Book Club Questions: The Assassin's Saint
- Valerie Willis
- Jun 1
- 3 min read
The novel starts off with Dante facing John’s mortality. He’s been lingering on the edge of death and still is when we join the story.
How important do you think it is for us to see this struggle?
How does this impact Dante?
Later, how does this impact John?
What do you think still is undecided or unspoken between them on this matter?
The Guild has finally forced Dante to take part in their missions. We get to see at least two pivotal events unfold because of this.
Do you think these missions were intentionally handed to him because of who they involved?
Would you consider this a means of the Guild trying to build favor with him or taking advantage of him?
Why do you think he has a tendency to try to hide his Guild missions from John?
Do you think Dante had the right to refuse, and if he did, would the Guild punish him for doing so?
The Blood Exchange opens a lot of experience, opportunities, and money for Dante. He needs to learn and blow off steam, and this tradition that’s been shifted from the ancient Blood Duels that took down Grandemere make this a little unnerving.
How important do you feel it is for Dante to take part in these fights? Physically? Emotionally?
Which fight do you feel is the most impactful for him? Why did this fight stand out moreso than others?
Looking back on the fights, which opponent do you feel will be a huge asset or ally in future events? Possibly prove to be a dangerous enemy in the future?
Again, we find our overthinker Dante fretting over John discovering the fights. Why do you think he feels the need to do this? Does he feel guilty? Shame? Or do you think it’s something completely different?
Fallen Arbor rears its ugly head. We don’t just get to see the infamous Flintlock Betty but also Landon in this story. In fact, all the cards have fallen into this tiny port town as everyone tries to get away from Grandemere.
How do you feel about Dante’s mission for Flintlock Betty? Do you think he needed to take her out? What impact did this have on him?
Facing Landon stirred up past trauma of Viceroy Falco. Do you think these sour memories have changed the outcome of many of the decisions he is making?
Rage is a powerful force, and we see Dante lose out against it when he sees Marquis and Jonas. Would you say his anger for Marquis outweighs what he felt against Landon and Betty? Do you think his rage here is because he took part in the branding?
Landon is still alive, though not looking so hot. How does this change what we thought about him? Does this support any suspicions you have?
Big brother Ashton plays a huge part in this novel. We know how promiscuous his past is in what he says and shares (and in Champion’s Lord!), but he knows so much about the past and even the gods themselves.
The conversations we see lead us to speculate John believes in the Holy Trinity, Ashton believes in the Fates and all gods (and says they walk the earth), and Dante tends to be skeptical but believes in the practice of faith. Do you think these differences are going to eventually be problematic? Is it important to see there is a difference in belief in all the characters?
Ashton insists the gods are real and walk among us. Do you believe him? Does Dante believe him? Support your answer with examples of what you have seen/read!
Dante hasn’t really been close with any of his family, outside of his dad and cousin Ruth. As far as siblings go, he’s missed out, being the youngest. How impactful is Ashton on Dante’s life and the decisions he’s making? Do you think this interaction is helping or harming Dante?
Soul weapons hold dangerous magic. With Ashton’s emotions and soul clashing with Dante’s own on occasion, what do you feel might happen in the near future? What events happened in this story that support your suspicions? Does Crow being able to hear Ashton change how you perceived the scenes where Ashton is talking?
Are you #TeamDante or #TeamJohn? Did you switch sides in this story? Defend yourself!
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