Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. The guide places this novel in the “dark academia” subgenre, similar to Donna Tartt’s The Secret History. How did the magical setting of Bloodwing Academy change or enhance the familiar dark academia elements for you? Did it feel more or less dangerous than a non-magical elite school?

2. Which character’s journey resonated with you the most, and why? Was it Medra’s evolution into a leader, Blake’s tragic struggle, Regan’s path from victim to martyr, or Florence’s reluctant heroism?

3. The novel ends on a massive cliffhanger, with Veilmar in ruins and Blake’s fate uncertain. What did you think of the climax and the way the story sets up the next installment? Did you find the ending satisfying, or were you left wanting more resolution?

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

1. Forging Unexpected Alliances Through Shared Trauma is central to the story, bringing characters like Kage and Regan together. Think about a time in your life when a challenging situation led to a surprising friendship or partnership. What was it about the shared experience that created that bond?

2. Florence begins as a self-proclaimed “coward” who is terrified of her new role as a dragon rider. Have you ever been pushed into a position of responsibility that felt completely overwhelming at first? How did you find the strength to step up, and what did you learn about yourself in the process?

3. What did you make of Regan’s initial choice to become Viktor’s “tyrant queen” as a means of survival? When have you faced a situation where you had to balance self-preservation against your personal values?

4. Medra’s leadership is passionate and impulsive, while characters like Kage and Lysander are more strategic. What kind of leadership style do you tend to respond to most strongly? In the context of the rebellion at Bloodwing, which style do you think will ultimately be more effective?

5. Blake is consumed by the belief that he has a monster inside him that he must destroy. Have you ever experienced a similar sense of self-doubt about perceived flaws? How do you think the novel explores the difference between accepting one’s flaws and being defined by them?

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

1. Viktor’s regime uses institutional cruelty, like the blightborn-specific uniforms and the “Blood Donation Incentive Program,” to enforce the social hierarchy. How does the novel use these fantasy elements to comment on real-world systems of oppression and segregation?

2. Bloodwing Academy romanticizes the pursuit of knowledge and power, but it’s also a place of extreme violence and systemic abuse. What do you think the novel is saying about the potential dangers of elite institutions and the idea that knowledge is the ultimate power?

3. Knowing that The Wings That Bind is part of a “romantasy” trend popular on BookTok, how did this context shape your reading? Did recognizing tropes like the “enemies-to-lovers” dynamic or the “morally gray” love interest make the story more enjoyable for you, or did you find it predictable?

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

1. How does the author use multiple points of view to build suspense and develop thematic depth? What important insights do we gain from seeing the world through Regan’s eyes that we wouldn’t get from Medra or Blake alone?

2. Dragon fire is a powerful symbol in the novel, used for both merciless destruction and compassionate mercy killings. In what ways does this duality of dragon fire mirror Blake’s own internal conflict between his love for Medra and the monster he believes he is becoming?

3. The Personal Sacrifice Required for Rebellion is demonstrated by nearly every major character. Which character’s sacrifice did you find most moving or impactful? Was it Regan’s final act, Blake’s doomed ritual, or Florence’s decision to give up her quiet life?

4. The Blood Vow stands in stark contrast to the inherited loyalties of the highblood houses. How does this motif of chosen, binding promises challenge the novel’s established social structure? Why is it so significant that characters like Regan and Kage form their alliance this way?

5. What is the function of the plague in the narrative? How does it serve to literalize the moral corruption of the highblood system, turning their primary tool of dominance, the bite, into a weapon of self-destruction?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Imagine you’re a student at Bloodwing in the immediate aftermath of the rebellion. With the old house boundaries dissolved, you and your friends must decide what comes next. What would be your first priority for creating a new, more just society within the school walls?

2. If you had to create a new magical creature like Neville the fluffin to help the rebellion, what would it be? What unique abilities would it possess, and what role would it play in the fight against the remaining loyalists and the plague?

3. Blake’s “Spell of Twin Hearts” backfired spectacularly. If you could advise him on a different path to control his inner dragon, what would you suggest? Would you recommend a magical, psychological, or relational approach to integrating his human and draconic selves?