Lady Smoke: Ash Princess
#2 in Ash Princess Series
on Goodreads (35,362)
What’s inside...
The sequel to the instant New York Times bestseller that was "made for fans of Victoria Aveyard and Sabaa Tahir" ( Bustle ), Lady Smoke is an epic new fantasy about a throne cruelly stolen and a girl who must fight to take it back for her people.
The Kaiser murdered Theodosia's mother, the Fire Queen, when Theo was only six. He took Theo's country and kept her prisoner, crowning her Ash Princess--a pet to toy with and humiliate for ten long years. That era has ended. The Kaiser thought his prisoner weak and defenseless. He didn't realize that a sharp mind is the deadliest weapon.
Theo no longer wears a crown of ashes. She has taken back her rightful title, and a hostage--Prinz Soren. But her people remain enslaved under the Kaiser's rule, and now she is thousands of miles away from them and her throne.
To get them back, she will need an army. Only, securing an army means she must trust her aunt, the dreaded pirate Dragonsbane. And according to Dragonsbane, an army can only be produced if Theo takes a husband. Something an Astrean Queen has never done.
Theo knows that freedom comes at a price, but she is determined to find a way to save her country without losing herself.
"A darkly enchanting page-turner you won't be able to put down." --Bustle on Ash Princess, Book 1 in the Ash Princess series
Why read this book
- Empowering story of resilience and strategic thinking.
- Features strong, multi-dimensional female protagonist.
- Encourages personal growth and perseverance.
- Ideal for discussions on ethics and leadership.
Character compass
Theodosia Eirene Houzzara
Søren
Artemisia
Blaise
Dragonsbane
Discussion points
How do you think Theo's experiences shape her decisions throughout the story?
What qualities do you admire in the characters, and why?
In what ways do the relationships in the book impact the plot and character development?
How do the themes of resilience and hope appear in the story, and can you relate to them in any way?
What lessons can we learn about leadership and responsibility from Theo's journey?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story and its characters, ensuring they feel heard and understood.
Draw parallels between the challenges faced by Theo and real-life situations, prompting your child to consider how they might react in similar circumstances.
Discuss the moral dilemmas presented in the book and ask your child what they would do differently, fostering critical thinking.
Highlight the importance of resilience, asking your child to share a time they had to persevere through a difficult situation.
Use the book’s setting and political intrigue to discuss history and governance, making connections to educational subjects.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Theo, demonstrates considerable resilience as she navigates complex and challenging situations while attempting to reclaim her kingdom.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to remain persistent and determined even when facing difficult tasks or situations at school or in their personal lives.
Example Lesson: The importance of strategic thinking
Explanation: Theo’s journey emphasizes the need for careful planning and strategic alliances to achieve her goals, showing that brute force isn't always the answer.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of thinking ahead and planning in activities such as school projects or when resolving conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: Understanding the impact of choices
Explanation: Throughout the book, Theo is faced with tough choices that could have far-reaching consequences. The narrative explores how these decisions impact her and those around her.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to consider the potential outcomes of their choices and understand that their actions affect not just themselves, but others as well.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: Despite her own struggles, Theo often shows empathy and compassion towards others, proving her strength does not just lie in her ability to lead, but also in her care for others.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to be empathetic to their peers and to understand different perspectives, enhancing their social interactions and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: The strength of unity
Explanation: Theo’s efforts to unite her people and allies against a common enemy underscores the strength and success that can come from working together.
Real-World Application: This can help children see the importance of teamwork and cooperation in group tasks at school or in sports, promoting better collaborative skills.