes from “recontextualization” rather than change. Looking back, which of his earlier actions or comments took on a completely new meaning after you learned his true identity as the God of Death?

5. Which tropes of the romantasy did you feel Starside used most effectively, and were there any moments where you felt it subverted your expectations?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. If you were tasked with designing a new trial for the Culling, what would it be? What skills or moral qualities would your trial be designed to test in the challengers, and how would it fit into the overall competition?

2. The novel ends with Aris and Raker separated between realms, each in possession of half of a legendary power. What are your boldest predictions for the sequel? How do you imagine Aris will spend her fifty years in Stormside, and what lengths will Raker go to in order to break through the gates?

3. If you were casting a film adaptation of Starside, who would you choose to play Aris and Harlan Raker? What qualities do those actors possess that would make them perfect for capturing the essence of these complex characters?