About This Book
Reach for this book when your teenager is grappling with the heavy emotional fallout of a personal betrayal or is struggling to reconcile their own identity within a world that feels increasingly polarized. It is a sophisticated choice for older teens who are moving past simple hero narratives and are ready to explore the murky grey areas of war, systemic injustice, and the cost of revenge. The story follows Karou, an art student turned resistance leader, as she navigates a brutal conflict between angels and monsters while mourning the loss of her former life. While the prose is lyrical and beautiful, the themes are intensely serious. This is a story about the cycle of violence and the radical act of choosing peace when everything in you screams for vengeance. It is appropriate for mature high schoolers who can handle descriptions of battle and the psychological weight of grief. Parents will appreciate how it challenges the 'chosen one' trope by showing the grueling, messy reality of leadership and the importance of empathy even for one's enemies.
