The Shadow Wand (The Black Witch Chronicles Book 3)
#3 of 5 in The Black Witch Chronicles Series
on Goodreads (19,505)
What’s inside...
The New York Times bestselling series! Her world-altering secret can't be hidden much longer. Prepare to be spellbound by the third book in The Black Witch Chronicles by critically acclaimed fantasy author Laurie Forest. Elloren Gardner hides the most powerful secret in all Erthia-she is the Black Witch of Prophecy, and destined to triumph…or be used as the ultimate weapon of destruction. Separated from everyone she loves, isolated and hunted, Elloren must turn to the last person she can trust-her fastmate, Commander Lukas Grey. With the Mage forces of Gardneria poised to conquer all of Erthia, Elloren has no choice but to ally with Lukas and combine their power to keep herself out of the hands of Gardnerian leader Marcus Vogel…the holder of the all-consuming Shadow Wand. With just weeks to train to become a warrior, and no control over her magic, Elloren finds unexpected allies among those under orders to kill her. It's time to step up. To fight back. And to forge onward through the most devastating loss yet. Critics are raving about Laurie Forest's incredible debut, The Black Witch: 'Forest uses a richly imagined magical world to offer an uncompromising condemnation of prejudice and injustice.' -Booklist, starred review 'A noteworthy debut.' -Publishers Weekly, starred review 'Briskly paced, tightly plotted.' -Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Character compass
Elloren Gardner
Diana Ulrich
Yvan Guriel
Marcus Vogel
Discussion points
What do you think motivates Elloren's actions throughout the book? How do her choices reflect her beliefs?
How does the concept of prejudice play a role in this story? Can you relate it to real-life scenarios?
What changes do you observe in Elloren as the story progresses? What do you think caused those changes?
In what ways do the friendships in the book affect the outcomes of the challenges faced by the characters?
How does the author use the setting to enhance the story? Which settings stood out to you and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically about the characters and the choices they make. Ask open-ended questions that promote empathy and understanding of different perspectives. Highlight the themes of courage and resilience, discussing how these qualities are essential in their everyday lives. Make connections between the book's plot and real-world issues, helping your child draw parallels and deepen their comprehension. Lastly, celebrate your child's responses to facilitate a love for reading and discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of tolerance and understanding diverse cultures
Explanation: In 'The Shadow Wand,' protagonist Elloren Gardner confronts and challenges the ingrained prejudices within her society. Through her interactions with diverse characters, she learns to appreciate and understand different cultures.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to embrace multiculturalism and understand the value of diversity in their communities and schools.
Example Lesson: The significance of personal growth and self-discovery
Explanation: Elloren's journey is not just about external conflicts, but also about her internal struggle to discover who she really is, separate from her family's expectations and societal norms.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that personal growth is a continuous process and that it's important to question and define their own values and beliefs.
Example Lesson: The power of courage and standing up for what’s right
Explanation: Despite facing immense danger and opposition, Elloren shows bravery in standing up against injustices in her world, demonstrating the power of individual action.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to be assertive and take action against wrongdoing, promoting ethical behavior and integrity.
Example Lesson: The impact of teamwork and unity
Explanation: Throughout 'The Shadow Wand,' Elloren learns that working together with others, even those who are different from her, leads to stronger results and solutions.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied to encourage collaborative work among children in group settings such as school projects or sports, highlighting the importance of cooperation and respect for others' ideas.