Days of Blood & Starlight: Daughter of Smoke & Bone
#2 of 3 in Daughter of Smoke & Bone Series
on Goodreads (168,282)
What’s inside...
Once upon a time, an angel and a devil fell in love and dared to imagine a world free of bloodshed and war. This is not that world. Art student and monster's apprentice Karou finally has the answers she has always sought. She knows who she is—and what she is. But with this knowledge comes another truth she would give anything to undo: She loved the enemy and he betrayed her, and a world suffered for it. In this stunning sequel to the highly acclaimed Daughter of Smoke & Bone, Karou must decide how far she'll go to avenge her people. Filled with heartbreak and beauty, secrets and impossible choices, Days of Blood & Starlight finds Karou and Akiva on opposing sides as an age-old war stirs back to life. While Karou and her allies build a monstrous army in a land of dust and starlight, Akiva wages a different sort of battle: a battle for redemption. For hope. But can any hope be salvaged from the ashes of their broken dream?
Character compass
Karou
Akiva
Ziri
Hazael
Mik
Liraz
Zuzana
Issa
Thiago
Discussion points
How do Karou's experiences shape her understanding of identity and belonging?
What role do you think forgiveness plays in the storyline?
Discuss the significance of hope in the book. How do the characters maintain hope in challenging times?
How does the author use different settings to enhance the story?
What can we learn from the relationship dynamics presented in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book’s characters and events. Use the open-ended questions to delve deeper into understanding the complex themes. Highlight the importance of empathy by discussing characters' perspectives. Relate the themes of the book to real-world scenarios to help your child see the relevance of the story in everyday life. Lastly, remind them that there are no right or wrong answers, fostering an environment of open dialogue and critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of forgiveness and reconciliation
Explanation: In the story, Karou and Akiva demonstrate the power of forgiveness as they reconcile despite past grievances and misunderstandings.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to mend relationships and heal emotional wounds by practicing forgiveness in their interactions with friends and family.
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity
Explanation: Karou faces severe challenges and losses throughout the novel, yet she continues to strive for peace and balance between the worlds.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to remain steadfast and determined even when encountering difficulties in life, be it at school or in personal matters.
Example Lesson: The impact of choices and consequences
Explanation: The narrative emphasizes how characters' decisions, both good and bad, have significant repercussions on their lives and those around them.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to think critically about their choices and consider the potential outcomes before acting, fostering a sense of responsibility.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding different perspectives
Explanation: The story explores the conflicts between the Chimaera and the Seraphim, showcasing the importance of understanding multiple viewpoints to resolve conflicts.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate diverse perspectives and promote empathy in real-world interactions, such as in school group work or family discussions.
Example Lesson: The value of hope and striving for a better world
Explanation: Despite the destruction and despair, the characters in the novel cling to the hope of a peaceful and harmonious world, motivating their actions and alliances.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of maintaining hope and working towards positive change in their communities, no matter how small their actions might seem.