The Spellshop

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Was this your first experience with the cozy fantasy genre? How did the blend of seemingly contrasting genres affect your reading of the book?

2. Who was your favorite character? Why did this person’s traits or actions resonate?

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

1. Although Radane behaves unethically and takes on an antagonistic role, she is forgiven quite quickly. Would you have forgiven her in this situation? Did you feel that Kiela’s compassion was authentic? What details led you to these conclusions?

2. For Kiela, facing the townspeople and asking for help is an act of courage. Discuss a time when you had to do something seemingly benign that scared you in this way.

3. Several characters undergo a rebirth, starting a new life after a period of hardship. Have you ever had to start over in this way? How did you manage it?

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

1. The novel focuses on the philosophical question of whether knowledge should be available to all or restricted to a select few.