The Lost Book of the White: The Eldest Curses
#2 of 2 in The Eldest Curses Series
on Goodreads (30,979)
What’s inside...
From #1 New York Times bestselling authors Cassandra Clare and Wesley Chu comes the second book in the Eldest Curses series, 'The Lost Book of the White'. This thrilling new adventure follows High Warlock Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood as they embark on a death-defying mission into the heart of evil. Life in New York has been peaceful for the couple, living in a fabulous loft with their warlock son Max. However, their tranquility is disrupted when old acquaintances steal the powerful Book of the White from their apartment. In pursuit of the thieves, Magnus and Alec, alongside their friends Clary, Jace, Isabelle, and Simon, travel to Shanghai. There, they face an even darker threat as Magnus’s magic becomes unstable and demons flood the city. The group must fight to stop the demonic invasion and save the world, all while worrying about their son back home.
Character compass
Alexander "Alec" Lightwood
Magnus Bane
Simon Lewis
Isabelle Lightwood
Clary Fairchild
Jace Herondale
Sammael
Ragnor Fell
Shinyun Jung
Discussion points
How do you think Alec and Magnus's relationship impacts their decisions throughout their adventures?
What do you think is the significance of loyalty and friendship in the story?
How do the characters handle challenges and what can we learn from their reactions?
What role do you think magic plays in the choices the characters make?
Tip: Role play these questions
Identify key themes in the book together with your child, such as trust, bravery, and sacrifice, and connect them to real-life experiences.
Encourage your child to express what they felt about the characters’ decisions and actions, fostering empathy and moral reasoning.
Discuss the magical elements of the story and ask your child how they would use such power if they had it, which enhances creativity and ethical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonists Magnus and Alec, along with their friends, must work together to overcome various challenges. Their success often relies on their ability to collaborate and combine their unique skills.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of teamwork in accomplishing tasks and objectives in school projects or sports teams, understanding that cooperation can lead to achieving greater goals.
Example Lesson: The significance of trust and honesty in relationships
Explanation: The characters' relationships are tested multiple times, showcasing that trust and honesty are crucial for strong, reliable relationships. The growth and depth of relationships seen in the book exemplify this point.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of being honest and trustworthy with friends and family, fostering stronger bonds and mutual respect.
Example Lesson: The impact of personal responsibility
Explanation: Magnus and Alec face the consequences of their decisions throughout their journey, teaching that every choice has ramifications. The narrative stresses the importance of thinking decisions through and being responsible.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by making thoughtful choices, considering how their actions affect others, and taking accountability for their actions.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The characters encounter numerous setbacks and obstacles, yet they continue to strive towards their goals. This resilience is a central theme that drives the narrative forward.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persevere through their own challenges, whether they are academic, social, or personal, instilling a sense of persistence and determination.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding different perspectives
Explanation: The book presents a diverse cast of characters, each with their own backgrounds and viewpoints. It emphasizes understanding and empathizing with people who are different from oneself.
Real-World Application: This lesson is crucial in helping children appreciate diversity and develop empathy towards others' feelings and views, aiding in social interactions and building inclusive communities.