An Arcane Inheritance by Kamilah Cole - 42

Ellory identifies herself as someone who isn’t “needy enough for a single needs-based grant.” How does her relationship with money guide her choices in the story despite not coming from poverty?

What do you think draws Hudson and Ellory to each other beyond their academic capabilities? What traits do they have in common? In what ways are they foils of each other?

How did her relationship with Liam help Ellory clarify her relationship with Hudson? Do you think there was something that she could have done differently by the end of her relationship with Liam?

Ellory is a first-generation immigrant who was born in Jamaica and moved to America when she was a kid. How does this fish-out-of-water perspective shape her views about hard work and success?

It takes Ellory a while to truly begin questioning her reality and commit to the mystery unfolding on campus. Would you have waited until the same point? Which event would have spurred you to investigate sooner (or later)?

Warren University is a fictional university, but it acts as an amalgamation of several higher education institutes. Which parts of academic and social life there felt the most relatable to you?

Hudson and Boone’s childhood bond is painted as both a good thing and a toxic thing at various parts of the story. How do the two boys help each other? How do the two boys hurt each other?

Tai and Cody’s romance provides a stable contrast to Ellory’s tumultuous love life throughout the book while at times isolating her when she needs someone in her corner. How do Tai and Cody each prove that they are always there for Ellory? In what ways could she be a better friend to them?

The Lost Eight are both a secret and a legend on the Warren campus. How can we raise awareness for those invisible people whose names are too often forgotten by history?

Both Ellory and Hudson have issues with their families despite being varying degrees of close with them. How do their families shape the people they became? How do our families shape the people we become because of or in spite of them?

bell hooks is a beloved writer to Ellory and Hudson—and many real people across the world. What is your favorite bell hooks quote or work and why?

At the end of the story, Ellory and Hudson’s relationship has drastically changed. Where do you think their connection will go from here?