Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. The House Saphir blends Gothic romance, high fantasy, and a murder mystery. How did you feel about this mix of genres? Did one element feel stronger or more engaging to you than the others?

2. How did you react to the novel’s reimagining of the classic Bluebeard fairytale? If you’ve read other fairytale retellings by Marissa Meyer, like Scarlet or Cinder, how did this one compare to her other works?

3. What single image or scene from the book has stayed with you the most since you finished reading? What made it so memorable for you?

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

1. The Fontaine sisters rely on deception as a means of survival. Can you think of a time in your own life when you felt you had to project a certain image or skill set just to navigate a challenging situation?

2. Mallory has a deeply cynical and self-reliant worldview, always preparing for the worst-case scenario. In what ways did you find her survivalist mindset relatable, or where did you find it difficult to connect with her perspective?

3. Was there a character whose core struggle particularly resonated with you? Perhaps it was Armand’s fear of his family’s dark legacy, or Anaïs’s view of her unique magical gift as a terrible curse?

4. The novel explores trust as a dangerous but necessary risk, especially in Mallory’s relationship with Armand. How do you approach the idea of vulnerability in your own relationships? Does it feel more like a strength or a liability?

5. How did your opinion of Armand shift throughout the novel? At what point were you most suspicious of him, and when did you become convinced of his innocence?

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

1. What do you think the novel suggests about class and power? How does the dynamic between the impoverished but resourceful Fontaine sisters and the bankrupt but still privileged Saphir family comment on social structures?

2. How does the novel’s magical system, with its division between “petty magic,” “death magic,” and god-gifts, reflect ideas about innate talent versus learned skill, or privilege versus hard work?

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

1. Consider the character of Bastien Saphir. In what ways is he more terrifying as a charismatic, human-looking spirit than the folkloric beasts like the voirloup or lou carcolh?

2. The original “Bluebeard” fairytale is often interpreted as a cautionary tale against female curiosity. In what ways does Meyer’s retelling challenge or subvert that message for a modern audience?

3. How does the revelation of the childhood séance in Chapter 23 reframe your understanding of Mallory’s character and motivations? How did this flashback alter the stakes of the story for you?

4. The relationship between Mallory and Armand follows many conventions of the Gothic romance. How does The House Saphir compare to classic Gothic novels such as Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre or Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Anaïs joins Fitcher’s Troupe at the end of the book. What might a typical day on the road look like for her, Fitcher, and Constantino as they hunt a new monster from French folklore?

2. Duchess Triphine is a constant, vocal observer of the novel’s events. Retell a key scene, like the final escape from the burning château, from her ghostly perspective. What would she be complaining about or noticing that the others miss?

3. Design a new, legitimate haunted tour for the House Saphir in Morant, now run by Mallory and Armand. What stories would they tell, and what real magical elements would they incorporate to give guests an authentic supernatural experience?