Strike the Zither
#1 of 2 in Kingdom of Three Series
on Goodreads (4,716)
What’s inside...
The year is 414 of the Xin Dynasty, and chaos abounds. A puppet empress is on the throne. The realm has fractured into three factions and three warlordesses hoping to claim the continent for themselves. But Zephyr knows it’s no contest. Orphaned at a young age, Zephyr took control of her fate by becoming the best strategist of the land and serving under Xin Ren, a warlordess whose loyalty to the empress is double-edged—while Ren’s honor draws Zephyr to her cause, it also jeopardizes their survival in a war where one must betray or be betrayed. When Zephyr is forced to infiltrate an enemy camp to keep Ren’s followers from being slaughtered, she encounters the enigmatic Crow, an opposing strategist who is finally her match. But there are more enemies than one—and not all of them are human. An epic YA fantasy about found family, rivals, and identity, from New York Times and Indie bestselling author Joan He, inspired by Three Kingdoms, one of the Four Classics of Chinese Literature.
Discussion points
How do you think Zephyr's actions impact the other characters in the story?
What would you have done differently if you were in Zephyr's place?
Why do you think the author chose a zither as an important element in the story?
How do the choices made by the characters change the outcome of the story?
What are the main themes of the book and how do they relate to real-life situations?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the shoes of the protagonist, Zephyr, to deepen their understanding of character motivation.
Discuss the historical and cultural background of the story to enhance comprehension and appreciation of the narrative setting.
Draw parallels between the dilemmas faced by the characters and similar situations your child might encounter, fostering empathy and problem-solving skills.
Highlight the significance of music, specifically the zither, within the story, and perhaps explore similar musical interests with your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of loyalty
Explanation: In 'Strike the Zither,' characters demonstrate loyalty to friends and allies even in challenging circumstances, teaching the importance of standing by those you trust.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be dependable friends in school or in playgroups, understanding the value of supporting others who count on them.
Example Lesson: The power of strategic thinking
Explanation: The protagonist uses clever strategies to overcome obstacles, which illustrates how thoughtful planning can lead to success.
Real-World Application: This encourages kids to think ahead in situations such as school projects or resolving conflicts with peers, promoting a strategic approach to problem-solving.
Example Lesson: Courage to confront wrongdoing
Explanation: Characters in the book often stand up against injustice, showing the moral bravery required to do what's right.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to speak out against unfairness whether at home, school, or within their community, fostering a sense of justice and personal integrity.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Throughout 'Strike the Zither,' the characters encounter numerous setbacks but persist in their goals, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that perseverance is key to achieving one's goals, helping them to not give up easily in their endeavors, be it academics or personal goals.