Kingdom of Locks: A Retelling of Rapunzel (The Kingdom Tales Book 5)
#5 of 6 in Tales Of The Kingdom Series
on Goodreads (702)
What’s inside...
Aurelia carries the most powerful weapon in the kingdom—she just can't wield it. Stolen as a baby by an egotistical enchanter, Aurelia has spent her entire life locked in a tower, her impractically long hair serving as a vessel in which her captor can store his magic. Every day is predictable—at least, until Cyfrin’s manner and experiments take an inexplicable turn. Now Aurelia’s biggest challenge is convincing her fellow prisoner—the only mother she’s ever known—that she’s strong enough to handle the truth behind the enchanter’s strange behavior. The trouble is, she’ll first need to convince herself. Prince Amell might be known for his restlessness, but he’s grown out of his childish dreams of heroics…mostly. When a break out occurs at the prison containing all the continent’s criminal magic-users, he’s eager to join the manhunt. Little does he expect that, with the somewhat perplexing help of some dragons, he’ll find something else entirely, lying hidden in the heart of his kingdom. But the magic that holds Aurelia and her mother captive is like nothing Amell has seen before, and his failure to rescue them shows how far he actually is from the hero of his childhood fantasies. Both Aurelia and Amell will have to find a strength they didn’t know they had in order to overcome the dark schemes in which Aurelia has played an unwilling part. And if they fail, more futures than hers will be lost to the man who stole her past. Kingdom of Locks is the fifth installment in The Kingdom Tales, a series of interconnected standalone novels set on the continent of Solstice, where dragons do their own thing, enchanters run amok, and happily ever afters require some chasing. If you enjoy strong heroines, clean romance, and fantasy worlds with a dash of intrigue, discover the world of The Kingdom Tales today.
Discussion points
How do you think Rapunzel felt being locked away in a tower? Can you think of a time when you felt similar?
If you had a chance to send a message to Rapunzel, what would you say to help her feel better?
What did you think of the decisions the characters made? What would you have done differently if you were in their shoes?
Why do you think the story of Rapunzel is told over and over again in different ways? What makes her story so interesting?
How did the story's setting in a kingdom change your experience of the tale? What do you imagine the Kingdom of Locks looks like?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the story by listening attentively and showing empathy towards the characters. Use the questions as a starting point but let your child's responses guide the conversation. Relate the story to their own life experiences to make the connection deeper. Discuss the moral and values portrayed in the story and how they apply to real-life situations. Encourage imaginative thinking by asking your child to come up with alternative endings or different scenarios in the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: In the story, the protagonist demonstrates perseverance by continually finding ways to overcome the obstacles that keep her confined in the tower.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by persisting through challenges in schoolwork or personal goals, understanding that consistent effort is key to overcoming difficulties.
Example Lesson: The value of resourcefulness
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters use their limited resources creatively to solve problems and communicate with the outside world.
Real-World Application: Kids can use this lesson to think creatively with the resources they have at hand, whether it's using recycled materials for projects or finding new ways to play.
Example Lesson: The significance of friendship and trust
Explanation: The story emphasizes the importance of building trust and friendships, as the characters rely on each other to escape their predicament.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to value and nurture friendships and learn how trust can lead to positive outcomes in teamwork and relationships.
Example Lesson: Courage to face the unknown
Explanation: Characters in the story often take bold steps into unfamiliar situations as part of their journey, showing courage.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to step out of their comfort zones and try new activities or make new friends, highlighting how courage can open up new opportunities.
Example Lesson: The power of self-belief
Explanation: The protagonist's self-belief is crucial in her journey towards freedom and self-discovery.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of believing in themselves, which can boost their confidence in their abilities and help them face everyday challenges.