The King's 100: A young adult royal romance
not part of a series
What’s inside...
Sixteen-year-old princess, Piper Parish, is a disappointment to the citizens of Capalon, a STEM-structured kingdom where innovation is valued above all. Her older sister, the queen, views Piper's tears during their parents' funeral as a weakness, not to mention her strange affinity for singing. When Piper receives an anonymous note stating her mother is still alive and living in the enemy kingdom of Mondaria, Piper chooses to risk death and flees Capalon to prove once and for all that she's not just the queen's defective little sister. Posing as a Mondarian citizen named Paris Marigold, Piper bumps into a cute black-haired boy named Ari who encourages her to audition for the King's 100, an esteemed performance court of singers, magicians, and drummers. Piper lands a spot as a singer and dives head-first into a world of glittering dresses, girl-code, sugar, blackmail, and physical contact-all while taking direction from an evil maestro. Under Mondarian law, Piper will be killed if her identity is revealed. But living a life without the freedom to love might actually be the most dangerous risk of all.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
13-18
Length
320 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Piper's life in the palace differs from her life as a commoner? What challenges does she face?
What qualities make a good leader? Do you think King James possesses these qualities?
Piper has to keep her identity a secret. How would you feel in her situation? What would you do differently?
The book explores themes of loyalty and betrayal. Can you identify any instances where these themes are prominent? How do the characters react?
How do the relationships in the book change over time? What do you think causes these changes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin discussions by sharing your own thoughts on the book’s themes to set a comfortable tone. Ask open-ended questions that encourage your child to think critically about the characters and plot. Validate their responses, showing that their opinions are valued. Relate themes from the book to real-life scenarios your child might encounter to deepen their understanding. Encourage them to draw parallels between the fictional world and their world. Finally, be patient and give them time to form and articulate their thoughts.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: In 'The King's 100', characters face consequences when they lie, emphasizing the value of being truthful.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of honesty in building trust and maintaining relationships.
Example Lesson: Following one's passion
Explanation: The protagonist pursues her love for music despite various obstacles, showcasing the power of following one's dreams.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore and engage deeply with their personal interests and aspirations, whatever they may be.
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: Characters must collaborate to achieve common goals, highlighting the effectiveness of working together.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of cooperation and how collective efforts can lead to achieving significant outcomes.
Example Lesson: Respecting differences
Explanation: The story explores themes of diversity and acceptance, advocating respect for all individuals regardless of their background.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand and embrace individual differences, fostering an inclusive attitude from a young age.
Example Lesson: Overcoming adversity
Explanation: The characters face and overcome various challenges, illustrating resilience and the ability to triumph over difficulties.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to remain resilient and persistent when faced with challenges in their own lives.