The Night Prince

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. How does this novel’s use of romantasy tropes like warring kingdoms, rival alphas, and a magical heroine compare to other books in the genre you’ve read, such as Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses series? Did it meet your expectations for the genre, or did it surprise you in any way?

2. Which character did you find yourself rooting for in the central love triangle between Aurora, Callum, and Blake? Did your allegiance shift at any point in the story, and if so, what moment caused that change?

3. The novel is packed with betrayals, revelations, and high-stakes confrontations. What scene or twist was the most shocking or memorable for you, and how did it impact your experience of the book?

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

1. Aurora’s journey from a repressed princess to a powerful, mythical figure is defined by her fight for agency. Can you recall a time in your life when you had to assert yourself or your choices against the expectations of others?

2. Callum’s fear of becoming his abusive father is a central part of his character. How do you think this fear shapes his actions and his relationship with Aurora?

3. The idea of a “found family” is central to Blake’s clan of “broken birds.” What do you think draws these characters together beyond shared trauma? Have you encountered compelling found families in other stories or in your own life?

4. What did you make of Philip’s transformation from an arrogant prince to a capable warrior and ally? Did his journey and complicated relationship with Aurora resonate with you?

5. When Aurora chooses to save Blake by strengthening their bond, she gives up a chance at freedom. How did you feel about her decision in that moment? What do you believe were the key factors that influenced her choice?

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

1. The wolf society’s legal system treats women as property to be claimed through a bite. How does this fantasy world’s patriarchal structure comment on real-world systems of ownership and control, both historical and contemporary?

2. How does the novel’s constructed mythology of a benevolent moon goddess versus a malevolent god of night shape the story’s factions and moral conflicts? Can you see parallels to dualistic belief systems in your own world?

3. What does the public shaming of Elsie and Alfie as “tainted” reveal about the dangers of religious persecution and societal prejudice? How does the community’s judgment reflect broader ideas about collective guilt and reputation?

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

1. How does the recurring motif of the bite evolve throughout the novel? What different meanings does it acquire through James’s act of ownership, Blake’s strategic claim, and Callum’s restrained desire?

2. How do the shared dreams function as a narrative device? What do they reveal about Blake and Aurora that couldn’t be shown in the waking world?

3. What is the significance of the symbol for Night’s prison, the key with two crescent moons? How does it serve to connect to the recurring motif of imprisonment, and what are the different manifestations of this motif?

4. The Anam-Cridech is presented not as a romantic destiny but a sacred tie, one that must be willingly accepted to solidify. In what ways does Palphreyman use this mate bond to subvert the “fated mates” trope common in romantasy?

5. For readers of The Wolf King, how does The Night Prince expand upon the world and character arcs established in the first book? In what ways did this sequel raise the stakes for Aurora and the battle for the Wolf Throne?

6. What purpose does Blake’s carefully constructed facade of the manipulative villain serve? How does the slow reveal of his traumatic past and his status as one of Night’s prisoners complicate your understanding of his motivations?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. If you were a wolf in this world, would you choose to join Callum’s honor-bound clan at Highfell or Blake’s clan of survivors at Lowfell? What factors would most influence your decision?

2. If you were tasked with designing a royal crest for Aurora now that she has accepted her identity as the Heart of the Moon, what would it look like? What symbols would you include to represent her lineage, her unique power, and her personal journey?

3. What specific terms would you add to the bargain between Aurora and Blake at the end of the novel? If you were in her position, what assurances or conditions would you demand before agreeing to help him and accepting his aid in return?