Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book._

1. The Poison Daughter fits into the “dark romantasy” subgenre, using familiar tropes like an arranged marriage and an “enemies-to-lovers” dynamic. Did you enjoy how it used these conventions? How does it compare to other books you may have read in the genre, such as Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses?

2. What was your experience reading Harlow as an anti-heroine? Her actions as the Poison Vixen are both a form of justice and a series of calculated murders. Did you find her sympathetic, and did your feelings about her change as you learned more about her past?

3. The revelation that Aidia has been dead for six months is a major turning point. How did this twist affect your understanding of Harlow’s character and her motivations up to that point? Did you find this reveal to be effective and satisfying?

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

1. Harlow maintains a sharp divide between her public role as a Carrenwell daughter and her secret identity as the Poison Vixen. Have you ever felt the need to present different versions of yourself in different areas of your life? How did the experience impact you?

2. The secret check-in between Harlow and Aidia, “My heart […] My bones […] Our blood” (5), symbolizes their deep bond in a family that punishes vulnerability. Think about a relationship in your own life that has its own unique language or rituals. What makes these small, private connections so powerful?

3. What do you make of the novel’s argument that revenge can be an isolating and self-destructive pursuit? Both Henry and Harlow are driven by the need to avenge their sisters. Can you think of a time when a quest for justice, big or small, gave you a powerful sense of purpose?

4. As the novel ends, Harlow forgives Henry for manipulating her feelings at the beginning of their relationship. Have you ever forgiven someone for something significant?

5. How did you feel about Gaven’s difficult position, torn between his loyalty to Harlow and his duty to her abusive parents? Have you ever found yourself caught between a personal connection and a professional or social obligation, and how did you navigate that conflict?

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

1. How does the novel’s exploration of “feminine rage” as a tool for justice resonate with you? The story shares themes with media like the film Promising Young Woman, where a protagonist takes justice into her own hands. Do you see Harlow’s vigilantism as a cathartic fantasy, a necessary evil, or something else entirely?

2. The “blood tithe” system in Lunameade creates a society where the powerful elite literally feed on the unblessed population. Where do you see parallels to this kind of systemic exploitation in the real world, whether in economic, social, or political structures?

3. What does the novel suggest about how absolute power corrupts a ruling family? The Carrenwells murder children blessed with holy fire simply to maintain their monopoly on power. How does this secret history reflect on the nature of tyranny and the lengths people will go to preserve their control?

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

1. What is the significance of poison throughout the novel?

2. The motif of scars is central to both Harlow and Henry. How do the scars they carry, from Henry’s many death wounds to the star-patterned brand on Harlow’s back, serve as physical records of their trauma and resilience? What does the origin of Harlow’s brand reveal about her bond with Aidia?

3. The scene in which Harlow kills her parents is detailed and emphatic, with Harlow making Kellan witness the deaths of Harrick and Liza. In your opinion, why does Sheila Masterson depict the scene in this particular tone? How does it impact the novel’s themes?

4. The novel contains many depictions of rituals. Why do you think the novel’s world, particularly Mountain Haven, relies so heavily on rituals and performance?

5. The “enemies-to-lovers” dynamic is a hallmark of the romantasy genre. What specific elements of Harlow and Henry’s relationship did you find most compelling?

6. What did you think of the reveal that Kellan was secretly Rochelli, the rebel leader? Looking back, what clues foreshadowed his dual identity, and how did this twist change your perception of his actions earlier in the story?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Imagine you were tasked with writing a prequel focusing on the fall of Mountain Haven 10 years prior. Whose perspective would you choose to tell the story from: Henry’s or his sister Holly’s sister? What key events would you want to explore?

2. If you were casting a film adaptation of The Poison Daughter, which actors would you choose for Harlow and Henry? What essential qualities would they need to capture the complexity of these characters?

3. The magic system is built around blessings from the Seven Divine, who govern domains like Fortune, Malice, and Pleasure. If you could add an eighth Divine to the pantheon, what would be their domain, and what kind of blessing or power might they grant to their followers?