Garden of the Cursed
#1 of 2 in Garden of the Cursed Series
What’s inside...
In this thrilling YA fantasy/mystery duology from award-winning author Katy Pool, cursebreaker Marlow Briggs reluctantly pretends to be in love with one of the most powerful nobles in Caraza City to gain entry into an illustrious—and deadly—society that holds clues to her mother's disappearance. Perfect for fans of Veronica Mars, These Violent Delights, and Chain of Iron. Since fleeing the gilded halls of Evergarden for the muck-filled canals of the Marshes, Marlow Briggs has made a name for herself as the best godsdamn cursebreaker in Caraza City. But no matter how many cases she solves, she is still haunted by the mystery of her mother’s disappearance. When Adrius Falcrest, Marlow's old friend and scion of one of Caraza's most affluent spell-making families, asks her to help break a life-threatening curse, Marlow wants nothing to do with the boy who spurned her a year ago. But a new lead in her mother’s case makes Marlow realize that the only way to get the answers she desperately seeks is to help Adrius and return to Evergarden society—even if it means suffering through a fake love affair with him to avoid drawing suspicion from the conniving Five Families. As the investigation draws Marlow into a web of deadly secrets and powerful enemies, a shocking truth emerges: Adrius’s curse and her mother’s disappearance may just be clues to an even larger mystery, one that could unravel the very foundations of Caraza and magic itself.
Character compass
Marlow Briggs
Bas
Discussion points
What do you think are the consequences of the choices made by the characters in the 'Garden of the Cursed'?
How do the characters in the book demonstrate courage or fear?
If you were in the garden, what would you do differently from the characters?
What emotions did you feel while reading this story?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in a different location?
Tip: Role play these questions
First, read the book with your child to share the experience and make observations together. Ask open-ended questions that allow your child to express their thoughts and connect with the characters’ emotions and decisions. Discuss the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by the characters to enhance critical thinking. Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or different scenarios to foster creativity. Lastly, relate the themes of the book to real-life situations to help your child apply the lessons learned.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The characters in 'Garden of the Cursed' face various challenges that teach them to understand and empathize with others' feelings and situations.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being considerate of their friends' and family members' feelings, helping to create a supportive and understanding environment.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters must work together to overcome obstacles, highlighting the value of cooperation and collaboration.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to participate in group activities and understand that teamwork can lead to achieving great results.
Example Lesson: Courage and Facing Fears
Explanation: The protagonists confront their fears to save their garden, teaching bravery in the face of adversity.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face their own fears and understand that it's okay to be scared, but it’s important to try and overcome those fears.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Care for Nature
Explanation: The story emphasizes the duty to care for and preserve natural surroundings, showing the consequences of neglect.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied to daily life by encouraging children to take part in environmentally friendly activities, like recycling or planting trees.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: Characters in the book often engage in critical thinking to solve puzzles and challenges presented to them.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of thinking through problems and finding creative solutions, which is useful both in academic settings and in everyday situations.