Additional Resources

Continue the Conversation: after you've finished the book, use these discussion questions to dig deeper into the themes.

• Sage begins his story with these words: "If I had to do it all over again, I would not have chosen this life. Then again, I'm not sure I ever had a choice." What did you think he meant when you first read it? How do you understand it differently now that you know more of his story?

• Why did King Ekbert send Prince Jaron away and claim he was dead? Do you agree with his decision? What might you have done differently?

• Do you think Sage will be a better king than Roden and Tobias? Why? What makes someone a good leader?

• King Ekbert took a peacemaking approach to war: he wanted to avoid it at all costs. Conner was more confrontational: he thought fighting would be better than letting Avenia bully Carthya. Think of a time when you had to decide whether to stand up for yourself or avoid conflict. Which is harder for you to do? How can you know when to be assertive and when to be a peacemaker?

Creative Writing Prompts: Use one or more of these writing prompts to inspire a few paragraphs or more!

• Prince Jaron was a notorious troublemaker as a kid! Write a story about an accident or prank Jaron may have been responsible for in the castle.

• Imagine that a fifth boy was taken by Conner to compete for the throne. Give him a name and background and describe his personality. What makes him a good candidate? What are his weaknesses?

• Write a detailed description of one of the rooms in the castle. How is it decorated? Does it connect to any secret passageways? What secrets have been kept or uncovered in that room?