About This Book
Reach for this book when your teenager is grappling with high expectations, the weight of leadership, or the feeling that they must hide their internal struggles to appear strong. In this high-stakes fantasy, King Nikolai Lantsov must rebuild a war-torn nation while fighting a literal and metaphorical monster living inside him. It is a sophisticated exploration of how our past traumas and 'scars' can be transformed into sources of resilience rather than shame. While the setting is magical, the emotional core is deeply human, focusing on identity, duty, and the courage required to ask for help. Parents should note that the story contains mature themes, including political intrigue, grief, and descriptions of a drug-addicted population. It is an excellent choice for mature readers who enjoy complex world-building and characters who navigate the gray areas between heroism and survival.
