The Fated Sky

Name: The Fated Sky
ISBN: 9780763607753

by Henrietta Branford

Ran, a sixteen-year-old Viking girl, battles against a prophesied death, escaping a bleak existence in Norway to forge a new life in Iceland, all while navigating the brutal realities of the Dark Ages

About This Book

The Fated Sky is a compelling historical novel for young adults, following Ran, a sixteen-year-old Viking girl, as she navigates a life fraught with danger and loss. After losing her mother to a wolf attack and narrowly escaping a human sacrifice, Ran flees Norway with a blind harper, Toki, seeking a new beginning in the isolated farming communities of Iceland. The book offers an honest, albeit bleak, portrayal of the Viking period, highlighting the constant threats, hardship, and difficult moral choices faced by its characters. While it doesn't dwell on gore, it doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of the era, including the painful deaths of sympathetic characters. Noted for its 'romance' elements, it also explores themes of resilience, self-determination, and finding one's place in a challenging world.

Ran, a sixteen-year-old Viking girl, struggles to control the events of her life and escape from the death that is supposed to be her destiny.

Concepts

Resilience & Perseverance Fear & Bravery Freedom & Independence Self-Confidence & Identity Loneliness & Belonging Justice & Fairness Sadness & Grief Love & Family Growing Up Death of a Loved One Being Different History Survival & Wilderness Adventure

Heads up, parents

Character Death

Violence

peril_danger

Scary Scenes

Discussion Prompts

Ran is told she has a 'fated sky' or destiny. Do you believe in fate, or do you think we control our own lives? How does Ran's story support your answer?

The book describes the Viking period as 'bleak' and 'cruel.' What are some of the hardships Ran and others faced? How did they show resilience?

Ran makes difficult moral choices throughout her journey. Can you think of a time when you had to make a hard choice? How did you decide what to do?

How does Ran's relationship with Toki, the blind harper, help her on her journey? What does it teach her about different kinds of strength?

The story mentions 'sudden violence' and 'painful death.' How does the author present these difficult topics without being overly graphic? Why do you think it's important to include them in a historical story?

What does 'freedom' mean to Ran at the beginning of the book compared to the end? How does her understanding of independence change?

External Reviews

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