A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas is the third installment in the bestselling ACOTAR series.
Here’s more about the book, along with our free Dirty Dozen downloadable discussion question guide for your spicy book club.
Book description
Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin’s actions and learn what she can about the invading king threatening to bring her land to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit. One slip could bring doom not only for Feyre, but for everything-and everyone-she holds dear.
As war bears down upon them all, Feyre endeavors to take her place amongst the High Fae of the land, balancing her struggle to master her powers-both magical and political-and her love for her court and family. Amidst these struggles, Feyre and Rhysand must decide whom to trust amongst the cunning and lethal High Lords, and hunt for allies in unexpected places.
A Court of Wings and Ruin book club discussion guide
**PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THIS DISCUSSION QUESTION GUIDE MIGHT INCLUDE SPOILERS**
We’ve provided the Dirty Dozen below; twelve spicy and intriguing questions to spark discussion and help you uncover the spine-tingling depths of the story.
The Dirty Dozen
Foreplay – Warm Up Questions
1. What’s the overall spice level? 1 (Not Spicy) – 10 (Spiciest Thing I’ve Ever Read)?
2. How does the spice level compare to the other books we’ve read together?
3. Feyre smiles at Ianthe “and lets a little bit of the wolf show.” What’s your favorite moment where Feyre wields her power with grace or menace? When’s the last time you let someone see your wolf?
The Spicy Bits – Gettin’ Down and Dirty with the Plot
4. Jurian tells Feyre that Rhysand didn’t lose her — he “unleashed her.” How does this shift the traditional dynamic of mates or lovers in fantasy? Is this what trust and partnership look like to you?
5. Feyre says her goal was greater than personal retribution. Do you believe that? How much of her arc in this book felt strategic versus emotionally driven?
6. One of Rhysand’s defining traits is that he always gives Feyre a choice — even when it costs him. How does this compare to the way Tamlin treated her? How important is that level of autonomy in a relationship?
7. Feyre lures Ianthe to the Weaver’s cottage, fully knowing what fate might await her. Was this a brilliant act of vengeance, a necessary move in a greater game, or a step too far? How did you feel watching Feyre play god with Ianthe’s fate?
8. “What we think to be our greatest weakness can sometimes be our biggest strength.” Which character do you think most embodies this idea in ACOWAR and have you ever experienced this in your own life?
9. The Ouroboros reveals the darkest parts of the self. Feyre survives it. Could you? What might you see in the mirror and would you run, shatter, or rise?
10. Rhys tells Feyre, “You have to deem whether the cost is worth assuaging your guilt” after she slips into Lucian’s mind. What do you think was Feyre’s greatest emotional burden in this book and did she succeed in healing it, or did she just survive it?
11. The Carver says Feyre is rare for facing herself fully and not breaking. It’s how he decided to help her. By the end of ACOWAR, who do you think she truly is? Has she become the High Lady she was meant to be…or something even more?
Aftercare – Final Thoughts
12. We lost the Suriel, Bone Carver and Weaver and Bryaxis is on the run. How did you feel about their endings individually as well as the war arc with Hybern as a whole?
Bonus: What questions do you have for the author? If you could dog-ear a page with a question for the author, what would it be?
Please feel free to use this post as a starting point for your spicy book club discussion questions and use the comments below to share your thoughts and insights about the book. You can also get a free downloadable copy of the discussion guide using the button below.
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