Book Club Discussion Questions
For supplemental discussion material see our Beyond the Book article, and our BookBrowse Review of Magyk.
Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!
About the Book
On the same night that Silas Heaps seventh son, Septimus, is pronounced dead at
birth, Silas comes across an abandoned baby in the Forest. The Heap family takes
her in to raise as their own, unaware that she is the Royal Princess. Ten years
later, the
Supreme Custodian, who has been searching for the baby now named Jenna, and his
hired Assassin have discovered her whereabouts. To save Jennas life, the Heaps
must take the Princess deep into the marshes to hide. Escaping with the Heaps
are
Marcia, the ousted ExtraOrdinary Wizard, and Boy 412, an unwilling participant
from
the Young Army. But fate has placed Boy 412 with the fleeing wizards for a
reason.
Pre-reading Activity
Discuss how a books cover art may predict the story or how it may be
misleading.
Examine the cover of Magyk and discuss the symbols and other illustrations
featured. Have students write a description of what these items may represent.
Discussion Questions
- Marcia, the ExtraOrdinary Wizard, leaves a baby girl in the Forest for Silas
Heap
to find. Why do you think Marcia chooses Silas as the wizard to raise this
child? Is
there something unique about Silas or his family that causes her to make this
decision?
- A hired Assassin discovers what the Princess looks like and where she has
been
living. If you accidentally discovered Jennas true identity, would you tell
anyone?
If so, which character in Magyk would you confide your knowledge to and why?
- DomDaniel thinks his inept Apprentice is important in a grandiose plan to
regain
his position as the ExtraOrdinary Wizard. What does DomDaniel think he knows
about the Apprentice that makes this boy valuable to his plans? Do you think
DomDaniel is correct in his assumption? If you knew the Apprentices identity,
would you tell him or his Master?
- How does the author develop themes of identity and belonging throughout the narrative?
- What role does the setting play in shaping the characters' decisions and relationships?
- Discuss how the ending reframes the events of the story. Were you surprised?
Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of HarperTrophy.
Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.