5. Nym is tempted by the same power (and the positive changes it could bring) that Draewulf has. However, she also sees what it’s done to him and what it could do to her. Do you think if she kept the power, Nym would’ve eventually become like Draewulf? Do you think the evil existed solely in the power, or in the one who ingested it? And what makes the Elemental power Nym was born with good and the unnatural one she consumed evil?
6. Eogan and Kel are part of a society that values physical power and unity over emotional strength and individuality. What are the benefits (and drawbacks) of both systems? Imagine what reasoning or circumstance in their history might have led the Bron people to value physical power above emotional strength.
7. In the final battle, as Nym is fighting Draewulf, she sees a third man—Draewulf’s “real” self—inside his body. It occurs to her that Draewulf is “as much a slave to the animal he’s become as Eogan’s body was.” She’s struck with pity for him and repeats Kel’s belief to Draewulf—that he has a choice as to how he will use his power. Do you think Draewulf truly could’ve chosen differently? Do we all have a choice about what actions we take and what future we embrace?
8. Rasha and Myles have a somewhat volatile relationship—partly because Myles can be despicable, but also because Rasha’s offense toward him goes deeper than simply an annoyance at who he is and the choices he’s made. As a citizen of a pacifist nation, why do you think she struggles with him so much? Do you think her past has influenced her attitude and biases?
9. Toward the end of Storm Siren (book 1), Nym gained a measure of freedom and healing from self-loathing and self-harm. Even though she’s a stronger person in Siren’s Fury (book 2), those early struggles arise again when she feels alone and bereft of everything. Have you ever struggled with similar feelings or perhaps even with self-harm? Do you know anyone who has? What advice would you give to Nym? What help offered to you would make a difference for her? If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or self-harm, please talk to a safe person about it. Support, resources, and hope are available to you, including through To Write Love on Her Arms (http://www.TWLOHA.com). Just please reach out. I promise you are not alone.