No One Leaves the Castle
on Goodreads (703)
What’s inside...
Agatha Christie meets the Brothers Grimm in an unexpected, hilarious, and wholly original new fantasy-mystery from the beloved author of The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom. The Lilac, rumored to be the world's most fearsome bounty hunter, is actually just a young girl named Netta. Together with her best friend, the bard Dulcinetta, Netta sets out to prove herself by solving a mystery involving a stolen artifact from monster hunter Baron Angbar's home. Their investigation takes them to a dinner party at Castle Angbar, where they encounter a group of shady nobles, mages, and creatures. When a dead body is discovered and the castle is magically sealed, trapping everyone inside, Netta realizes she must identify the murderer among them to protect her reputation and survive her first job as a bounty hunter.
Discussion points
What do you think is the most important lesson the characters learned in the castle?
How did the characters' feelings change throughout the story, and why?
If you were in the castle, what would you have done differently?
Can you think of a time when you had to work with others to solve a problem, like the characters in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child to predict what they think might happen in the story based on the title and cover.
Pause during emotive or pivotal scenes to gauge your child’s understanding and feelings about the situation.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between the story and their own life experiences.
After reading, ask your child which character they liked most and why, diving deeper into character traits and decisions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The characters in 'No One Leaves the Castle' face various challenges within the castle's walls, showcasing bravery as they confront their fears.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own challenges, whether at school or in social settings, understanding that courage is about overcoming fears even when situations seem daunting.
Example Lesson: The importance of cooperation
Explanation: The story emphasizes working together as the characters must collaborate to find their way through the castle’s mysterious corridors.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of teamwork and cooperating with others to achieve common goals, a vital skill in group projects and family tasks.
Example Lesson: Resilience through obstacles
Explanation: As the plot unfolds, characters continually adapt and persevere despite setbacks, illustrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the importance of persistence in their endeavors, understanding that setbacks are not failures but opportunities for growth and learning.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Throughout their journey in the castle, characters encounter puzzles and obstacles that require critical thinking to solve.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to develop their problem-solving abilities, helping them tackle homework challenges and everyday issues creatively and effectively.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Interactions between characters reveal themes of empathy, as they learn to understand and support each other despite differences.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to practice empathy, enhancing their ability to connect with peers and navigate social interactions with compassion and understanding.