About This Book
Reach for this book when your teenager is feeling the weight of societal expectations or the exhausting need to maintain a perfect public image. It speaks directly to the emotional labor of hiding one's true self to fit into a high-stakes environment. The story follows Isla, a young ruler who must compete in a deadly magical competition while concealing her lack of powers and her realm's dark secret. Beyond the fantasy action, it explores the nuance of trust, the fear of vulnerability, and the complex realization that the people we are told to hate might be the only ones who truly understand us. While it contains some violence and romantic tension, it serves as a powerful metaphor for the 'masks' teens wear in high school and on social media, making it a great choice for kids who feel like they are constantly performing for others.
