Night of the Dragon: Shadow of the Fox
#3 of 3 in Shadow of the Fox Series
on Goodreads (9,050)
What’s inside...
Master storyteller Julie Kagawa concludes the enthralling journey into the heart of the fantastical Empire of Iwagoto in the third book of the Shadow of the Fox trilogy. As darkness rises and chaos reigns, a fierce kitsune and her shadowy protector will face down the greatest evil of all. A captivating fantasy for fans of Sabaa Tahir, Sarah J. Maas, and Marie Lu. Kitsune shapeshifter Yumeko has given up the final piece of the Scroll of a Thousand Prayers to save everyone she loves from imminent death. Now she and her ragtag band of companions must journey to the wild sea cliffs of Iwagoto in a desperate last-chance effort to stop the Master of Demons from calling upon the Great Kami dragon and making the wish that will plunge the empire into destruction and darkness. Shadow clan assassin Kage Tatsumi has regained control of his body and agreed to a true deal with the devil—the demon inside him, Hakaimono. They will share his body and work with Yumeko and their companions to stop a madman and separate Hakaimono from Tatsumi and the cursed sword that had trapped the demon for nearly a millennium. But even with their combined skills and powers, this most unlikely team of heroes knows the forces of evil may be impossible to overcome. And there is another player in the battle for the scroll, a player who has been watching, waiting for the right moment to pull strings that no one even realized existed…until now.
Character compass
Yumeko
Reika
Daisuke
Okame
Kage Tatsumi
Seigetsu
Discussion points
What do you think motivates Yumeko to protect the Dragon scroll, and how does that reflect on her character?
How do the different characters in the book handle challenges and adversity? Can you relate to any of their strategies?
What role does teamwork play in the story, and how do the characters learn to trust one another?
The book blends elements of Japanese mythology and culture. What did you find most interesting or surprising about this?
If you could have a magical power like one of the characters, which would you choose and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their opinions and feelings about the characters and their decisions, reinforcing that all perspectives are valuable.
Discuss the moral dilemmas presented in the book and ask your child how they would act in similar situations, encouraging empathy and ethical thinking.
Relate the story's themes, like bravery and loyalty, to real-life scenarios your child might encounter, helping them connect literature to their world.
Explore together more about Japanese culture and mythology, which could expand their understanding and appreciation of the book’s setting and characters.
Use the magical elements of the story as a fun prompt for creative thinking—ask your child to come up with their own magical creature or power and describe it.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Valor in the face of adversity
Explanation: In 'Night of the Dragon', characters display courage when they confront evil forces, showcasing bravery regardless of the overwhelming odds.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult, and can apply this by facing their own personal challenges with courage.
Example Lesson: The power of teamwork
Explanation: The protagonists in the story work together to overcome obstacles, highlighting that collaboration can achieve outcomes that might be impossible individually.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of cooperating with others to solve problems, which they can practice in group activities at school or in sports.
Example Lesson: The strength of perseverance
Explanation: Characters in the book repeatedly face setbacks but continue to strive towards their goals, emphasizing the virtue of persistence.
Real-World Application: Children learn to not give up easily on their goals, whether it's completing a difficult school project or mastering a new skill.
Example Lesson: Integrity and honesty
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters who remain true to their moral compass tend to succeed, illustrating the benefits of living truthfully.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to practice honesty in their everyday interactions and understand that integrity is rewarded.
Example Lesson: Respecting diversity
Explanation: The story includes a diverse cast of characters who learn from each other's unique backgrounds and abilities, teaching the importance of embracing differences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing openness and acceptance towards peers from different cultures and backgrounds.