Divine Rivals

A main theme of the narrative focuses on the damage that one-sided views of a complex situation can cause. The novel is told from the perspective of Iris and, occasionally, from that of Roman, both of whom are supporters of Enva in the war. In what ways does this leave readers uninformed about other perspectives?

Names hold symbolic meaning in Divine Rivals, especially when it comes to the references to the natural world in the names of those in the Winnow family. Research the metaphorical and symbolic meanings of the iris flower and explore the ways in which the character of Iris reflects her namesake. Support your answer by providing context from the novel.

While Iris and Roman marry, she never says she loves him and eventually comes to regret this when Forest steals her away. Why do you suppose she doesn’t tell Roman this on the night of their wedding and shared intimacy? In what ways does Iris still wear her metaphorical armor? Use examples from the text to support your answer.

Zeb Autry, Iris and Roman’s boss at the Gazette, allows his personal views on the war to influence the narrative he delivers to the uninformed public. What are some of the dangers of having people like Zeb Autry in positions of power, especially concerning media in times of national distress? In what ways does this negatively impact the nation of Cambria in the novel?

In what ways do words connect characters throughout the novel, whether written or spoken? Use examples from the text to support your answer.

Marisol, Attie, and Iris devote ample time to nurturing Keegan’s garden, even while the war rages closer. Why do they choose to focus on this activity amid the fear and chaos?

The found-family trope is demonstrated when Iris connects deeply with the people of Avalon Bluff. How might this development impact her relationship with her brother, Forest, as the sequel unfolds? To further support your answer, use evidence from the text to analyze how Iris’s relationship with Forest shifts from the Prologue to the final chapters.

Choose three scenes from the text that indicate ways in which Iris and Roman suffer long-lasting effects of their traumatic experiences at the war front. Explore the reasoning behind their reactions and how it might impact their lives going forward.