Mirrored Heavens by Rebecca Roanhorse
Book Description
Serapio, avatar of the Crow God Reborn and the newly crowned Carrion King, rules Tova. But his enemies gather both on distant shores and within his own city as the matrons of the clans scheme to destroy him. And deep in the alleys of the Maw, a new prophecy is whispered, this one from the Coyote God. It promises Serapio certain doom if its terrible dictates are not fulfilled.
Meanwhile, Xiala is thrust back amongst her people as war comes first to the island of Teek. With their way of life and their magic under threat, she is their last best hope. But the sea won’t talk to her the way it used to, and doubts riddle her mind. She will have to sacrifice the things that matter most to unleash her powers and become the queen they were promised.
And in the far northern wastelands, Naranpa, avatar of the Sun God, seeks a way to save Tova from the visions of fire that engulf her dreams. But another presence has begun stalking her nightmares, and the Jaguar God is on the hunt.
Maude’s Book Club Questions For ‘Mirrored Heavens’:
Was the ending fulfilling?
Was there enough follow-through for the set up? Why/why not
How did you feel about Okoa’s death How did you feel about the showdown with Balam Betrayal plays a huge part in the second half of the book - with Okoa being betrayed, Powagi being betrayed, Tuun etc. All realizing they’re the pawn pieces on the chess board.
Do you feel like betrayal was an important theme or was it injected for the sake of it?
Whose arc did you like the most/the least?
Serapio struggled with being harnessed by a vengeful god and through introspection and Xiala, found kindness, compassion and love. Did you feel Narunpa had a similar experience? What was her lesson in being channelled by the Sun God?
In the last book, we learned about the different magics and the balance that they bring (opposite/harmony). Did you feel this was explored enough? Name instances of plot armour used further along the second half of the book (HINT: there was plenty)
Do you think this book sets up a second trilogy/more books to explore?
Why was Narunpa’s finish exactly like the disappointment of Danaerys in GOT…
The intimacy ramped up in this book between Xiala and Serapio (a little more than Narunpa and Iktan, although they spent a night together too). How did you like the exploration of these relationships? Xiala being experienced as a juxtaposition to Serapios, etc
Were you ever confused by who you were supposed to root for?
How did you find the “I am your father” reveal for Balam/Serapio?
What were your thoughts about the 6 years later?
Did you think it was a happy ending? DID YOU FEEL CLOSURE?
