Stardust in Their Veins: Castles in Their Bones
#2 of 3 in Castles in Their Bones Series
on Goodreads (2,447)
What’s inside...
Princesses Beatriz and Daphne have lost their older sister, but their mother's grand scheme of taking the continent of Vesteria is far from complete. With the country of Temarin now under the Empress's control, only the nations of Cellaria and Friv remain free from her rule. What's worse, an ominous prophecy has begun to shine through the constellations: the blood of stars and majesty spilled. Usurped by conniving cousins Nico and Gigi, Beatriz fears for her life, while in icy Friv, Daphne continues her shaky alliance with the rebels even as she struggles to stay a step ahead of them. But when an unlikely ally offers Beatriz a deal, she finds herself back in her mother's sights. With enemies around every corner and the stars whispering of betrayal, Daphne and Beatriz can't trust anyone--least of all each other. If they've learned anything, though, it's that the Empress's game is constantly changing. And the arrival of surprise visitors from Temarin just might tip the scales in the princesses' favor... if they manage to avoid meeting their sister's fate before they can make their next move. Immerse yourself in the second book in a fantasy trilogy from the New York Times bestselling author of the Ash Princess series. The sequel to Castles in Their Bones is the story of three princesses and the destiny they were born for: seduction, conquest, and the crown.
Discussion points
What do you think the characters learned about themselves throughout their adventures?
How would you handle the challenges the characters faced if you were in their place?
What did the setting of the castles make you feel or imagine?
How do the relationships between the characters change from the beginning to the end of the story?
What is the most important message you took away from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
To foster an enriching discussion, listen actively to your child's responses. Encourage them to elaborate on their thoughts and feelings about the story. Link themes of the book to your child's daily experiences for better relatability. Use the discussion to explore values and decisions, strengthening critical thinking and empathy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story portrays characters who come from different backgrounds and face unique challenges, fostering a sense of empathy and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these lessons by learning to appreciate diversity and understand perspectives different from their own, promoting inclusivity.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters must collaborate to solve problems, highlighting the value of working together.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of cooperation and can encourage them to participate in group activities and work collaboratively in school projects.
Example Lesson: Perseverance Through Challenges
Explanation: Characters in the book often face difficult situations but persist in their goals, showing the significance of perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own challenges without giving up, whether in academics, sports, or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The book's fantastical elements encourage creative thinking and imagination among readers.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to engage in creative activities such as drawing, writing, or imaginative play, enhancing their cognitive development.