The post-apocalyptic genre typically explores human survival following a calamitous event. It generally explores 3 major themes: How will humans reorganize and rebuild? What do we learn about humanity in times of distress? What could have been done to prevent the “disaster”? Below are some discussion questions for the first two books of The Horsemen Chronicles.
(Note: Some spoilers for each book are contained within each of their respective discussion questions.)
Reader’s Discussion Guide: The Horsemen: Embers of the Old World
1. Sam is yearning for adventure, Abigail seems to be seeking safety and Deacon and Solomon are looking to gain power. Do you think the motivations of these characters are consistent with any of the themes associated with post-apocalyptic stories? Which ones for each?
2. The concept of survival is illustrated in the Colony, Mae’s settlement, and the Wilds. Other than actual physical survival, what would you want to include as values or practices in a survivors’ group that you were part of? What would you be willing to “give up” to support those values or practices?
3. What social values do you think are the most important for a society and why?
4. Social and individual values are sometimes in conflict; what structures and practices keep them in “harmonious tension”?
5. If life only is our highest value, then a self-centered survivalist mentality would be one of our highest held virtues. Do you think Abigail, Sam and Deacon demonstrate values beyond survival? How about Vincente and Roach? How about Solomon?
6. Separateness is a theme of the book. Are there circumstances in which you cling to or maintain a separateness of groups? If so why?
7. Sam’s Survivor’s Colony maintains a separateness from other survivors. Do you think it is healthy for a group to insulate from others? What are the consequences?
8. There are “new” human beings created as a result of infection with the Horseman virus. The author lists them as “less than human and more than human.” Do you think the idea of being human is more than a physical appearance? If yes, what are the characteristics/qualities that make us human?
9. What social values do you think are most important? Think about a society without justice, respect, happiness, freedom, health, safety, peace etc.?
10. The title is Embers of the Old World. What embers from the Old World do you see the author suggesting might be worth fanning into the flames for the future?
Discussion Questions for The Horsemen: The Fire and the Free City
1. Transformation as a process is illustrated in each of the main characters. Among Sam, Abigail, Roach and Rend who do you think changes the most and why?
2. Abigail appears the most “human” of the characters changed by the Horseman virus, yet she seems to have the most difficulty in adapting to becoming part of the various groups in the story. Why do you think this is?
3. Do you think there are underlying themes of nature versus nurture in how the “mutant” characters are used in the book? Consider them in the Wilds, in the Shadow Market, after exposure to the new virus…
4. Sam, Abigail and Marcus seem to be changed more by circumstances or relationships in the story. Do you find this true in your life?
5. How well do you think the author did dealing with the theme of what it means to be human?
6. Do you think friendship and acceptance were the basis for change among Sam, Abigail, Rend and Roach more than any other factor?
7. What do you think about this statement-“Science separated from nature, can ultimately create problems for human survival?”
8. Eugenics is suggested as one of the themes of the book. From ancient Rome, Greece, nomadic tribes, and modern times, improvement of humanity and society has been the “goal” of this philosophy and practice. What do you think are reasons for the persistence of the idea of eugenics as a practice in a society?
9. How should a society decide who makes the decisions for its future course? Or when to change course?
10. How well does the author deal with the concept of a group or society dealing with the “different other”?
11. Other than this being a Young Adult book, why do you think all the young people are seen as the agents for potential positive change? Do you see this currently in our world?