The Primal of Blood and Bone

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What did you think of the twist revealed at the end of the novel? How did it impact your reading experience?

2. Have you read books by other authors in the romantasy genre, such the works of Sarah J. Mass? How do they compare with the works of Jennifer L. Armentrout? What are the similarities and differences with The Primal of Blood and Bone?

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

1. Poppy struggles with how she responded to Tawny’s death by resurrecting her, while Cas feels consumed by grief at the novel’s end. Have you ever felt overwhelmed or conflicted by grief before? How did you work through it?

2. In the text, Poppy often feels stymied by the roles assigned to her, such as the Maiden or the Primal. Have you ever felt straitjacketed by societal expectations or prescribed roles?

3. Poppy sometimes feels torn between her love for Cas and her ongoing attraction to, and bond with, Kieran. Have you ever felt drawn to two romantic partners simultaneously? How did you resolve those feelings?

4. Many of the characters in the text are preoccupied by prophecies that they think predict the future. What is your own relationship to things that claim to predict the future, such as astrology? Would you choose to know the future if you could? Explain.

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

1. Discuss the novel’s treatment of sexual intimidation and violence, such as how Kolis use sexual threats to destabilize his female opponents (e.g., Sotoria, Sera, and Poppy). How does the novel address issues of gender violence and sexism?

2. The universe of the Blood and Ash saga is very different from the real world, yet it also reflects elements of the real world. How do you think the society in the novel compares to your milieu?

3. The novel address issues of wealth inequality and power. How does the novel reflect contemporary discourses around those issues?

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

1. The novel is largely narrated from the points of view of Cas and Poppy. How do the two narrative perspectives complement each other? How do they differ?

2. Minor characters, such as Delano, Emil, and Reaver, are mentioned throughout the story. What is their role and significance? How do they build the novel’s themes and symbols?

3. The Blood and Ash saga is categorized as a fantasy romance (romantasy). How does the genre differ from traditional high fantasy, which features books like J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Fellowship of the Ring (1955)?

4. Discuss the color symbolism of the book. How are particular colors relevant to themes and characterization?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. If this book were adapted into a movie, who would you cast in the lead roles of Cas, Poppy, and Kieran?

2. Imagine and develop a storyline where Poppy stays on in Manhattan and manages to restore order. What does she do? Where does she go? Create an itinerary for her.

3. Create a playlist for Millicent. Which songs would she like to listen to as she goes hunting for Revenants?