Fireborne: The Aurelian Cycle
#1 of 3 in The Aurelian Cycle Series
on Goodreads (28,160)
What’s inside...
Annie and Lee were just children when a brutal revolution changed their world, giving everyone--even the lowborn--a chance to test into the governing class of dragonriders. Now they are both rising stars in the new regime, despite backgrounds that couldn't be more different. Annie's lowborn family was executed by dragonfire, while Lee's aristocratic family was murdered by revolutionaries. Growing up in the same orphanage forged their friendship, and seven years of training have made them rivals for the top position in the dragonriding fleet. But everything changes when survivors from the old regime surface, bent on reclaiming the city. With war on the horizon and his relationship with Annie changing fast, Lee must choose to kill the only family he has left or to betray everything he's come to believe in. And Annie must decide whether to protect the boy she loves or step up to be the champion her city needs.
Character compass
Antigone 'Annie' Suracen
Lee Suracen
Duck
Crissa
Atreus
Discussion points
How do the characters in 'Fireborne' show bravery and what does bravery mean to you?
In what ways do the characters change throughout the story and how do you think these changes affect their decisions?
What role does friendship play in 'Fireborne'? Can you relate any of these friendships to your own relationships?
How does the book explore the concept of justice and equality? What are your thoughts on these themes?
What would you have done differently if you were in the main character's position and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their opinions on the book’s themes, and validate their feelings to foster a safe space for discussion.
Use examples from the book to connect discussions to real-life situations, making the themes more relatable and understandable for your child.
Pose hypothetical scenarios to your child based on the book's plot to encourage critical thinking and ethical reasoning.
Highlight the growth of characters in the story to discuss personal development and the impact of choices.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of equality and social justice.
Explanation: In 'Fireborne: The Aurelian Cycle', the class struggle and the bid for a new social order are central themes. Characters from different societal backgrounds come together to challenge the established hierarchies, advocating for a society where everyone has equal opportunities.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize and question unfairness and inequalities in their surroundings. They can be encouraged to treat everyone with respect, regardless of their social background, and to stand up for fairness in their school and community.
Example Lesson: The power of friendship and loyalty.
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters develop strong bonds and support each other through various challenges. These relationships play crucial roles in overcoming the conflicts presented in the book.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the value of supporting and being loyal to friends and family. It encourages them to build trustworthy relationships and teaches them the importance of teamwork and cooperation in achieving common goals.
Example Lesson: The impact of ethical leadership.
Explanation: The book illustrates the contrasts between leadership driven by self-interest and leadership committed to the welfare of the public. Ethical leaders are shown to foster a more peaceful and just society.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the qualities of good leadership. This lesson can be applied in their interactions at school or in group settings, understanding the importance of making decisions that are fair and considerate of others.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity.
Explanation: Characters in 'Fireborne' often face significant dangers and moral dilemmas, yet they find the courage to confront these challenges head-on, demonstrating bravery and resilience.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own fears and challenges boldly, understanding that courage is not the absence of fear, but the determination to act in spite of it.
Example Lesson: The significance of personal growth and self-discovery.
Explanation: As the protagonists navigate a world of political intrigue and warfare, they also embark on journeys of self-discovery, learning about their desires, capabilities, and values.
Real-World Application: Children can relate this to their personal journeys, learning to embrace and understand themselves as they grow, and to continually seek personal improvement and self-awareness.