The Sermon of Loss

In Pen’dil Zenn, families are incentivized to sell their magical children as Masked Ones. Why do they do this? What are ways in which our society encourages us to sell ourselves or our loved ones? What would need to change for us to act differently?

Throughout the book, 732 has her beliefs challenged - in an especially abrupt way considering her more than two decades wearing the mask. How do you think she managed to maintain the facade for so long? When in your life have your beliefs been abruptly changed? How did you respond?

When reading fantasy, you have to talk about magic! Which of the Principles would you most like to try? If using the magic takes your ability to eat a certain food, though, which food could you not live without? Can you think of an alternative to eat that might grant the same power without stealing your beloved snack?

Pen’dil Zenn is a city in reverse, with food grown in the middle and the densest part of the population on the outskirts. Where is power and wealth most concentrated in our society (physically or psychologically)? Has this changed over time? Does anyone’s answer surprise you?

Throughout the book, 732 also confronts unexpected corruption: the Masked One 151 gorging himself on crabs, the merchant Maegin possessing forbidden magic-canceling metal, even fighting another duke’s troops at the outpost. How do you think this corruption connects? Is one person ultimately behind it? How do their beliefs incentivize corruption?

Pen’dil Zenn has multiple centers of power: the High Priest, the king, the dukes. How do you think those power centers help the city thrive? How do you think they hurt the city?

We only get to see portions of Borash’s childhood, but we see where he has ended up. How do you think guilt affected the outcome of his life? Is there anything from your earlier years you still hang onto? What advice would you have given Borash if you were his friend?

Borash and Teros travel widely throughout Pen’dil Zenn in their attempt to reach the duke’s pond. What part of the city sparked your imagination the most? How would you describe it? Does it differ from anyone else’s imagination?

This book depicts both obsessive compulsive disorder and chronic pain. Has it changed any of your preconceptions of either? Why or why not?

Between each part of the book, we experience a “Respite,” meeting characters from other basins: Aitesi, Auyd, Serimh, and Theiral. Who was your favorite? What did they teach you about the wider world outside of Pen’dil Zenn?