Fate is definitely something that Gemma and her friends are up against in The Fallen Star since they're trying to fight a prophecy that predicts the end of the word. The Foreseers have predicted that the world will end unless Gemma (who harnesses the power of a fallen star inside of her) can remain unemotional, thereby using all of the star's power to stop a portal from opening and letting a whole army of Death Walkers out. And this prediction is totally running the show in Gemma's life.
Even though Gemma hasn't asked for any of this, she has to go along with Alex, Aislin, and the other Keepers as they try to stop the prophecy from coming true. Will they be able to save the world? It remains to be seen whether free will can kick fate's butt, so keep reading the series to find out.
Questions About Fate vs. Free Will
- How does Gemma react when she first learns of the prophecy about the power of the fallen star and the end of the world? Does she accept it as fate? Resist it with free will? Some medley of both?
- Does Gemma ever want to shed her responsibility and run away from the Keepers at all? Does she act on those feelings? Explain your reasoning by turning to the text for evidence.
- Why are Alex, Aislin, and Laylen risking their lives to protect Gemma? Is this fate? Free will? Different for each of them?
- How do Gemma's visions fit into the story that she's been told about the prophecy? What does this reveal about fate?
Chew on This
Even though visions are supposedly really difficult to change once they've been set in place, the Keepers are still willing to bet the fate of the whole world on Gemma—mostly because she's their only option.
Most vampires are bloodthirsty and dangerous once they turn, but Laylen is able to overcome that part of himself through sheer will and because he still has his Keeper's mentality of needing to save humanity.