About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the realization that a mentor or loved one is capable of making harmful choices. It is a powerful resource for middle grade readers navigating the complex intersection of personal loyalty and ethical responsibility. In this story, Daja, a talented blacksmith mage, travels to a frozen northern city where she must use her unique fire magic to hunt an elusive arsonist. The narrative centers on the heavy emotional burden of duty, particularly when doing what is right involves confronting someone Daja cares for deeply. Parents will appreciate the way Tamora Pierce handles themes of accountability, social justice, and the transition into young adulthood. It is a sophisticated fantasy that models how to stand up for one's values, even when it is personally painful or complicates one's sense of belonging.
