Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. The novel shifts between numerous character perspectives, including Dianna, Samkiel, Camilla, Vincent, and Cameron. How did this narrative structure affect your reading experience? Did you find it enhanced the suspense and world-building, or did you prefer certain storylines over others?

2. How does The Dawn of the Cursed Queen compare to other dark romantasy titles you’ve read, such as Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses? How does Nicole’s world-building and approach to morally gray characters compare?

3. This is the third book in the Gods & Monsters series, picking up immediately after a major cliffhanger at the end of The Throne of Broken Gods. Did the story meet your expectations as a sequel? What elements felt most satisfying, and what questions are you most eager to have answered in the next installment?

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

1. Vincent’s journey is defined by his initial betrayal of The Hand and the complicated redemption he finds in his relationship with Camilla. Have you ever found yourself in a situation where loyalty was complex or conflicted? How did you react?

2. Dianna hides the truth of Samkiel’s resurrection to protect him, but the secret almost destroys their relationship. Is there a time you felt compelled to keep a secret to shield someone that ended up hurting them?

3. Samkiel’s struggle with physical weakness and dependence on others after his resurrection is a stark contrast to his ‘World Ender’ identity. Can you relate to the frustration of navigating unexpected limitations?

4. Love is portrayed as a powerful motivator in the novel, driving Dianna to defy the universe to save Samkiel’s life. Has your love or loyalty to another person ever compelled you to compromise your personal ethics?

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

1. The guide highlights the recent surge in popularity for the dark romantasy genre, often driven by social media. Why do you think stories featuring morally gray characters, high-stakes romance, and epic fantasy plots are resonating so strongly with contemporary audiences?

2. How does Nismera’s tyrannical reign, maintained through fear and absolute control, reflect or comment on different styles of leadership and power structures in contemporary society? What does the novel suggest makes a ruler a “monster” versus a “king”?

3. Nicole is noted for creating sympathetic antagonists like Kaden and Vincent, a trend seen in popular culture with films like Maleficent or Joker. What is the appeal of exploring a villain’s traumatic backstory? Does understanding a character’s pain make their destructive actions more forgivable?

4. Dianna, Samkiel, and their allies form a chosen family committed to defeating Nismera and establishing a new Rashearim. Why do you think these bonds are so central to fantasy stories like this one? How does Nicole’s portrayal of their bonds contribute to contemporary conversations about the importance of community?

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

1. Dianna and Samkiel’s relationship is the core of the novel. How do their individual character arcs complement each other, and in what ways must each of them grow to make their partnership successful, particularly after the truth about the resurrection is revealed?

2. How does the novel explore the cyclical nature of trauma through antagonists like Nismera, Kaden, and Isaiah? Does the book suggest that the cycle of abuse they perpetuate, which began with their father Unir, can be broken?

3. The recurring motif of fire is deeply connected to Dianna’s character. How does this imagery represent her internal state?

4. The novel explores the destructive power of secrets and lies through multiple storylines. Beyond Dianna and Samkiel, how does this theme play out in the relationship between Camilla and Vincent, or with Cameron’s hidden search for Xavier?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. The novel ends with the ghost of Unir confronting Dianna. Write your version of the opening scene of the next book. What do you think Unir wants, and what immediate conflict does his arrival create for Dianna and Samkiel?

2. Much of Isaiah’s story is seen through others’ eyes or in brief moments of cruelty when he uses his blood magic. If you were to write a chapter from his perspective, what would his internal thoughts reveal about his protective actions toward Imogen or his unwavering loyalty to his siblings?

3. Samkiel commissions wedding rings that mimic some functions of the lost amata mark. If you could design another magical object to help the protagonists in their fight against Nismera, what would it be? What powers would it have, and how would it reflect the user’s personality?