Invictus
on Goodreads (7,348)
What’s inside...
From the author of the Carnegie Medal nominated Wolf by Wolf, comes an epic new story - A fast-paced, heart-stopping journey through time that will leave you breathless. Time is running out. Farway McCarthy was born outside of time. With nowhere to call home and nothing to anchor him to the present, Far captains a crew on a dangerous mission into the past. When he collides with Eliot - a mysterious, secretive girl, whose very appearance raises questions about time itself - Far immediately distrusts her. But he must take a leap of faith, following Eliot on a race against time, if he is to protect everything he's ever loved from disappearing forever. A heart-stopping adventure defying time and space that New York Times bestselling author Marie Lu calls 'an incredibly intricate, brilliantly paced, masterfully written journey.' Time flies when you're plundering history. Farway Gaius McCarthy was born outside of time. The son of a time traveler from 2354 AD and a gladiator living in ancient Rome, Far's very existence defies the laws of nature. All he's ever wanted was to explore history for himself, but after failing his entrance exam into the government program, Far will have to settle for a position on the black market--captaining a time-traveling crew to steal valuables from the past. During a routine heist on the sinking Titanic, Far meets a mysterious girl named Eliot who always seems to be one step ahead of him. Eliot has secrets--big ones--that will affect Far's life from beginning to end. Armed with the knowledge that history is not as steady as it seems, she will lead Far and his team on a race through time to set things right before the clock runs out.
Age
13-14
Length
464 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Farway Gaius Mccarthy
Eliot
Priya
Imogen
Gram
Discussion points
If you could travel to any time period, where would you go and why?
How do the characters in Invictus handle challenges and what can we learn from them?
What do you think about the idea of time travel? Would you change anything in the past or future?
Which character in the book do you relate to the most and why?
How do you think teamwork is portrayed in the story? Can you think of any real-life examples where teamwork is important?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences by asking them to compare situations they have faced with those of the characters.
Promote empathy by discussing the characters’ emotions, decisions, and the consequences of their actions.
Foster creativity and critical thinking by asking hypothetical questions about time travel implications.
Use the theme of teamwork in the book to discuss the importance of collaboration and supporting one another in achieving goals.
Highlight historical elements or time periods explored in Invictus to spark interest in history and cultural diversity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: In 'Invictus', the protagonist, Farway Gaius McCarthy, faces numerous hurdles as he time-travels through history on a stolen spaceship. Despite adversities, he remains perseverant and resourceful.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own challenges, whether in school or their personal lives, with determination and resilience similar to Farway.
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout ‘Invictus’, Farway and his diverse crew rely on each other's unique abilities to navigate through their adventures. This highlights the importance of collaboration and mutual respect.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of working together with peers and valuing every team member's contribution, fostering an environment of cooperation and respect.
Example Lesson: Historical awareness and appreciation
Explanation: As characters in 'Invictus' jump through different historical events, readers gain exposure to various eras and their significance, sparking curiosity about history and its impact on the present.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore history, understand different cultures and epochs, and appreciate the events that shape today's world, enhancing their educational breadth.
Example Lesson: Consequences of decisions
Explanation: Decisions made by Farway and his crew in 'Invictus' have significant impacts on the timelines they visit, teaching about the ripple effects of actions.
Real-World Application: This lesson instills in children an understanding that their choices have consequences, encouraging them to think critically and make responsible decisions.