Lizzy Ballard for Book Clubs
Book 1: Rock Paper Scissors
Lizzy Ballard’s ability, known as "the squeeze," is central to the plot of Rock Paper Scissors. How does this unique power shape her character and the choices she makes throughout the novel? Do you see it as a gift or a curse?
The novel explores themes of power and control, both in terms of Lizzy’s abilities and the intentions of those who want to exploit her. How do these themes drive the conflict in the story, and what do they say about human nature?
The title Rock Paper Scissors suggests a game of strategy and chance. How do you think this metaphor applies to the relationships and power dynamics between the characters? How do Lizzy, her allies, and her enemies "play the game"?
Family loyalty and betrayal are recurring motifs in the novel. How do Lizzy’s relationships with her family members influence her journey? How do these relationships compare to the ones she forms with other characters?
The pacing of the thriller is intense and fast-moving. How did the author’s use of action and suspense affect your reading experience? Were there any particular moments that stood out to you as especially gripping or surprising?
The ending of Rock Paper Scissors sets the stage for the next installment in Lizzy’s story. Were you satisfied with how the novel concluded? What are your predictions or hopes for Lizzy’s future in the series?
Book 2: Snakes and Ladders
The title Snakes and Ladders suggests a game of ups and downs, risks, and sudden reversals. How do you think this metaphor applies to the challenges Lizzy faces in the novel? In what ways do her choices lead to successes or setbacks?
Lizzy’s abilities continue to evolve in Snakes and Ladders. How does her control (or lack of control) over "the squeeze" affect her relationships and the trajectory of the plot? How does she cope with the moral implications of her power?
The novel introduces new adversaries and allies for Lizzy. How do these new characters impact the story and Lizzy’s development? Were there any characters that you found particularly intriguing or surprising?
Themes of trust and deception are central to the novel. How do these themes play out in the interactions between Lizzy and the people around her? How does Lizzy decide who to trust, and what are the consequences of those decisions?
The pacing of Snakes and Ladders is fast and tense, with many twists and turns. How did the author maintain suspense throughout the novel? Were there any particular scenes that you found especially intense or unexpected?
As the second book in the Lizzy Ballard series, Snakes and Ladders builds on the foundation laid in Rock Paper Scissors. How do you think Lizzy has grown as a character from the first book to this one? What do you hope to see in her future as the series continues?
Book 3: The Iron Ring
In The Iron Ring, Lizzy Ballard faces new challenges that test her strength and resilience. How does Lizzy’s character evolve in this installment? What new aspects of her personality or abilities are revealed?
The title The Iron Ring suggests a sense of confinement or control. How do you think this metaphor applies to Lizzy’s situation in the novel? What are the forces or circumstances that seem to trap or limit her?
Throughout the novel, Lizzy must navigate complex relationships with both allies and enemies. How do these relationships impact her decisions and actions? Were there any interactions that stood out to you as particularly pivotal?
Themes of power, control, and freedom are central to the story. How does Lizzy struggle with these concepts, both in terms of her own abilities and in the broader conflicts she faces? What message do you think the author is conveying through these themes?
The novel is filled with suspense and tension, particularly as Lizzy confronts increasingly dangerous situations. How did the author build and maintain suspense throughout the story? Were there any moments that you found especially gripping or surprising?
As the latest book in the Lizzy Ballard series, The Iron Ring continues to build on the overarching narrative. How does this book contribute to the larger story arc of the series? What do you think is next for Lizzy, and what are your hopes or predictions for her future?
Book 3½: Kill Box Checkmate
The title Kill Box Checkmate suggests a strategic, high-stakes confrontation. How does the concept of a "kill box" and the idea of "checkmate" play into the story's plot and the decisions Louise Mortensen must make?
Louise Mortensen is a new protagonist in the world of Lizzy Ballard. How does her character compare to Lizzy, and what unique qualities does she bring to the story? How do her strengths and weaknesses influence the outcome of the plot?
The novella explores themes of strategy and survival. How does Louise navigate the challenges she faces, and what strategies does she employ to outmaneuver her adversaries? Were there any moments where her choices surprised you?
The novella is set within the world of Lizzy Ballard, but with a focus on a different character. How does the setting and connection to the Lizzy Ballard series enrich the story? Did you notice any parallels or contrasts between Louise’s story and Lizzy’s?
The pacing of Kill Box Checkmate is likely more condensed due to its novella length. How did the shorter format impact the intensity and suspense of the story? Did you feel the novella format worked well for this particular narrative?
The ending of Kill Box Checkmate brings resolution to Louise’s immediate conflict but leaves room for future stories. Were you satisfied with the conclusion? What do you think could be next for Louise Mortensen in this expanded world?
Book 4: Scare Card
The title Scare Card suggests an element of risk or danger. How do you think this concept is reflected in the story’s plot and Lizzy’s decisions throughout the novel? What are the "scare cards" Lizzy faces, and how does she deal with them?
Lizzy’s abilities continue to be a central focus in the series. In Scare Card, how does her power evolve, and what new challenges does she face because of it? How does Lizzy’s understanding of her abilities influence her actions and relationships?
The novel introduces new threats and adversaries for Lizzy. How do these new elements impact the overall tension and suspense of the story? Were there any characters or situations that you found particularly compelling or surprising?
Themes of loyalty and betrayal are explored in Scare Card. How do these themes manifest in Lizzy’s interactions with other characters? What do these interactions reveal about her growth as a person and her approach to trust?
The pacing of Scare Card is intense and fast-moving. How did the author’s use of action and suspense affect your reading experience? Were there any moments that stood out to you as particularly gripping or unexpected?
As the series progresses, Lizzy’s character development continues to be a key focus. In Scare Card, how does Lizzy grow, both personally and in terms of her abilities? What do you think the future holds for her, and what are your hopes or predictions for the next installment?
Book 5: Drawing Dead
Lizzy’s ability to induce strokes in others is both a weapon and a burden. How does this power shape her character throughout the novel? Do you think Lizzy views it more as a strength or a vulnerability, and how does that perception influence her decisions?
The title Drawing Dead is a poker term referring to a situation where a player cannot win no matter what cards come next. How does this theme of inevitability play out in Lizzy’s journey? Are there moments when Lizzy seems to be ‘drawing dead,’ and how does she handle those situations?
Lizzy often finds herself in morally complex situations, where right and wrong are not always clear. Were there any moments when you disagreed with Lizzy’s choices? What alternative paths could she have taken, and what consequences might have followed?
Interpersonal dynamics play a significant role in the Lizzy Ballard series. How do Lizzy’s relationships with her allies impact her actions in this book? Which relationship did you find the most compelling or pivotal, and why?
The novel’s pacing is fast and filled with suspense. How did the author build tension throughout the story, and which scene or moment stood out to you the most? How did the pacing influence your overall reading experience?