Dust on the Altar

Dust on the Altar is a dark urban fantasy with magical witches and a touch of sci-fi. It's set in an alternate Earth timeline, where cities are ruled by technology and their citizens have marginalized witches to the townships, where they can practice magic with little fear of reprisal.

Jade loves her life in Sun City: their technology is cutting edge, she's right-hand woman to the country's most powerful business owner, and no one suspects she's a Witch. But when her old coven's High Priestess and last remaining family member is murdered, she’s expected to leave her beloved city life behind, regain the powers she abandoned years ago, and take her place as coven leader.

Going back to Sugar Hill won't be easy. She'll have to find a way to reconcile with her former best friend who's the man she must now call partner, find the keys to her ascension ritual, and stop a Witch who will do anything to bring his daughter back from the dead.

With the coven's magic fading and a whole township counting on her to bring it back, will she find the strength to face the ghosts of her tragic past, or will she run from her responsibilities, again?

Book club questions for Dust on the Altar by Michelle Winkler

Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.

The book’s title, Dust on the Altar, could be taken literally as referring to Jade's neglected altar. What do you think is a more symbolic meaning?

When April tells Jade that she agrees the way Witches are treated is wrong, then goes on to say, "It's just the way it is," do you think Jade was right to change the subject? If not, what would you have done differently?

Other than the forms of prejudice seen in the novel, what else do you think the Witches in Sun City endure?

Would you classify Richard as a true villain, anti-villain, or morally gray character? Do you sympathize with him?

If this story had been written from Richard's viewpoint, what actions of Jade's could be considered villainous?

Bravery is often described as doing the right thing even though you're afraid. Is it still considered bravery if you believe you have no choice? Do you consider Jade to be brave?

Facing your fears, especially when connected to trauma, can be extremely difficult without support. In what ways did Charlie and April show Jade their support? Do you think they could have done anything else to help her face her fears? If so, what?

Dust on the Altar Book Club Questions PDF

Click here for a printable PDF of the Dust on the Altar discussion questions