A reader’s companion to The Artifex and the Muse fantasy series by Audrey Auden
Introduction to Realms Unreel
Realms Unreel is a speculative fiction novel that weaves together mythology, multiversal theory, and deep questions of identity and fate. It follows Dom Artifex, a man haunted by echoes of his past lives, and Emmie Bridges, a brilliant but troubled innovator whose work on the alternet may hold the key to unlocking the mysteries of existence. As they navigate a world where memory and reality are malleable, they must confront the forces that have shaped them across lifetimes—and determine whether they have the power to break free.
This guide provides discussion questions, themes, and activities to deepen your book club’s exploration of Realms Unreel and its connection to The Artifex and the Muse series.
Discussion questions
1. Memory, identity, and fate
Realms Unreel explores the idea that identity is shaped by memory. How does the loss, suppression, or distortion of memory affect Emmie, Dom, and other characters?
Dom experiences echoes of past lives but doesn’t fully remember them. How does this partial awareness influence his actions? Does he have free will, or is he following a script written by fate?
The concept of reincarnation is central to the story. How does the novel’s approach to past lives compare to other interpretations of reincarnation in literature or philosophy?
2. The role of technology and the alternet
The alternet is presented as a decentralized space where memories and experiences can be preserved outside of traditional institutions. How does this compare to modern digital archiving, AI, or even social media?
How do Emmie’s technological innovations reflect the human desire for connection and immortality? Do you think the alternet is a tool for freedom, or another form of control?
If you could upload and share memories as easily as Emmie and Dom do, how might that change the way we experience relationships, history, or even justice?
3. Love across lifetimes
Dom and Ava’s connection spans multiple worlds. How does Realms Unreel portray love as something beyond a single lifetime? Do you think their bond is romantic, fated, or something else entirely?
Emmie and Dom’s relationship is layered with echoes of past experiences. Do you think Emmie ever fully understands her connection to Ava, or is she living in her own independent story?
If you could reconnect with a lost love or friend across lifetimes, would you? What would you risk to do so?
4. Power, control, and rebellion
The Mohirai in Dulai and the corporate and government structures on Earth both exert control over people’s knowledge and choices. How do these forces compare, and what do they reveal about power in different societies?
Lilith and the free men believe they are fighting for freedom, but their methods are often extreme. Is their rebellion justified, or are they simply recreating new cycles of oppression?
Dom resists control from multiple factions, but does he ever achieve true autonomy? What does Realms Unreel suggest about the nature of rebellion and the cost of defying fate?
5. Multiversal theory and reality
The novel suggests that reality is not singular, but a web of interconnected worlds. How does this compare to real-world physics theories like the multiverse or quantum mechanics?
If alternate versions of ourselves exist, each shaped by different choices, does that strengthen or weaken the idea of free will?
Emmie is both a unique person and a reincarnation of Ava. At what point does a person stop being the same self? Are we defined by our memories, our actions, or something else?
Themes to explore
The fluidity of identity: How do memories, choices, and reincarnation shape who we are?
The intersection of myth and technology: How do ancient beliefs and futuristic innovations merge in the story?
The burden of knowledge: When should truth be revealed, and when is ignorance a mercy?
Cycles of power and resistance: Does history inevitably repeat itself, or can true change occur?
The search for meaning in an infinite universe: How do Dom and Emmie define their purpose in a world without clear answers?
Suggested activities for book clubs
Memory mapping exercise: Have each member write down a memory that shaped them. Discuss: If this memory was lost or changed, would it alter who you are today?
Alternate reality scenarios: Imagine a version of yourself in a different life or timeline. What choices would have led you there? How might your identity change?
Tech and ethics debate: Discuss modern technology in relation to the alternet. If a real-world version existed, would it be ethical to upload and alter memories?
Reincarnation storytelling: Each member tells a short story about a past life they imagine they may have lived. Compare themes in the stories and discuss connections between them.
Book pairing discussion: Compare Realms Unreel to books with similar themes, such as Cloud Atlas (David Mitchell), The Ten Thousand Doors of January (Alix E. Harrow), or This Is How You Lose the Time War (Amal El-Mohtar & Max Gladstone).
Wrapping up
Realms Unreel invites readers to question the nature of identity, memory, and fate across multiple lifetimes. Whether discussing philosophical dilemmas, technological speculation, or the deep emotional bonds between characters, this novel provides a rich foundation for conversation.
Final question for reflection: If you could see across lifetimes—your own and those of the people you love—would you want to? Would you change anything, or is each life meant to unfold as it does?
Happy reading!
AA