SuitabookThe black rose
James Bartholomeusz
- Reading
- Keep track of the Risa Star, magical shards, factions and newly introduced creatures. Pause when a setting or object is unclear, and discuss what the characters appear to know rather than expecting every invention to be explained immediately.
- Themes
- Humanitarian purpose and power: Jack and Lucy join the Apollonians’ humanitarian cause while the Cult of Dionysus seeks magical shards for world domination. The book’s stance on this remains unclear.
- Encountering unfamiliar worlds: The characters travel through settings including an arctic mountain range, an industrialising city and a forest whose inhabitants are part of their environment. The varied worlds are central to the adventure, while some conceptual settings and invented elements are described as less fully realised or potentially confusing.
- Worth knowing
- Pay attention to the contrast between the Apollonians’ humanitarian purpose and the Cult of Dionysus’ stated pursuit of world domination. The story also includes magical conflict, peril and evil priests and priestesses.