About This Book
Reach for this book when your teenager is struggling with the weight of high expectations or feels a disconnect between who they are and who they are told they must be. It is an ideal pick for a mature reader who is fascinated by the gray areas of morality and the cost of ambition. The story follows Xifeng, a beautiful girl destined for the throne, provided she embraces a dark, soul-consuming magic. This East Asian-inspired retelling of the Evil Queen origin story explores themes of self-worth, toxic familial influence, and the slippery slope of compromising one's values for power. While lush and romantic, it is also unflinching in its depiction of the character's descent into darkness, making it a sophisticated choice for teens ready to move beyond traditional hero narratives and explore complex anti-heroes.
