About This Book
Reach for this book when your teenager is processing the complexities of social justice, the heavy burden of responsibility, or the realization that achieving a goal doesn't always lead to an easy happy ending. Following the events of the first novel, Zélie and Amari must navigate a world where magic has returned, but so has a devastating civil war. It is a powerful exploration of grief, the cyclical nature of violence, and the difficult choices leaders must make to protect their people. This high-stakes fantasy is ideal for older teens who enjoy immersive world-building and nuanced characters. While the story is fast-paced and magical, it serves as a sophisticated mirror to real-world issues of systemic oppression and restorative justice. Parents should be aware that the book contains intense themes of loss and battle-related violence, making it best suited for readers aged 14 and up who are ready for a darker, more realistic take on the hero's journey.
