Shadowghast: Legends of Eerie-on-Sea
#3 of 5 in The Legends of Eerie-on-Sea Series
on Goodreads (1,966)
What’s inside...
In this third adventure, shipwrecked orphan Herbert Lemon, Lost-and-Founder at the Grand Nautilus Hotel, must square off with a creature of town lore as he confronts a shadow from his past. While other towns celebrate Halloween, in Eerie-on-Sea it's Ghastly Night, and a grim spirit in a lantern awaits its moment. Legend has it that if people fail to light manglewick candles on Ghastly Night, and if no showman conjures shadow puppets on the pier as an offering, the insulted Shadowghast will seize and devour the shadows of the living. This year, a professional theater troupe has been summoned, including a raven-haired magician named Caliastra with startling news of Herbie's origins. No sooner have the players checked into the hotel than townspeople start vanishing into thin air, including the guardian of Herbie’s best friend, Violet Parma. It's up to Herbie and Violet to separate truth from sleight of hand and solve the mystery of the Shadowghast lantern before darkness swallows them all.
Discussion points
What do you think makes Eerie-on-Sea such a mysterious place? How do the setting and characters contribute to the mystery?
How did the characters handle situations that were scary or confusing? What can we learn from their actions?
What role do you think friendship plays in 'Shadowghast'? How do the characters support each other throughout the story?
How does the theme of courage appear in the book? Can you think of a time when you had to be brave like the characters?
What was your favorite part of 'Shadowghast'? Why did that moment stand out to you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Eerie-on-Sea. Ask questions like 'What would you do if you were in this situation?' to help them connect more deeply with the story.
Discuss the emotions experienced by the characters, particularly during pivotal moments in the book. This can help children understand and express their own feelings.
Use examples from the book to discuss the importance of teamwork and asking for help when it's needed, promoting values of collaboration and open communication.
After reading, ask your child to draw a scene from the book. This helps in reinforcing their memory and understanding of the story while allowing creative expression.
Praise your child for their thoughts and insights as you discuss, fostering a positive environment that encourages open conversation and critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing the unknown
Explanation: In 'Shadowghast,' the protagonist confronts eerie and mysterious circumstances in the town of Eerie-on-Sea. Their bravery in exploring unknown elements showcases the importance of courage.
Real-World Application: Children learn that facing new challenges, like starting a new school or trying a new activity, can be tackled with bravery and an open mind.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: The characters in the book collaborate and support each other through their adventures, underlining the strength found in teamwork.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to cooperate and value their friends, understanding that working together can make overcoming obstacles easier.
Example Lesson: Importance of curiosity and inquiry
Explanation: The protagonist's quest for answers about the mystical events happening around them highlights the role of curiosity and asking questions in discovering truth.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be inquisitive learners in real-life scenarios, compelling them to explore and question the world around them to gain understanding and knowledge.
Example Lesson: Dealing with loss and grief
Explanation: Characters in 'Shadowghast' experience personal losses and learn to cope with their feelings. This handling of emotional challenges speaks to the process of healing.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand that feeling sadness is normal, and that expressing emotions and receiving support from loved ones is part of recovering from a loss.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: Despite numerous setbacks, the protagonist remains committed to solving the mysteries, illustrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Teaches children that perseverance and resilience can lead to overcoming difficulties and achieving goals, even when faced with challenges.