Book Club Questions: The Prince's Priest
- Valerie Willis
- May 31
- 2 min read
Unlike most fantasy novels that are told in third person (they/she/he), the author chose to tell this story in first person (me/my/I). Why do you think this is? Did it hide more of the overall world actions more so than normal? Was it more intimate to read because of this?
Despite having many tropes stitched into the plot and characters, the author often breaks them or twists the end result. For example, the returning runaway prince no one recognizes trope was broken when everyone immediately knew who Dante was. What other tropes and twists did you find interesting?
In most male/male romances, we often see character archetypes such as the “silent top” or “bossy bottom” as well as seeing pairings of a masculine man with a more feminine man. How does the author change this expectation? Do you think it took away or added to the romance and exchange between Dante and John?
Are you #TeamJohn or #TeamDante? And why? At what point did these characters convince you to root for them?
Do you think Dante should have waited so long for John? Do you think John will continue to feel guilty for a long time over this fact?
Many aspects of the story have some real world influence. For example, the buzz button or electric daisy is a real herb and has been used in the same manner in history. What other snippets did you find throughout that rang true? Do you think these elements help or hurt reader understanding of the world?
We get to experience the Madness through Dante. Why do you think this was important for the readers to see, feel, and hear? How do you think it influences Dante’s own understanding of the plague and bloodeaters?
Viceroy is the villain we love to hate. What are your thoughts on his final intent for Dante? Do you think he wished to kill him, was jealous of his affections for John, or possibly still madly in love or even obsessed with Dante?
King Germaine made several bold moves to let his son know he was there to support whichever choices he made. Do you think the loss of Dante’s other siblings may have influenced this decision? Or do you feel he’s always been an affectionate father?
The Guild plays a big part in helping Dante build himself up to face Falco. Do you think without their influence he could have done this on his own? Do you think they are showing support for their prince, or do they possibly have other motives?
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