Anathema

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

1. Reflect on Zevander’s and Maevyth’s childhoods. How did their different experiences of abuse impact your view of the characters? Did their portrayal offer new information or perspectives that changed your views?

2. Did any scenes or events from the novel remind you of anything you have experienced? Have you ever felt ostracized or different from others, like Maevyth or Zevander?

3. Rykaia and Aleysia are boisterous characters who always seem to get into trouble. How do these characters enrich the other characters’ lives? Do you have friends like them? Are you that friend?

4. Many of the issues in the politics and government of Anathema are reminiscent of real issues. Consider the classism, sexism, and racism of the text. Which of these problems felt like the most or least realistic depiction of their real-life counterparts? Why or why not?

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

1. Though the discrimination that Maevyth faces is enhanced by a fictional religion and superstitions, it still reflects real-world struggles for women to achieve independence and overcome abuse. Did Lake succeed in making an allegory of these issues? Did the novel impact your view on women’s rights?

2. Consider the two settings of the novel: Mortasia and Aethyria. How do these settings work together to reflect real-world issues? How do their similarities and differences emphasize this connection?

3. Though the magic in the novel is fictional, it reflects the talents and abilities that real people have, such as intelligence, strength, or empathy. Which magic power stood out to you? How are people with gifts treated differently in real life?

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

1. The novel is split between Maevyth’s and Zevander’s perspectives. How does this enhance or detract from the narrative of Anathema? Why do you think Lake chose to split the novel this way?

2. Maevyth and Zevander are, as is common with many romance protagonists, near-unrealistically attractive, with Maevyth being petite, pale, and supernaturally beautiful and Zevander being incredibly tall, muscled, and striking. Did this characterization add to your enjoyment of the novel, or did it make it difficult to relate to these characters? Why or why not?

3. Discuss the tone of the novel, which remains dark and cold in all the major settings that the characters encounter. How does this tone reflect the gravity of the narrative? How might a brighter setting change the content of the story?

4. Consider the theme of redemption as it is explored in the novel. Which characters are looking for redemption, and why? For example, Maevyth feels that she needs to redeem herself for abandoning Aleysia, but is this rational?