Dark Lord: The Teenage Years
#1 of 2 in Dark Lord Series
on Goodreads (1,977)
What’s inside...
Thirteen-year-old schoolboy, Dirk Lloyd, has a dark secret - he is the earthly incarnation of a Dark Lord, supreme ruler of the Darklands. After a colossal battle, he is defeated and ends up in a supermarket car park in modern day England. Mistaken for an ordinary schoolboy and trapped in a puny body, Dirk must navigate life in a foster family, school, and with therapists, all while trying to regain his dignity, power, and lands. With the help of Christopher and Goth Girl, Sooz, he tries to cast a spell to return to his homeland, but complications ensue.
Character compass
Dirk Lloyd
Sooz
Christopher Crisp
Sergeant Crisp
Discussion points
How do you think Dirk Lloyd felt when he found himself in a strange new world and what would you do in his situation?
What does this story teach us about friendship and understanding others who are different from us?
In what ways do the characters in the book change from the beginning to the end?
What was your favorite part of the book, and why?
If you had magical powers like Dirk, how would you use them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to convey the humorous and fantastical elements of the story, making the reading experience enjoyable and lively.
After each chapter, pause to discuss Dirk’s choices and actions, relating them to real-life scenarios your child might face.
Encourage your child to imagine their own fantasy world, drawing parallels to the world Jamie Thomson created.
Highlight moments in the story where characters show empathy and understanding, discussing the importance of these traits with your child.
Create a fun quiz for your child at the end of the book to recap key moments and themes, reinforcing their understanding and engagement.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The main character, Dirk Lloyd, navigates the complexities of teenage life while dealing with his identity as a Dark Lord from another realm. His journey highlights the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions and decisions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of being accountable for their actions, understanding that every choice they make has consequences in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Throughout the book, Dirk slowly learns to understand and share the feelings of others, particularly as he interacts with his new friends in the human world.
Real-World Application: This story can help children understand the importance of empathy by considering the feelings of classmates and friends, fostering a supportive and understanding community.
Example Lesson: Adaptation
Explanation: Dirk's experience in adjusting from his role as a Dark Lord to a typical human teenager illustrates the importance of adapting to new situations and environments.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to embrace change, whether it's moving to a new school, joining a new activity, or making new friends.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: The protagonist faces various challenges that require creative solutions, especially as he tries to reclaim his powers.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of thinking creatively to solve problems, whether in their academic or personal life.
Example Lesson: Identity and Self-Discovery
Explanation: Dirk Lloyd's journey is also one of self-discovery, as he grapples with his identity as a Dark Lord versus his life as a teenager on Earth.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to explore and affirm their own identities, recognizing the multiple facets that define who they are.