Fractured
#2 in Guards of the Shadowlands Series
on Goodreads (5,903)
What’s inside...
In the week since Lela returned to Rhode Island as Captain of the Guard with Malachi as her second in command, local news has been dominated by chilling sightings of human-like creatures running on all fours. Lela knows there’s only one explanation: the Mazikin have arrived in the land of the living. Needing to maintain the appearance of a normal life for her foster mother, her probation officer, and her classmates, Lela returns to Warwick High along with Malachi. At night they secretly hunt for the Mazikin nest. To assist, two new Guards from very different parts of the Shadowlands are assigned to Lela’s unit, including the bad boy Jim, who repeatedly challenges Lela's authority. Lela struggles to keep all her Guards on the right side of the law, but their mistakes come at a terrible cost. As one painful revelation follows another and the Mazikin start targeting those closest to her, Lela finds herself more vulnerable than ever, wanting a future more than she ever has. With an enemy determined to separate soul from body, one question remains: how much is she willing to sacrifice to protect those she loves?
Character compass
Lela Santos
Rafe
Malachi
Malachi Sokol
Discussion points
How do you think Lela's experiences shape her decisions and actions throughout the story?
What role do you think friendship plays in overcoming challenges in 'Fractured'?
What can we learn about trust and betrayal from the interactions between characters?
If you were in Lela's position, how would you handle the complexities of the Borderlands?
What are some ways the characters show strength and courage, and how can we apply these lessons to our own lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts on the book’s themes and asking your child to do the same, creating a two-way dialog.
Encourage your child to compare the characters' decisions with what they might do in a similar situation, fostering empathy and critical thinking.
Discuss the moral dilemmas faced by the characters to help your child understand different perspectives.
Highlight the importance of resilience and bravery shown by the characters when discussing the book's challenging situations.
Use examples from the book to talk about the importance of trust and the impact of betrayal, relating it to real-life situations your child might understand.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: In 'Fractured', the protagonist faces numerous challenges but continually pushes forward, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persevere through difficulties in school or in social settings, understanding that setbacks are part of growth.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: The story highlights strong friendships that support the characters through tough times, illustrating the value of true friends.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to build and maintain supportive friendships, helping them feel connected and supported in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Understanding and managing emotions
Explanation: Characters in the book navigate complex emotions, teaching readers about emotional intelligence.
Real-World Application: This can help children recognize and articulate their feelings more effectively, aiding in emotional development.
Example Lesson: Making difficult choices
Explanation: The protagonist often faces tough decisions, showing the importance of critical thinking and personal values.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by making thoughtful choices, considering the consequences of their actions in various situations.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards others
Explanation: Through character interactions, the book teaches readers to understand and share the feelings of others.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be empathetic in real-life interactions, enhancing their social skills and emotional connections.