Julia Defiant

Name: Julia Defiant
ISBN: 9780385684682

by Catherine Egan

In this heart-pounding sequel, Julia and her diverse allies journey to a distant land to thwart Casimir's dark quest for power and save baby Theo. As Julia's vanishing ability grows, she discovers a t

About This Book

"Julia Defiant" is the compelling second installment in the "Witch's Child" trilogy, perfect for young adult readers aged 12-18 who enjoy intricate fantasy and strong, complex heroines. Julia and her allies must travel to Yongguo to find a witch capable of separating powerful magic from the infant Theo, all while being relentlessly pursued by the villainous Casimir. Simultaneously, Julia grapples with her own burgeoning and increasingly dark powers, which allow her to vanish into a terrifying, hell-like dimension where she feels disturbingly recognized. This action-packed novel explores themes of identity, courage, good versus evil, and the moral complexities of power, offering a rich, immersive reading experience.

The heart-pounding follow-up to Julia Vanishes and the second book in the Witch's Child trilogy. Catherine Egan's masterful world-building and fiercely flawed heroine will thrill fans of The Rose Society, Graceling, and Six of Crows In this compelling and action-packed novel, Julia and her allies travel to the other side of the world in their efforts to thwart Casimir's quest for power. They rescued the baby Theo from his fortress once, but Casimir is relentless. He needs this child. Or rather, he needs the magical power that has been written into the child's very being. And so Julia and a mismatched band of revolutionaries, scholars, and thieves journey to Yongguo, searching out the witch who worked that dark spell. They must find a way to separate the magic from Theo without killing him--a nicety that Casimir won't bother with. Julia is also searching for answers about herself. Her ability to vanish to a place just out of sight has grown--she can now disappear from her world so completely that it's like stepping into another world. A dark and fiery world that that feels disturbingly like hell. Where the creatures seem to recognize her--and count her as one of their own. Caught between a web of ruthless, powerful people, and a world seemingly dredged from her nightmares, Julia must decide not just who but what she really is if she wants to survive. "Complex and beautifully imagined, Julia's saga continues to thrill." --Booklist, starred review

Concepts

Fear & Bravery Self-Confidence & Identity Resilience & Perseverance Good vs. Evil Friendship & Loyalty Justice & Fairness Curiosity & Wonder

Discussion Prompts

How does Julia's understanding of her own powers change throughout the story, and what does this reveal about her identity?

The book features a "mismatched band of revolutionaries, scholars, and thieves." How do their different skills and backgrounds contribute to their mission?

Casimir is relentless in his pursuit of power. What motivates him, and how does his approach contrast with Julia's?

The "dark and fiery world" Julia visits is unsettling. What do you think this world represents, and why do its creatures seem to recognize her?

What moral dilemmas do Julia and her allies face when trying to separate the magic from Theo without harming him, especially when Casimir has no such qualms?

External Reviews

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