Echoes and Empires
#1 in Echoes and Empires Series
on Goodreads (2,825)
What’s inside...
A snarky seventeen-year-old must team up with an enigmatic criminal to cure herself of dangerous forbidden magic in the first book of a new fantasy duology from Morgan Rhodes, the New York Times bestselling author of the Falling Kingdoms series.
Josslyn Drake knows only three things about magic: it’s rare, illegal, and always deadly. So when she’s caught up in a robbery gone wrong at the Queen’s Gala and infected by a dangerous piece of magic—one that allows her to step into the memories of an infamously evil warlock—she finds herself living her worst nightmare. Joss needs the magic removed before it corrupts her soul and kills her. But in Ironport, the cost of doing magic is death, and seeking help might mean scheduling her own execution. There’s nobody she can trust.
Nobody, that is, except wanted criminal Jericho Nox, who offers her a deal: his help extracting the magic in exchange for the magic itself. And though she’s not thrilled to be working with a thief, especially one as infuriating (and infuriatingly handsome) as Jericho, Joss is desperate enough to accept.
But Jericho is nothing like Joss expects. The closer she grows with Jericho and the more she sees of the world outside her pampered life in the city, the more Joss begins to question the beliefs she’s always taken for granted—beliefs about right and wrong, about power and magic, and even about herself.
In an empire built on lies, the truth may be her greatest weapon.
Why read this book
- Enthralling magical adventure captivates and sparks imagination.
- Dynamic characters teach resilience and courage.
- Engages young readers in complex, thought-provoking themes.
- Encourages creativity and discovery through vivid storytelling.
Discussion points
What do you think about Josslyn's character and her decisions throughout the story?
How do you feel about the idea of memories having magical properties? What would you do if you had that ability?
What lessons do you think can be learned from the conflicts between the different empires?
How did the alliances and relationships in the book impact the story? Which character's relationship was most interesting to you?
If you could change one part of the story, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own impressions of the book and encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story.
Discuss the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by the characters to help your child develop critical thinking and decision-making skills.
Relate the themes of memory and magic to your child’s personal experiences to make the conversation more relevant and engaging.
Praise your child’s insights and opinions to boost their confidence and encourage deeper analysis and connection with the story.
Ask your child to imagine alternative scenarios or endings to the story, enhancing their creativity and understanding of narrative structure.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of trust and teamwork
Explanation: In 'Echoes and Empires', characters must rely on each other's unique abilities to solve mysteries and overcome challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value the importance of cooperating with others and trusting their peers and family members in accomplishing common goals.
Example Lesson: Consequences of choices
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters face moral dilemmas and must make decisions that affect not only themselves but also others around them.
Real-World Application: Young readers can reflect on how their choices impact others and understand the importance of thinking about the consequences before acting.
Example Lesson: Courage to face the unknown
Explanation: As characters embark on unpredictable journeys in 'Echoes and Empires', they display courage despite uncertainty and fear.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to be brave when facing new situations or challenges in life, emphasizing the growth that comes from stepping out of one's comfort zone.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Characters in the story often encounter individuals from different backgrounds and with different viewpoints, learning to understand and empathize with them.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children appreciate diversity and learn the importance of empathy in understanding people who are different from themselves.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and leadership
Explanation: Key figures in 'Echoes and Empires' take on leadership roles, learning to handle the responsibility that comes with guiding others.
Real-World Application: Children can learn about the value of responsible leadership and how to positively influence others by setting a good example.