Soul of the Sword: Shadow of the Fox
#2 of 3 in Shadow of the Fox Series
on Goodreads (12,136)
What’s inside...
One thousand years ago, a wish was made to the Harbinger of Change and a sword of rage and lightning was forged, known as Kamigoroshi, the Godslayer. Its purpose was to seal away the powerful demon Hakaimono. Now, Hakaimono has escaped and possessed Kage Tatsumi, a boy from the Shadow Clan. Kitsune shapeshifter Yumeko must take her piece of the ancient Scroll of a Thousand Prayers to the Steel Feather temple to prevent the summoning of the Harbinger of Change. However, Hakaimono has allied with the Master of Demons to break the curse of the sword and set himself free. Their goal is to overthrow the empire using the Scroll of a Thousand Prayers. As Yumeko and the possessed Tatsumi cross paths again, the empire faces impending chaos.
Character compass
Yumeko
Reika
Daisuke
Okame
Kage Tatsumi
Lady Satomi
Hakaimono
Discussion points
How do the characters' choices influence their journeys throughout the story? What do you think motivates their decisions?
How does the theme of destiny versus free will play out in the narrative? Do you think the characters have control over their destinies?
What role does friendship play in 'Soul of the Sword'? How do relationships impact the characters' ability to face challenges?
In what ways do the settings affect the mood and action of the story? How would different settings change the events that occur?
What lessons can we learn about bravery and wisdom from the characters? Which character’s actions resonated most with you and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and connections to the story by asking them to relate events or characters to their own experiences. Use follow-up questions to delve deeper into their responses, fostering critical thinking. Highlight key themes like courage and friendship before reading to set a purpose for discussion, and revisit these themes after completing the book to see how their understanding has evolved. Create a comfortable and open environment where your child feels free to express their opinions, even if they differ from your own. Reinforce their insights by connecting them back to the book, which helps build analytical skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: In 'Soul of the Sword: Shadow of the Fox', the protagonist, Yumeko, faces numerous challenges and adversaries on her journey to protect her world. Her resilience in the face of danger teaches the value of perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that by persisting through difficulties in school or their personal lives, they can overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, Yumeko relies on her diverse group of friends, each with unique skills, to face the evil forces. This highlights the importance of working together to solve problems.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that cooperating with others, be it in school projects or sports, can lead to greater achievements than working alone.
Example Lesson: Respect for different cultures
Explanation: The narrative includes various characters from different backgrounds and the mythological culture of Japanese folklore, encouraging respect and appreciation for different cultural traditions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing openness and respect towards classmates and people from different cultural backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Courage to face the unknown
Explanation: Yumeko's journey is filled with unknown threats and mystical lands that she bravely navigates. Her courage in these situations underscores the importance of facing fears.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to tackle new or intimidating situations, such as starting at a new school or trying out a new activity.