The Tyrant's Tomb

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. The novel opens with the somber task of transporting Jason Grace’s body back to his comrades. How does this focus on grief and duty set the tone of the novel?

2. If you have read Rick Riordan’s other works, such as the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, how does Apollo’s perspective compare to the more traditional journey of a young demigod discovering their powers? 

3. What is the single most memorable scene for you in The Tyrant’s Tomb? What made it stand out so strongly in your mind?

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

1. Frank Zhang spends much of his life defined by the piece of firewood tied to his fate. Have you ever had to carry a significant responsibility or face a daunting challenge? How did Frank’s way of confronting his destiny resonate with your own experiences?

2. Reyna’s journey leads her to realize that she doesn’t need a romantic partner to be whole. Has there ever been a time when you rejected societal expectations that did not serve you?

3. Apollo’s journey is largely one of atonement. Have you ever been forced to reassess your own past actions from another person’s point of view? What do Apollo’s struggles with accountability suggest about the process of making amends?

4. Lavinia Asimov frequently operates outside the formal rules of the legion. Did you approve or disapprove of her rebellious approach? When might it become necessary to bend the rules in order to do the right thing?

5. Grief is a constant presence in the book. How do different characters process their sorrow, and which reaction resonates most strongly with your own emotional inclinations?

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

1. The antagonists are resurrected Roman tyrants who were historically known for their cruelty and corruption. What commentary does the novel make on the nature of tyranny and the abuse of power? How do the motivations of Caligula, Commodus, and Tarquin echo the political divisions in today’s world?

2. Camp Jupiter is a highly structured, militaristic society with a strong emphasis on duty, tradition, and collective responsibility. What are the primary strengths and weaknesses of this Roman-style community?

3. Preserving the lost Sibylline Books by tattooing them onto Tyson’s skin is a painful and laborious process. In our own digital age, how do people work to preserve important truths, and what are the consequences of failure?

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

1. Frank Zhang’s firewood has long symbolized his fated death. How does the novel use this object to explore the theme of destiny versus free will?

2. Apollo’s development from a narcissistic god to an empathetic mortal is central to the story. What specific moments or interactions are most critical to this transformation? 

3. How do the Roman ideals of duty compare to the more chaotic, counselor-based leadership at Camp Half-Blood in the Percy Jackson series? 

4. The novel presents different versions of heroism through various sacrificial acts, including Jason’s death, Frank’s self-immolation, and Reyna’s abdication of power. How does the book define what it means to be a hero? 

5. Caligula, Commodus, and Tarquin embody different facets of tyranny. How do their cruel actions highlight the growth of the heroes and the novel’s central themes?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Imagine that you must adapt this book into a movie. Which character’s internal thoughts or backstory would be the most challenging to portray on screen, and how might you approach it?

2. The final prophecy is written in a specific poetic form, terza rima, which hints at the structure of the challenges to come. If you could give Apollo and Meg one piece of non-prophetic advice for their final journey to New York, what would it be?