Fabled Lands: The Court of Hidden Faces
#5 of 14 in Fabled Lands Series
on Goodreads (53)
What’s inside...
This book is set in the ancient lands of Uttakin and Old Harkuna, drawing the reader into a world filled with exotic intrigue and betrayal. Located on the edge of the old world, the nation of Uttakin, which is similar to the Byzantine Empire, is occupying the kingdom of Old Harkuna, reminiscent of Arthurian legend lands. The storyline follows the freeing of the king of Old Harkuna from The Plains of Howling Darkness, allowing him to reclaim his kingdom, end the Uttaku occupation, and restore prosperity to his lands. Additionally, players have the opportunity to rebuild and claim an abandoned castle in Harkuna. The narrative is intertwined with major quests that involve undertaking tasks for the Uttakin government, ruled by nobles who wear elaborate masks as status symbols and to conceal their identities, including a king who is born without a face. The book is connected to other Fabled Lands books and includes 723 sections.
Discussion points
What do you think motivates the characters to embark on their adventures in 'The Court of Hidden Faces'?
How do the choices made by the characters influence the story's outcome?
If you were a character in the book, what kind of decisions would you make and why?
What lessons can we learn about bravery and wisdom from the characters?
How would you describe the world of 'Fabled Lands' to someone who hasn't read the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the 'Fabled Lands' and ask them what role they would choose to play.
Discuss the consequences of the characters' actions and relate them to real-life scenarios to deepen the child's understanding.
Use the elaborate descriptions in the book to help your child visualize the scenes and ask them to describe them back to you in their own words.
After reading a chapter, recap the main events together to reinforce comprehension and narrative recall.
Pose hypothetical questions about alternate endings or plot twists to encourage creative thinking and engagement with the text.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of making decisions
Explanation: In 'Fabled Lands: The Court of Hidden Faces,' players make choices that affect the outcome of the story, teaching children that their decisions have consequences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to think carefully before making decisions, understanding that their choices influence their results at school or in social settings.
Example Lesson: Understanding diverse perspectives
Explanation: The book is set in a culturally rich world, which helps children learn about and appreciate different cultures and viewpoints.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to be more open and accepting of people from different backgrounds in their own lives, promoting inclusivity and empathy.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The interactive nature of the book requires the reader to solve puzzles and navigate through challenges, enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these skills in academic settings or personal challenges, improving their ability to navigate obstacles and find solutions.
Example Lesson: Responsibility for actions
Explanation: As players venture through different quests, they learn that their actions have long-term effects on the game’s world, emphasizing the importance of responsible decision-making.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to consider the long-term effects of their actions, promoting more responsible behavior in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters face various difficulties and setbacks. The book teaches the importance of perseverance and continuing to strive towards goals despite obstacles.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of not giving up in the face of difficulties, whether it be in their studies, sports, or relationships.