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#1 in Reign of the Fallen Series

Reign of the Fallen

3.40
on Goodreads (4,226)

What’s inside...

Odessa is one of Karthia's master necromancers, catering to the kingdom's ruling Dead. Whenever a noble dies, it's Odessa's job to raise them by retrieving their souls from a dreamy and dangerous shadow world called the Deadlands. But there is a cost to being raised--the Dead must remain shrouded, or risk transforming into zombie-like monsters known as Shades. If even a hint of flesh is exposed, the grotesque transformation will begin. A dramatic uptick in Shade attacks raises suspicions and fears among Odessa's necromancer community. Soon a crushing loss of one of their own reveals a disturbing conspiracy: someone is intentionally creating Shades by tearing shrouds from the Dead--and training them to attack. Odessa is faced with a terrifying question: What if her necromancer's magic is the weapon that brings Karthia to its knees?
In series
Series reading
Sequential
Age
11-12
Length
384 pages
Text complexity

Discussion points

How do you think the main character's ability to raise the dead affects her view on life and death?
What are the consequences of avoiding change and clinging to the past, as seen in the book?
How do the different characters in the story cope with loss and what can we learn from them?
In what ways do friendship and trust impact the journey of the characters throughout the book?
How would you feel if you were in a world where death could be reversed? What moral questions might arise?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on the book’s themes, like loss and change, to open up a mutual discussion.
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the book, validating their opinions to foster an open dialogue.
Connect themes from the book to real-life situations or personal experiences to make the discussion more relatable and insightful.
Ask your child to consider what decisions they would make if faced with similar circumstances as the characters to engage their critical thinking.
Explore the book’s portrayal of relationships and teamwork by discussing the importance of supporting one another during challenging times.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Acceptance of Change
Explanation: In 'Reign of the Fallen', characters are challenged with accepting dramatic changes when magic in their world starts to fade. This theme is explored through character development and plot progression.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace changes in their own lives, such as moving to a new school or dealing with family transformations, understanding that adaptability is part of growth.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Grieving
Explanation: The protagonist's journey includes dealing with profound loss, illustrating the stages of grief and the importance of processing emotions.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand and accept their feelings of sadness or loss, teaching them it's healthy to express emotions and seek support.
Example Lesson: Value of Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters must collaborate to tackle challenges that no single character could face alone, highlighting the strength found in teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding in group activities at school or in sports, learning that cooperation can lead to achieving great results.
Example Lesson: Courage to Stand Up Against Wrong
Explanation: Characters in the book often take stands against injustices in their society, despite personal risks.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to act with integrity and bravery when they encounter wrongdoings, understanding their voice and actions have power even in difficult situations.
Example Lesson: Exploring Identity
Explanation: The main characters go through self-discovery journeys throughout the book, reflecting on who they are and their roles in the world.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to reflect on their own identities and appreciate their unique qualities and potential contributions to society.