Steelstriker: Skyhunter
#2 of 2 in Skyhunter Series
on Goodreads (10,336)
What’s inside...
Explosive action and swoon-worthy suspense collide in this riveting conclusion to the Skyhunter duet from #1 New York Times–bestselling author Marie Lu. As a Striker, Talin was taught loyalty is life. Loyalty to the Shield who watches your back, to the Strikers who risk their lives on the battlefield, and most of all, to Mara, which was once the last nation free from the Karensa Federation’s tyranny. But Mara has fallen, and its destruction has unleashed Talin’s worst nightmare. With her friends scattered by combat and her mother held captive by the Premier, Talin is forced to betray her fellow Strikers and her adopted homeland. She has no choice but to become the Federation’s most deadly war machine as their newest Skyhunter. Red is no stranger to the cruelty of the Federation or the torture within its Skyhunter labs, but he knows this isn’t the end for Mara – or Talin. The link between them may be weak, but it could be Talin and Red's only hope to salvage their past and safeguard their future. While the fate of a broken world hangs in the balance, Talin and Red must reunite the Strikers and find their way back to each other in this smoldering sequel to Marie Lu’s Skyhunter.
Character compass
Talin
Red
Talin'S Mother
Premier Constantine
Discussion points
How do the characters' choices reflect their values and what can we learn from them?
In what ways does the theme of resistance manifest in the story? What does it teach us about courage and integrity?
Discuss the importance of friendship and trust in 'Steelstriker'. How do these relationships impact the characters' decisions and the story's outcome?
What role does leadership play in this novel? Which character embodies leadership qualities and how do they affect the people around them?
How does the setting influence the mood and actions of the characters? Can you think of examples where the environment plays a pivotal role in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on the book's themes, setting, or characters to create an open environment for discussion.
Asking open-ended questions encourages critical thinking and allows the child to express opinions. Listen actively and validate their perspectives.
Connect discussions to real-life examples or current events to enhance understanding and relevance of the book's themes.
Encourage them to imagine alternative scenarios within the book. For example, ask, 'What could have happened if a character made a different choice?'
Use quotes from the book as conversation starters. This can help anchor the discussion and provide specific contexts for deeper exploration.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: In 'Steelstriker: Skyhunter', characters face significant physical and emotional challenges, showing perseverance and strength.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of staying determined and strong when facing challenges in school or personal life.
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: The characters in the book often rely on teamwork to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals, highlighting the effectiveness of collaborative efforts.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value cooperative play and teamwork in group activities at school or during sports.
Example Lesson: Ethics and decision-making
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters are faced with tough choices that test their ethical beliefs, emphasizing the complexity of right and wrong.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of considering the consequences of their actions and making thoughtful, ethical decisions.
Example Lesson: Courage to confront injustice
Explanation: Characters in 'Steelstriker: Skyhunter' stand up against injustices in their world, demonstrating bravery and integrity.
Real-World Application: This lesson inspires children to be advocates for fairness and justice in their own interactions and communities.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The story explores the backgrounds and motives of various characters, fostering a sense of empathy and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate diverse perspectives and experiences, which is vital in developing social skills and emotional intelligence.