About This Book
Isabel Allende's 'Kingdom of the Golden Dragon' is a captivating young adult fantasy adventure, the second book in the 'Eagle and Jaguar' series. It follows teenagers Alexander Cold and Nadia Santos as they travel with Alex's grandmother, a reporter, to a remote Himalayan kingdom. Their mission to locate the mythical Golden Dragon, a priceless oracle, quickly turns into a high-stakes quest to protect it from a greedy collector and his ruthless organization, the Scorpions. The story is rich with magical realism, mythology, and themes of courage, friendship, and cultural preservation, as Alex and Nadia harness their unique totemic animal powers and collaborate with local allies, including a Buddhist monk, a young prince, and Yeti warriors. Ideal for readers aged 12-18, this book offers an immersive and thought-provoking journey into a vibrant, fantastical world.
A search for the Golden Dragon in the Himalayan Mountains becomes a quest for protection in this coming-of-age story filled with international adventure, rich mythology, and magical realism from globally celebrated novelist Isabel Allende. How much would you risk to save a friend? After surviving the dangers of the Amazon, reporter Kate Cold brings her grandson, Alexander, and his best friend, Nadia, on another assignment for International Geographic. Entering a forbidden kingdom tucked in the frosty peaks of the Himalayas, the team’s task is to locate its fabled Golden Dragon, a sacred statue and priceless oracle that can tell the future. In their scramble to reach the statue before it is destroyed by the infamous order of Scorpions, Alexander and Nadia must use the power of their totemic animal spirits—Jaguar and Eagle. With the aid of a wise Buddhist monk, his young royal disciple, and a fierce tribe of Yeti warriors, Alexander and Nadia fight to protect the Golden Dragon and the entire Forbidden Kingdom. Isabel Allende once again leads readers on a voyage of suspense, magic, and awe-inspiring adventure in this riveting follow-up to City of the Beasts.
Discussion Prompts
1
How do Alex and Nadia's totemic animal spirits help them in their quest, and what do these animals represent about their characters?
2
The Collector is driven by greed. How does his motivation contrast with the values of the Forbidden Kingdom and its protectors?
3
What role does teamwork play in Alex and Nadia's success? How do different characters contribute their unique strengths?
4
The book explores the idea of a 'forbidden kingdom.' What are the benefits and drawbacks of a society remaining isolated from the outside world?
5
How does Isabel Allende blend elements of real-world culture and geography with fantasy and magical realism in this story?
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