Beasts Made of Night
#1 of 2 in Beasts Made of Night Series
on Goodreads (5,228)
What’s inside...
In the walled city of Kos, corrupt mages can magically call forth sin from a sinner in the form of sin-beasts – lethal creatures spawned from feelings of guilt. Taj is the most talented of the aki, young sin-eaters indentured by the mages to slay the sin-beasts. But Taj’s livelihood comes at a terrible cost. When he kills a sin-beast, a tattoo of the beast appears on his skin while the guilt of committing the sin appears on his mind. Most aki are driven mad by the process, but 17-year-old Taj is cocky and desperate to provide for his family. When Taj is called to eat a sin of a royal, he’s suddenly thrust into the center of a dark conspiracy to destroy Kos. Now Taj must fight to save the princess that he loves – and his own life.
Character compass
Taj
Bo
Aliya
Princess Karima
Discussion points
How do you think the protagonist feels when he has to confront the sins of others?
What do you think the beasts represent in the story and why are they important?
Can you relate to any of the struggles faced by the characters in the book?
What would you do if you were in the protagonist's shoes?
How does the setting influence the characters and the storyline?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book, fostering a deeper understanding of the characters' emotions.
Discuss the symbolism of the beasts and what deeper meanings they might represent, helping your child think critically about thematic elements.
Connect the story to real-life situations or challenges your child might face, enhancing their ability to empathize and relate.
Ask open-ended questions that prompt your child to consider different perspectives and moral dilemmas presented in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the consequences of actions
Explanation: In 'Beasts Made of Night', the protagonist Taj is a sin-eater, dealing with the repercussions of consuming others' sins. The story shows how each sin has a tangible effect on him, demonstrating the tangible impacts of one's actions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of considering the consequences before acting. It encourages thoughtful decision-making in day-to-day activities.
Example Lesson: The significance of self-acceptance
Explanation: Throughout the book, Taj struggles with his identity as a sin-eater and the societal stigma associated with it. His journey towards self-acceptance is a key theme, highlighting the importance of embracing one’s own identity regardless of external opinions.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand and accept their unique qualities and differences, promoting self-esteem and reducing the influence of peer pressure.
Example Lesson: The value of courage and resilience
Explanation: Taj faces various challenges and dangers due to his role in the society. His courage in confronting these obstacles and his resilience in overcoming them are central to the narrative.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to face their own challenges with bravery and to not be disheartened by setbacks, fostering a resilient attitude towards life’s difficulties.
Example Lesson: The impact of social justice
Explanation: The book delves into themes of social inequality and justice, as Taj navigates a world rife with social stratification and exploitation.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to be aware of social injustices and promotes the importance of fairness and equity in their interactions with others.