To Kill a Kingdom
#1 of 2 in Hundred Kingdoms Series
on Goodreads (198,995)
What’s inside...
Princess Lira is siren royalty and the most lethal of them all. With the hearts of seventeen princes in her collection, she is revered across the sea. Until a twist of fate forces her to kill one of her own. To punish her daughter, the Sea Queen transforms Lira into the one thing they loathe most—a human. Robbed of her song, Lira has until the winter solstice to deliver Prince Elian’s heart to the Sea Queen or remain a human forever. The ocean is the only place Prince Elian calls home, even though he is heir to the most powerful kingdom in the world. Hunting sirens is more than an unsavory hobby—it’s his calling. When he rescues a drowning woman in the ocean, she’s more than what she appears. She promises to help him find the key to destroying all of sirenkind for good—But can he trust her? And just how many deals will Elian have to barter to eliminate mankind’s greatest enemy? AN INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER
Character compass
Lira
Elian
Madrid
Kye
The Sea Queen
Discussion points
How do you think Princess Lira feels having to live up to her mother's expectations? Can you relate to her emotions?
What do you think about the transformation of Lira from a siren to a human? How do you think it changed her views on humans and why?
Why do you think Prince Elian chose to be a siren hunter rather than just a prince? What values do you think he holds dear?
How do both Lira and Elian grow throughout the story? What challenges did they face and how did these shape their characters?
The ocean plays a huge role in the story. How do you think the setting affects the events and the characters in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Draw connections between the characters' experiences and your child's personal life to make the discussion more relatable.
Encourage your child to describe their favorite parts of the book and why they liked them to promote deeper thinking about the narrative.
Discuss the moral dilemmas faced by the characters to help your child understand complex emotions and decision-making.
Pose hypothetical questions to your child about what they would do if placed in similar situations as Lira or Elian to foster empathy and critical thinking.
Use the themes of transformation and identity in the book to discuss any changes or pivotal moments in your child’s own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding empathy
Explanation: In 'To Kill a Kingdom', the protagonist, Lira, a siren princess, learns to understand and empathize with humans, despite being raised to despise them. Her transformation unfolds as she experiences life from a human perspective.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to consider others' viewpoints and feelings, fostering empathy and reducing prejudice, which is crucial in building meaningful relationships and navigating social environments.
Example Lesson: The importance of making moral choices
Explanation: Throughout the book, Lira is faced with decisions that test her morals, especially when she has to choose between her upbringing as a ruthless siren and doing what she feels is right.
Real-World Application: Children learn that their choices define who they are and who they become. Making ethical decisions can be difficult, but it is essential for personal integrity and social respect.
Example Lesson: The value of bravery and selflessness
Explanation: Characters in the story, including Lira and Prince Elian, exhibit bravery and put others' needs before their own in their quest to end the war between their worlds.
Real-World Application: This highlights to children the importance of courage and self-sacrifice in protecting others and standing up for what is right, which can be applied at school or in friendships.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: The narrative demonstrates how the characters' actions, both good and bad, have significant consequences on their world and relationships.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be mindful of their actions and considerate of their potential impacts on others and their surroundings.
Example Lesson: The power of unity and collaboration
Explanation: Lira and Elian, coming from two opposing worlds, work together to bring peace, showcasing how collaboration can achieve mutual goals and resolve conflicts.
Real-World Application: This lesson underscores the importance of teamwork and cooperation in achieving common objectives, whether in school projects, family tasks, or community activities.