The Twice Lost (The Lost Voices Trilogy) (The Lost Voices Trilogy, 3)
#3 in Lost Voices Series
on Goodreads (1,978)
What’s inside...
Mermaids have been sinking ships and drowning humans for centuries, and now the government wants to exterminate them. Luce, a mermaid with exceptionally threatening abilities, becomes their number-one target. She takes refuge in San Francisco, where she finds hundreds of mermaids living in exile under the docks of the bay. These are the Twice Lost: once-human girls lost first when a trauma turned them into mermaids, and lost a second time when they broke mermaid law and were rejected by their tribes. Luce is stunned when they elect her as their leader. But she won't be their queen. She'll be their general. And they will become the Twice Lost Army—because this is war.
Character compass
Luce
Doria
Discussion points
How do you think Luce's transformation and choices affected her relationships with others in the story?
What would you do if you were in a situation similar to Luce's where you had to choose between survival and morality?
How does the theme of power and responsibility play out through different characters in the book?
In what ways do the siren's songs affect humans, and what do you think this symbolizes about communication and influence?
What can we learn about forgiveness and redemption from the interactions between characters by the end of the trilogy?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they might feel in Luce’s shoes throughout different parts of the story.
Highlight the importance of decision-making and consequences by discussing Luce’s choices and their impacts on the story.
Discuss the symbolism of the siren’s songs and what they might represent in real-world communication and influence.
Promote critical thinking by examining the different motivations of characters and asking your child what they might have done differently.
Foster a deeper understanding by exploring the themes of power, responsibility, and redemption as they evolve throughout the trilogy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of self-acceptance
Explanation: Throughout 'The Twice Lost', the protagonist, Luce, struggles with her identity as a mermaid and a human. Her journey towards accepting herself is pivotal in the narrative.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace their unique qualities and differences, understanding that self-acceptance is crucial for personal happiness and fulfillment.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: Luce's decisions in the book often lead to significant consequences, teaching readers about the impact of their choices.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that their actions have effects on themselves and others, encouraging them to think carefully before acting.
Example Lesson: The power of unity and teamwork
Explanation: In the story, Luce and her mermaid friends need to work together to overcome challenges. This highlights the strength found in teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to cooperate with others, whether in school projects or during play, realizing that collaboration can lead to achieving greater goals.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Luce faces numerous challenges throughout the trilogy, but her ability to persevere is a central theme.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of resilience, showing them that they can overcome difficulties through determination and courage.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The interactions between human characters and mermaids in the book delve into themes of empathy and conflict resolution.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be empathetic towards others who are different from themselves, fostering a more inclusive and understanding attitude in their daily interactions.