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Untamed

#2 of 4 in Elemental Saga Series

4.34
on Goodreads (61)

What’s inside...

Losing control could mean losing everything.The Elemental Assembly has suffered a devastating blow, but no one feels it more keenly than Sophie. The authorities' attempts to set things right are going nowhere fast. Lost in his own guilt and grief, her guardian Aidan pushes her away just when they've finally given in to the attraction between them. To prevent the unthinkable, Sophie must take matters into her own hands, which means betraying her family to ask for help from the person who least deserves her trust. Compounding the problem is Sophie's out-of-control powers that are threatening to consume her.With everything she loves hanging in the balance, Sophie sets out on a solo mission to reclaim what she lost. The stakes are high, and success is uncertain. The only thing Sophie is sure of is that she'll never be the same again.

Why read this book

  • Explores themes of adventure and self-discovery.
  • Encourages resilience and personal growth in young readers.
  • Supports understanding of emotions and social relationships.
  • Ideal for shared reading between parents and children.
In series
Series reading

Non-Sequential

Age

13-18

Length

276 pages

Text complexity

Discussion points

How do you think the main character felt when they faced challenges? What would you have done in their place?
What did you learn about being brave from the story?
Can you think of a time when you felt untamed or wild like the characters? What was that like?
What do you think the forest symbolizes in the story? Why do you think it's important to the characters?
If you could give advice to the main character, what would you say?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare their experiences with those of the characters, fostering empathy and deeper understanding.
Discuss the theme of bravery and resilience. Ask your child about times they have had to be brave.
Explore the symbolism in the book, such as the forest. This can lead to enriching conversations about the deeper meanings within the story.
Give your child space to express their thoughts and feelings about the book, affirming their ideas and encouraging them to think critically.
Link discussions to real-life events or personal experiences to make the conversation more relatable and impactful.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: In 'Untamed', the protagonist confronts various challenges that teach them the necessity of bravery even when circumstances are daunting.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to tackle their own fears, whether it's trying out for a new sport, standing up to a bully, or speaking in front of the class.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: The book highlights how the characters support each other through difficult times, emphasizing the power of friendship.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to foster and value strong, supportive relationships with their peers.
Example Lesson: Understanding differences
Explanation: The characters in 'Untamed' come from diverse backgrounds and have different personalities, teaching the importance of acceptance and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by embracing diversity in their communities and learning to appreciate what makes people unique.
Example Lesson: Resilience through adversity
Explanation: As the characters in the book face and overcome various obstacles, they demonstrate the ability to recover from setbacks.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that it’s okay to fail and encourage them to keep trying despite difficulties.

Untamed by Jessica Ruddick