Princess of Souls
#2 of 2 in Hundred Kingdoms Series
on Goodreads (10,881)
What’s inside...
From Alexandra Christo, the author of To Kill a Kingdom, comes Princess of Souls, a Rapunzel-inspired YA fantasy romance about a teen witch groomed to steal souls for an immortal king and the reckless, rebellious boy to whom her fate is tied. For sixteen years, Selestra has been trapped in her tower on the Floating Mountain, preparing to take her mother’s place as the King's Witch, who foretells deaths in the Festival of Predictions. Outrunning your fate earns a wish and the chance to steal the King’s immortality. But die and your soul is forfeit. And though thousands have tried, nobody has ever beaten death. A soldier in the King's army, Nox is an unlikely candidate for the Festival, but, driven by revenge, he is determined to steal the King’s immortality and kill the entirety of his court, starting with Selestra. Yet when Selestra touches Nox in her very first prediction, their fates become entwined, and death seeks to take both their souls. Only by working together can they survive long enough to escape the dark fate and the immortal King that now hunts them.
Character compass
Selestra
Nox
King Seryn
Discussion points
What qualities do you admire in the Princess, and why?
How do you think the Princess felt when facing challenges? How would you feel in her situation?
What does the story teach us about bravery and kindness?
Can you think of a time when you had to make a tough decision? What helped you choose?
What would you do if you were in the Princess’s place during the major events of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, relating it to their own experiences. Use the Princess's challenges to discuss problem-solving and the importance of facing fears. Highlight moments in the story where kindness and bravery lead to positive outcomes, reinforcing these values. Ask your child to predict what might happen next at crucial plot points to enhance their anticipation and engagement. End your discussion with what lessons they can take from the Princess’s journey and how they can apply them in their daily life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: The protagonist of the book demonstrates courage by facing challenging situations head-on, which teaches children the importance of being brave even when things are difficult.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson in their lives by standing up for themselves and others, and not being afraid to try new things that might seem intimidating at first.
Example Lesson: The Value of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters develop strong friendships that help them overcome obstacles, highlighting the importance of supportive relationships.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to cultivate and value friendships in their own lives, understanding that true friends stand by each other during tough times.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Perseverance
Explanation: The book showcases characters who face setbacks but continue to push forward, teaching children the significance of perseverance in achieving goals.
Real-World Application: Children learn to persist in their efforts whether they are tackling school projects, sports, or any personal endeavors, understanding that success often comes from resilience.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story promotes empathy by putting characters in diverse situations where they must understand and help each other, fostering a sense of compassion among them.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children to be considerate towards the feelings and experiences of others in their day-to-day interactions, fostering a more inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Importance of Self-Identity
Explanation: Characters in the book explore and affirm their identities, which teaches children the importance of self-awareness and being true to oneself.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to embrace their unique traits and qualities, and express themselves authentically in various social settings.