All That Consumes Us
#2 in Ghost Wood Song Series
on Goodreads (2,033)
What’s inside...
Ninth House meets The Dead and the Dark in this gothic dark academia novel that delves into the human capacity for great love, great art, and great evil. Magni animi numquam moriuntur. Great minds never die. The students in Corbin College’s elite academic society, Magni Viri, have it all—free tuition, inspirational professors, and dream jobs once they graduate. When first-gen college student Tara is offered a chance to enroll, she doesn’t hesitate. Except once she’s settled into the gorgeous Victorian dormitory, something strange starts to happen. She’s finally writing, but her stories are dark and twisted. Her dreams feel as if they could bury her alive. An unseen presence seems to stalk her through the halls. And a chilling secret awaits Tara at the heart of Magni Viri—one that just might turn her nightmares into reality; one that might destroy her before she has a chance to escape. All That Consumes Us will pull readers into a hypnotizing, dark reverie that blurs the lines of reality and shows that the addictive nature of ambition—and its inevitable price—always claims its due.
Discussion points
How do you think the main character felt when they faced challenges? What would you do in their situation?
What is the significance of the title 'All That Consumes Us'? Can you think of something that consumes you and why?
How do the relationships in the book change from the beginning to the end? What do you think caused those changes?
What is one lesson you learned from this book? How can you apply that lesson in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Facilitate empathy by asking your child to put themselves in the shoes of different characters and describe how they might feel in various situations presented in the book.
Encourage critical thinking by discussing the title and overarching themes of the book. Ask your child to draw parallels between the themes in the book and their personal experiences.
Highlight the evolution of relationships in the story and relate it to your child’s personal interactions, prompting them to think about how their own relationships grow and change.
Use examples from the book to discuss real-life applications of the lessons learned, making the conversation relevant and impactful for your child's everyday life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of facing fears
Explanation: The protagonist of the story confronts personal and external challenges that initially instill fear but learns to overcome them with courage and determination.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by tackling their own fears, whether it's speaking in front of the class or trying out for a team, thereby gaining confidence and resilience.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: Characters in the book develop strong bonds and rely on each other, emphasizing the importance of trust and support in friendships.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to build and maintain supportive friendships, teaching them the significance of empathy and mutual respect in relationships.
Example Lesson: Environmental responsibility
Explanation: The story incorporates themes of environmental care and the consequences of neglect, highlighting the role individuals play in preserving nature.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of environmental stewardship, promoting actions like recycling, conserving water, and protecting wildlife in their daily habits.
Example Lesson: Understanding diverse perspectives
Explanation: The book presents characters from varying backgrounds, providing a narrative that encourages understanding and acceptance of different cultural and personal viewpoints.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children grasp the importance of inclusivity and cultural awareness, fostering a more empathetic approach towards classmates and community members.
Example Lesson: Resilience through adversity
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters face various difficulties but show resilience and growth through these experiences.
Real-World Application: Teaching resilience, this lesson can help children understand that perseverance is key to overcoming obstacles, which is applicable in challenges they face in school or personal life.