Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What were some of your favorite moments in the book? What were your least favorite scenes?

2. Which character appealed to you the most, and why?

3. Compare this book to the Ascendance series by Nielsen, which begins with The False Prince (2012), The Runaway King (2013), and The Shadow Throne (2014). What similarities do you find in terms of theme and/or character?

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

1. Kestra discovers that her background and identity are not what she thought they were. Have you ever discovered something about your identity or family that changed your understanding of yourself? How did it impact you?

2. Both Kestra and Simon are deeply influenced by their mentors and role models, Darrow and Garr. Have you ever had role models who played a similar important role in your life? What did they teach you?

3. Kestra sometimes feels burdened and intimidated by her new identity as the “chosen one.” Have you ever felt compelled to take on a heavy responsibility or role you did not feel prepared for? How did you cope?

4. Kestra realizes, over the course of the novel, that there are many aspects of her world and society she did not fully understand. Have you ever encountered someone or something that radically altered your own worldview? How does your experience compare to Kestra’s?

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

1.The novel often focuses on the uses and misuses of power. In what ways can Kestra’s conflicts with just and unjust forms of power be applied to your own contemporary society?

2. Kestra becomes gradually more aware of how privileged she has been during her upbringing, while most other subjects in the kingdom lived in oppression and want. How does her realization reflect contemporary discourses around different types of privilege or socioeconomic inequality?

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

1. Examine Kestra’s arc as she progresses from being the assumed daughter of a Dallisor to being identified as the Infidante. What character growth does she experience along the way?

2. Analyze Simon’s role as Kestra’s protector and love interest. What do the dual points of view add to the narrative? How are Simon and Kestra’s character arcs different or similar?

3. Nielsen chooses a vaguely pre-industrial setting for her world and its conflict. How is this setting depicted? How does it help shape the characters’ views and experiences?

4. Consider The Traitor’s Game as a coming-of-age story. How does the novel conform to, or subvert, common tropes and aspects of the genre?

5. Discuss this book’s place within the tradition of the Chosen One trope. You might wish to compare The Traitor’s Game to adventure novels like The Lightning Thief (2005) by Rick Riordan or YA romance fantasies like The Selection (2012) by Keira Cass.

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Create—or brainstorm—a mood board for the book. Share with your group, explaining what each selected picture reflects, represents, or relates to in the novel.

2. Imagine creating a dating profile for each of the prominent characters, capturing their personalities. What would their profiles say or look like? Alternatively, you can brainstorm creating a “wanted” poster for your favorites and what information you would include to aid their capture.