Woven by Gold

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What was your experience reading this book as a sequel? Did you feel it successfully built upon the world and conflicts introduced in Bonded by Thorns, and how did your expectations for the characters change as the story progressed?

2. The novel fits squarely in the romantasy genre, exploring a polyamorous dynamic within a high-stakes fantasy world. How did this aspect of the story resonate with you? If you’ve read other popular series like Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses, how do you feel Woven by Gold engages with or subverts common tropes of the genre?

3. Which character’s journey did you find the most compelling or satisfying? What resonated the most about their arc?

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

1. Throughout the novel, the four princes and Rosalina find strength in their bonds with each other. Is there a time when the support of your own chosen family gave you the courage to face a difficult challenge? 

2. Farron’s character arc is driven by his need to integrate his inner beast into his identity. Can you think of a time when embracing a part of yourself you once saw as a weakness ultimately made you stronger?

4. Ezryn removes the scar on Rosalina’s arm, signaling her ability to heal from her past abuse. Is there a moment in your own life when you’ve made the conscious choice to leave a painful part of yourself behind?

5. Keldarion’s self-loathing leads him to push Rosalina away, believing his rejection is a form of protection. When, in your own life, have you seen good intentions lead to hurtful outcomes? 

6. Dayton uses a charming, carefree persona to hide his deep fear of vulnerability and loss. Have you ever found yourself using a defense mechanism to protect yourself from difficult emotions?

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

1. The novel presents different models of leadership. What qualities does the book seem to argue are most essential for a ruler in a time of crisis? Do you see parallels between these fae political struggles and leadership challenges in our contemporary world?

2. Woven by Gold followed a path from self-publishing to mainstream success, driven by its popularity on social media platforms like TikTok. How do you think this trend is shaping the kinds of stories that get published, particularly in genres like fantasy romance? What are the potential benefits and drawbacks for authors and readers?

3. The story suggests that personal bonds have the power to break curses, restore leaders, and save nations. How does this idea challenge or reinforce traditional views of where political power comes from? Can you think of historical or current events where personal relationships have had significant public or political consequences?

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

1. The will-o’-wisps are a key symbol of fated connection, yet the mate bond itself is deeply complicated in the novel. What do you think the story is suggesting about the nature of love? 

2. Caspian is a complex antagonist who often acts as a catalyst for the heroes’ growth. In what ways does he serve as a foil to Keldarion, and what does their shared, secret history reveal about the novel’s ideas of villainy and betrayal?

3. The recurring motif of thorns represents both constraint and empowerment throughout the story. How does the novel use this imagery to explore the characters self-discovery?

4. Why do you think the author chose a structure that shifts perspectives between Rosalina and the princes? What did seeing the world through different characters eyes reveal that a single perspective could not?

5. The idea of Building an Identity Through the Shadow Self is central to both Rosalina’s and Farron’s transformations. In what ways are their journeys of integrating their hidden or feared selves similar, and where do they diverge?

6. The Beasts of the Briar series followed a similar journey to success as Raven Kennedy’s The Plated Prisoner. If you are familiar with that series, how would you compare Auren’s and Rosalina’s journeys from positions of powerlessness and abuse toward reclaiming their agency and magical abilities?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Imagine you are writing a scene from Caspian’s point of view. Which moment would you choose to retell, and what would his internal thoughts reveal about his mysterious motivations, his relationship with his mother Sira, and his complex feelings for Rosalina?

2. The book concludes with a massive cliffhanger, leading to a wider war across the realms. What is your boldest prediction for the next book? What role do you think Rosalina’s mother, Anya, will play, and whose side will Caspian ultimately choose?

3. Each of the four princes is tied to a specific season and realm. If you were to design a fifth court, what natural element or concept would it represent? What would its culture be like, and what form would its leader’s curse take?