Siege and Storm

How is Alina’s problematic relationship with the Darkling essential to her growth? What does he teach her? What, if anything, does she teach him?

Consider the novel’s treatment of friendship. Are there true friends in this world, or just allies, loyal underlings, and romantic prospects? Why or why not?

Explore the role of elders. How do Baghra, the king, and the Apparat play the role of mentor? How do they fail the young protagonists? Must the older generation be fallible in YA fiction? Why or why not?

Discuss the role of magic in the novel. Is it treated with awe, or is it seen as just another kind of technology that some people have mastered? Does Bardugo precisely work out its rules? Is that important? Why or why not?

How does the novel treat leadership? Compare two to four leaders—politicians, military leaders, or spiritual leaders. What constitutes good leadership, and why?

Why does the novel not specify whether the Apparat is a true believer or manipulating his followers to gain more power? Given the novel’s insistence on bifurcated forces of light and darkness, what should readers make of this ambiguous figure?

Does the novel realistically portray love? Sexuality? Why or why not?

What tropes of YA fantasy fiction does Bardugo rely on in the plot? Consider her use of suspense and cliffhangers, categorization, imagery, and so on.