Untitled
#1 in Untamed City Series
on Goodreads (8,173)
What’s inside...
In a city controlled by strict class lines, the Carnival of Souls offers a chance for individuals to join the elite by fighting to the death. Kaleb, from the lowest caste, and Aya, from the ruling caste, both see the deadly competition as their only chance for a better life. Meanwhile, Mallory, who lives in the human world, is unaware of her connection to The City and the threat it poses to her and her family. As she prepares for an inevitable confrontation with a daimon, she is unknowingly drawn into the decadent and dangerous Carnival of Souls. Melissa Marr's Carnival of Souls combines breathtaking action, secrets, and themes of love and destiny.
Discussion points
What did you like most about the characters in the book and why?
How did the main character's journey make you feel? Can you relate to their experiences?
What are some of the challenges the characters faced? How would you have handled them?
What lessons do you think the book is trying to teach us?
If you could change one thing in the book, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive read-aloud tactics, altering your voice for different characters to help your child immerse more fully in the story.
Pause at suspenseful moments to predict what might happen next, encouraging your child's analytical thinking.
After reading, connect the story to your child's experiences by discussing similar emotions or events they've encountered.
Encourage your child to draw a scene or a character from the book, which can lead to deeper discussions about the book's themes.
Ask your child to summarize the book to you, enhancing their comprehension and narrative skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Melissa Marr's story explores the importance of understanding and sharing the feelings of others through its characters' interactions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize emotions in others and respond with kindness in their personal and school life.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: The protagonist faces challenges with bravery, teaching readers that it's important to stand up for what is right despite fears.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to face their own challenges, like trying new activities or standing up against bullying.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: The characters in the book form strong bonds that help them overcome obstacles, showing how friendships can provide support and strength.
Real-World Application: Children learn to nurture relationships and rely on friends during difficult times, fostering social skills and emotional support networks.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Responsibility is a recurring theme as the characters learn to take care of each other and their environment.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of being accountable for their actions, whether it's by completing homework on time or caring for a pet.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The story demonstrates how the characters persist through difficulties, reinforcing the idea that resilience can lead to positive outcomes.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand that persistence and resilience are key to overcoming setbacks, whether in learning new skills or dealing with personal struggles.