The Iron Flower: The Black Witch Chronicles
#2 of 5 in The Black Witch Chronicles Series
on Goodreads (24,709)
What’s inside...
Elloren Gardner and her friends were only seeking to right a few wrongs, but their actions have propelled them straight into the ranks of the realm-wide Resistance against Gardnerian encroachment. As the Resistance struggles against the harsh rulings of High Priest Marcus Vogel and the Mage Council, Elloren begins to realize that none of the people she cares about will be safe if Gardneria seizes control of the Western Realm.
With tensions heating up in Verpacia, more and more Gardnerian soldiers continue to descend upon the university…led by none other than Lukas Grey, now commander of the newly rebuilt Fourth Division base. Though Elloren tries to keep him at arm’s length, Lukas is determined to wandfast to her, convinced that she has inherited her grandmother’s magic—the prophesied power of the Black Witch. As his very nearness seems to awaken a destructive power inside her, Elloren finds it more and more difficult to believe that she’s truly powerless, as her uncle always claimed.
Caught between her growing feelings for the rebellious Yvan Guriel and the seductive power offered by Lukas Grey, Elloren must find a way to stay true to what she knows is right and protect everyone she loves…even if that means protecting them from herself.
Why read this book
- Explores themes of tolerance and understanding.
- Enhances vocabulary through rich, descriptive language.
- Encourages resilience and perseverance in adversity.
- Fuels imagination with magical and diverse settings.
Character compass
Elloren Gardner
Marina
Rafe Gardner
Trystan Gardner
Diana Ulrich
Yvan Guriel
Lukas Grey
Fallon Bane
Discussion points
How do you think Elloren's character develops throughout the story and what challenges does she face?
What are the different perspectives shown in the book, and how do they help us understand the world better?
What are the themes of tolerance and understanding in the story, and why are they important?
How do the choices made by the characters influence the outcome of the story?
Can you relate to any of the struggles faced by the characters, and what would you have done in their situation?
Tip: Role play these questions
To encourage a deep and meaningful conversation about 'The Iron Flower,' actively listen to your child’s responses and share your own thoughts and feelings about the book. Use the themes of the book such as tolerance and understanding to connect them with real-world scenarios, which can help your child see the relevance of these themes in everyday life. It's also beneficial to ask follow-up questions based on your child's answers to keep the conversation flowing and to show genuine interest in their perspectives.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of diversity and acceptance
Explanation: In 'The Iron Flower', protagonist Elloren Gardner navigates a world filled with different races and creatures, learning the value of embracing diversity and understanding differences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to appreciate the diverse cultures and backgrounds of their classmates, promoting inclusivity and discouragement of discrimination.
Example Lesson: The power of resilience and perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, Elloren faces numerous challenges and adversities but continues to persevere, demonstrating resilience in overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the significance of persistence and determination in their daily endeavors, whether in academics, sports, or personal goals.
Example Lesson: The role of courage in confronting injustice
Explanation: Elloren shows courage by standing up against prevailing injustices within her society, making hard choices to fight for what she believes is right.
Real-World Application: Children learn to act bravely and ethically, understanding their own capacity to advocate for fairness and justice in their own lives and communities.
Example Lesson: The importance of personal growth and self-discovery
Explanation: As the story progresses, Elloren embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning more about her true self and capabilities, which shapes her views and actions.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore their own strengths and weaknesses, fostering a stronger sense of self and personal development.
Example Lesson: The impact of teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Elloren learns to work with others who are different from her, realizing that collaboration can lead to achieving greater goals and overcoming common enemies.
Real-World Application: Children see the value in cooperating with others, enhancing their ability to work in teams, whether in projects, sports, or other group activities.