Series: Corean Chronicles #1
Published by Tor Books on July 13, 2003
Genres: Fantasy
Pages: 597
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Millennia ago, a magical disaster caused the fall of a great worldwide civilization, the end of a golden age. New civilizations have fought their way up from the ancient destruction and chaos, knowing little of the lost world that preceded them or the details of its fall. Corus today is a world of contending countries, of humans, but also of strange animals and supernatural creatures. It is a place of magical powers, and of a few people who are talented enough to use them. Alucius, the hero of the story, is one.
Although born into a successful herder family, Alucius never knew his father, who was killed in action while serving in the Militia. So he is raised on a Nightsheep ranch by his mother and grandparents, and schooled at home. As a child, he shows very strong Talent. He is warned gravely that he must never reveal this outside the home lest he spend his life in servitude to some rich and powerful person. But as he grows to young manhood, Alusius must serve in the Militia like his father before him.
A time of changes has come upon all of the world of Corus as The Matrial, an immortal ruler in a nearby land, seeks to expand her influence. Gradually, Alusius realizes that he and his Talent have a central role to play.
Disclaimer: I’ve taken the official synopsis for the book and tweaked it since some of the events mentioned don’t take place until later in the book.
Last week, I held my first SFF book club. I started this book club because I love reading SFF books, and I wanted to create a space where likeminded people could gather and share about the books we love.
I decided to share the questions we prepared, and discussed, for several reasons:
- To create an archive of SFF discussion guides. This will not only provide a chronicle of my book club’s journey, but hopefully prove useful to others seeking to discuss an SFF book.
- To demonstrate the literary value of SFF books. Broadly speaking, not much distinguishes the fantasy genre from other genres outside of magic, yet critics still debate its literary value. I hope that these questions demonstrate that the SFF genre provides grounds for critical thinking and deep reflections.
- To prompt discussion. In the end, the purpose of a book club is to read and talk about a book. One of my friends shared that she was happy our book club actually talked about the book we read. Questions can help prompt discussion, but sometimes we find it daunting to create questions of our own. I hope that this discussion guide series, which I’ll share approximately once a month, provide a resource for people looking to discuss a SFF book.
Legacies Discussion Guide
- Following his grandfather’s advice to seek understanding before action, Alucius observes people from a distance and questions their motives, often without answering them for the reader. What impact did this narrative style have on you? How would the novel change if Alucius acted first, thought later?
- How would you compare Alucius to modern-day heroes? What impact does his character have on the story?
- Alucius demonstrates a skill for leshec (the Corean equivalent of chess). How does he use this skill in the military? Are there times that he seems to treat life as a game? What are the moral implications?
- Modesitt portrays Alucius as a kindhearted boy who heals loved ones with his Talent (magic), but also a calculating strategist who kills unarmed men and women, if they interrupt his plans. How, if possible, can we reconcile these two characteristics?
- Alucius’s grandfather tells him to keep his Talent hidden. As a result, he doesn’t receive training before he needs it as a trooper. Do you believe it was truly necessary for him to hide it? What is the impact of Alucius having to figure out his Talent on his own?
- According to acclaimed author Robin Hobb, “L.E. Modesitt, Jr. is uncompromising when it comes to the effects of magic, both on the natural world and on the human heart.” What commentary do you think Modesitt makes on humanity’s use of magic, or power, in Legacies?
- Madrien relegated the existence of the Iron Valley’s sanders to myth. What does this tell you about relations between the two countries? What assumptions are being made?
- Compare and contrast gender roles in the Iron Valley, Lanachrona, and Madrien. What are your thoughts on these gender roles? What parallels can you draw between our society and Madrien?
- If you were a woman, which Corean country would you want to live in? What if you were a man? Explain your answer.
- What role do soarers and other spirits (of the earth and woods) play in this novel? What could they symbolize?
Chat With Me
Have you read Legacies? What books have you read that explore similar themes or topics? Also, would you like for me to share my book club’s answers to these discussion questions in a separate post?
Dani @ Perspective of a Writer says
I’ve read this author before but I’ve not read Legacies. I love book club questions though and have played around with posting them for books I’ve read. It’s a fun thing for me to do but I’m not sure it’ll get many views. Still it’s a neat way to keep track of your book club journey!
Crystal (Kester) says
I had the same thought, that it wouldn’t get many views, especially because some of the books may be less well-known. I would be interested if other book club participants shared their discussion questions!
Aleen @ Lampshade Reader says
I’ve never been a part of a book club. So, I think what you’re doing is awesome. Hope it continues to be a success for you. 🙂
Crystal (Kester) says
Thank you, Aleen!
Tracy @ Cornerfolds says
I really want to create a local book club for adult YA readers! There’s one about 45 minutes from me but they read a lot of contemporary and even adult books (and it’s a long way to drive). I’m definitely intimidated by creating a new group though! Great job on taking that step!
Crystal (Kester) says
That would be neat, Tracy!
My group only has three members, including me, right now. Maybe we won’t ever find new members, but since creating it, I’ve met more people who love the SFF genre and love the idea of a SFF book club (though circumstances prevent them from joining at the moment). What’s important is that I’ve been able to connect with people who share my love for SFF books, and we’ve had enriching discussions.
ShootingStarsMag says
I have not read this book, but first off, I LOVE that you created a book club for a genre of books you enjoy, and TWO, I think it’s fun you’re sharing the discussion questions. 🙂
-Lauren
Crystal (Kester) says
Thanks so much, Lauren! 🙂