discussion questions

Discussion Questions for The Mystery of the Dancing Lights

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  1. Early in the novel we see that Jackie has grown, how is this paralleled by his growth regarding magic? Do either affect his confidence?
  2. Jack, in 1989, is taken out of his regular school in order to attend a special magic school. He didn’t want to go, do you think his parents made the right choice and why?
  3. The Aetherborn, who are first introduced in A Case of Synchronicity, play a larger role in this novel. How would you feel if you discovered that some of your classmates were mythical characters brought to life with magic?
  4. The time loop gives Elizabeth the opportunity to work through the traumatic events of the previous book. Does she use that opportunity? Why or why not?
  5. When Jack first meets Morgan, he seems to trust her completely. Why do you think that is?
  6. Elizabeth travels back in time, again, this novel. There are some major differences in how it plays out. How and why do you think that is?
  7. Each Elizabeth novel relies on imagery of abandoned undergrounds. How does that reflect the theme of a “hidden magical world”?
  8. We see Jack, in 1989, lose his temper and melt perfect footprints into the rock floor. Do you think you’d have the strength of will to control that sort of power? What would make you lose that control?
  9. Time loops can be fun. If you were stuck in a loop, what books would you want to read? And what instrument would you want to learn?
  10. In each novel, Elizabeth succeeds through planning, knowledge, her friends, and luck. Why do you think this combination is more successful than the power or strength of her opponents?
  11. Suppose this book became a movie or a TV show. Who would you pick to play the roles? What aspects of the book would you want to see more of? What would be the most difficult part of filming?

The Mystery of the Dancing Lights by Éric Desmarais is available now!
Physical from Canadian indie bookstores, physical from Indigo, electronic version

Discussion Questions for Crushing It

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Crushing It

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  1. Crushing It is set in 2003. How would the story be different if it was set in the present day?
  2. Throughout the book, Tommy is completely unaware of the magical world surrounding him in Westmeath. Do you think it would have changed anything if he had noticed?
  3. Tommy and his mother are at odds at the beginning of the book. Who do you feel more empathy for? Can you see the other’s point of view?
  4. Icebreakers are a staple of camps. How do they make you feel? What type do you prefer?
  5. Do you think Tommy’s reactions and feelings when he realized he was gay were relatable? Have you ever had a crush on someone you didn’t expect? How did you feel and react?
  6. The technology in Westmeath is much more advanced than it was in real life in 2003. How does this affect the story?
  7. We only see Carter’s point of view at three points during the book. How would the story have been different if it had been equal parts from his POV?
  8. Long distance relationships are difficult, but in what ways is it a good thing for Tommy and Carter? How is it a struggle?
  9. Two themes that tie the book together are music and science. Can you think of more?
  10. The world isn’t ending in the book. Do you think it being low-stakes, or cosy, is a strength or a weakness?
  11. Suppose Crushing It became a movie or a TV show. Who would you pick to play the roles? (You can check out my dream casting for ideas) What aspects of the book would you want to see more of? What would be the most difficult part of filming?
Cover art by @pinkpiggy93 on Tumblr and Instagram

Crushing It by Jen Desmarais is available now!

Physical from Canadian indie bookstores, physical from Indigo, electronic version

Discussion Questions for Assassins! Accidental Matchmakers

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  1. Do you think that with half a martial arts class, a magic jewel, and a new suit, Jason should have been okay with Kennedy joining him for superhero work? Why do you think he agreed?
  2. Jason falls fast for Kennedy. Does his vocalization of that come off as honest or creepy? How would it differ if their positions were reversed?
  3. Kennedy is underestimated by both her boss and Jason’s uncle. Why do you think that is and how does she handle it?
  4. We meet several Aetherborn, both with and without powers, some who look human and others who don’t. How do you think the political power dynamic is balanced? Are some better off than others? Why or why not?
  5. Is Kennedy’s job at a boutique lingerie store empowering or fetishizing? When she chooses her outfits for the fashion show, do you think she felt pressured to wear certain items? How does her viewpoint make a difference?
  6. Jason is not shy about showing his emotions. Do you find that realistic? Why or why not?
  7. This book mixes urban fantasy and romance genres. Do you think it worked? Why or why not?
  8. Jason’s behaviour varies depending on who he’s around. Does this make him seem disingenuous? With whom, other than Kennedy, do you think he is most himself?
  9. Do you have a favourite secondary character? Who do you wish got more attention in the story?
  10. Suppose Assassins! Accidental Matchmakers became a movie or a TV show. Who would you pick to play the roles? (You can check out our dream casting for ideas) What aspects of the book would you want to see more of? What would be the most difficult part of filming?
Cover art by @pinkpiggy93 on Tumblr/@flowerraven93 on Instagram

Read Assassins! Accidental Matchmakers by Jen and Éric Desmarais

Physical version, electronic version AVAILABLE NOW!