The Wolf King

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. The book became a viral success on “BookTok.” What elements of the story, from the forbidden romance and political intrigue to the world-building, do you think contributed to its popularity on social media platforms?

2. The “fated mates” trope is a cornerstone of paranormal romance, seen in works from genre pioneers like Christine Feehan to more recent fantasy series. How does The Wolf King’s use of this trope compare to other books you’ve read in the genre? Does the instant, powerful connection between Aurora and Callum feel earned or expected?

3. What was your initial reaction to Aurora’s kidnapping, and how did the novel’s portrayal of this event subvert your expectations for a paranormal romance?

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

1. Aurora’s mother tells her there is always a choice, a piece of advice she clings to throughout her journey. When have you felt that you had to make a difficult choice in a situation that seemed restrictive? How does seeing Aurora navigate her options resonate with your own experiences of finding agency?

2. How did Aurora’s journey of self-discovery, moving from a “prize” to a survivor, resonate with you?

3. The novel presents many characters, like Blake, who operate in morally gray areas. What are your thoughts on characters who are neither purely good nor purely evil? Do you find them more compelling, and if so, why?

4. Aurora imagines herself as a stone statue to cope with her life at court. Why do you think people create mental or emotional shields in difficult situations?

5. Different leadership styles are demonstrated through Callum, James, and Blake, which range from protective to tyrannical to manipulative. Which character’s approach to leadership did you find most effective or interesting, and what did it reveal about their values?

6. Aurora must decide whether to trust Callum, a man who kidnapped her but also promises her safety. What cues or actions do you look for when determining who to trust in an unfamiliar situation?

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

1. The story opens with Aurora being forced into a political marriage, a common practice in historical societies. What does the novel suggest about the role of women as political capital in patriarchal power structures, and how do these themes still resonate today?

2. The Southlands and the wolves have entirely different versions of the Elderwolf legend, which fuels their conflict. In what ways does the novel use these competing mythologies to comment on how history is written as a tool of propaganda? Can you think of real-world examples where conflicting narratives shape cultural or political divides?

3. Wolf society is governed by a rigid hierarchy and a code of “Wolf Law.” How does this social structure reflect or critique real-world social systems?

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

1. The central theme explores The Importance of Choosing One’s Own Path. In what ways does Palphreyman use Aurora’s kidnapping to develop this idea, showing that physical confinement can lead to psychological liberation?

2. Blake is positioned as a foil to both Callum and James, representing a third model of leadership based on manipulation. What key differences in their approaches to power and masculinity does Blake’s character highlight? How does his presence complicate the straightforward “hero” and “villain” archetypes in the story?

3. How does the meaning of the collar shift as a symbol when it moves from Callum to Blake, and what does this transfer reveal about Aurora’s contested agency?

4. The novel consistently asks who the “real” monster is by contrasting characters like Lord Sebastian and Callum. How does the story challenge traditional definitions of monstrosity? What argument do you think the author is ultimately making about the nature of humanity?

5. How did the pacing of the novel affect your reading experience and the building of romantic tension between Aurora and Callum?

6. The Wolf King is the first in a trilogy, followed by The Night Prince. Based on the ending, what narrative threads do you anticipate will be central to the next book? How has the author set up the primary conflicts, particularly concerning the bond between Aurora and Blake and Callum’s challenge for the throne?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. The narrative is told from Aurora’s point of view, leaving Callum’s thoughts a mystery. If you could read one key scene from his perspective, like the dog fight or the tense council meeting, which would it be? What internal conflicts between his duty, his instincts, and his feelings for Aurora might be revealed?

2. Each wolf clan is identified by its tartan. If you were to design a personal crest for Aurora that represents her journey from a confined princess to a self-possessed survivor, what symbols would you include? Consider elements of her Southern heritage and her experiences in the Northlands.

3. At the end of the book, Blake’s master plan is revealed, forcing a treacherous alliance between him and Callum. Imagine you are a trusted advisor to Callum. What strategic advice would you give him for navigating this partnership while rallying the clans to challenge James?