Red Queen

What evidence is there throughout the book of Maven’s betrayal? Why does Maven befriend Mare only to arrange her death?

Throughout the book, Evangeline focuses on Mare as the greatest threat to her future. What does Evangeline’s fixation say about her and Silver society?

The Guard thinks violence and big gestures are the way to bring about change. By contrast, Julian advocates for slow change with a well-placed role model. Which approach do you think is best? Why?

Female protagonists in young adult fantasy and science fiction are sometimes ridiculed for being too emotional or stubborn to see the obvious truths before them. Do Mare’s doubts about Maven and Cal feel genuine and supported by her emotional journey, or does it seem like she misses obvious hints?

Throughout the book, Mare waffles about her feelings for Cal because he doesn’t seem to care about Red life. Given how Mare feels about Silver lives, do you think her attitude is hypocritical? Does Mare feel Silver lives are not worth a Red’s? Why or why not?

One theme of Red Queen is that people from different groups can share important similarities. Do you agree or disagree?

In Chapter 5, Mare recalls her father’s theory that Silvers evolved while Reds didn’t. What do you think explains the Mare and Shade’s powers? 

In Chapter 11, Mare observes that as a woman Elara hates being dismissed by the king/her husband. This is the only place in Red Queen where gender disparities are addressed. Why do you think Aveyard chose to include this passage?