Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. This book is called an anti-romantasy by some reviewers. Do you believe this categorization to be accurate? Why or why not?

2. How did you feel about Wei’s decision at the end? Is there anything you would have changed about the ending?

3. Discuss how this novel compares to similar Chinese-inspired fantasies, such as The Poppy War or Daughter of the Moon Goddess. What differences and similarities do you notice?

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

1. Wei initially conspires with Maro and Lady Silian, only to later feel betrayed when she realizes their true motives. Have you ever realized that a person you knew was not exactly who you thought they were? How did you resolve the situation?

2. Wei gains in confidence and control as she learns to read and write. Do you feel empowerment or liberation when you read? Give examples of how reading has brought out these feelings for you or others.

3. Discovering more about who Terren was as a child changes Wei’s perception of him. Have you ever judged someone on their present behavior or actions, then learned something about their past that altered your perspective? How does this influence your outlook on Nature Versus Nurture?

4. Throughout the novel, Wei does some corrupt things to secure power for the greater good. Has there ever been an instance when you or someone else committed a “bad” act for a greater good? At what point is this justified, and at what point does it cross a line?

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

1. In Wei’s society, scarcity and limited access are used to keep people subservient and reliant on the ruling class and its magic. In what ways do you see these practices exemplified in our world?

2. Consider the Tang Dynasty which Tao used for inspiration in creating the fictional world in The Poet Empress. In what ways did the inspiration drawn from the real-world dynasty and its history subtly show up in the novel?

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

1. Examine how the novel explores gender roles and gender dynamics. How are Wei and the other characters impacted by expectations around what it means to be properly “feminine” or “masculine” in this imperial society? How do the characters conform to, or defy, these expectations?

2. While Wei feels Terren cannot be forgiven for the atrocities he’s committed, he does arguably have a redemption arc to a certain extent. How does the novel examine ideas about guilt, responsibility, and/or redemption, in both Terren and others?

3. Analyze the different forms of communication that appear in the text: the poems, Maro’s journal, and/or oral forms of storytelling such as Hesin’s accounts of the past or the rumors among the concubines. How does The Poet Empress explore the power and dangers of words in their various forms?

4. The novel features different types of love, such as familial love, fraternal love, friendship, and even the possibility of romantic and sexual love. How are these different forms of love depicted? What does the novel suggest about the nature and experience of love?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Pick a verse from one of your favorite songs or poems and consider its meaning. What feelings does it evoke and what kind of magic Blessing would it offer if it were literomancy?

2. Imagine you had the ability to practice literomancy. How would you use this power? What are some of the first problems you would solve or desires you would fulfill with this ability?