About This Book
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is struggling with the moral complexities of leadership or questioning the integrity of the systems they are expected to uphold. It is a powerful tool for young adults navigating the weight of family legacies and the difficult realization that doing what is right often contradicts doing what is easy or traditional. The story follows Hesina, a young princess who becomes queen after her father's suspected murder, leading her into a dangerous web of political intrigue and forbidden magic. While the setting is a rich, Chinese-inspired fantasy world, the emotional core deals with the heavy burden of grief, the isolation of power, and the ethical dilemma of using questionable means to achieve justice. Parents will appreciate the book's intellectual depth and its refusal to offer easy answers. It is best suited for older teens due to its complex political maneuvering and some instances of violence, providing a sophisticated look at how one maintains their humanity while navigating a world built on secrets and lies.
