About This Book
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is struggling with the weight of expectations or feels trapped by circumstances beyond their control. It is an ideal choice for the teen who is learning to advocate for themselves in spaces where they feel like an outsider, or for a young person processing the loss of a mentor while trying to build a self-sustained future. This dark, Chinese-influenced reimagining of Cinderella follows Yining, a girl forced into a life of survival and thievery after her uncle's death. When she enters the imperial court to reclaim a stolen heirloom, she must navigate a dangerous web of political intrigue, ambition, and moral ambiguity. While the story features romantic tension and high-stakes action, it is primarily a study of resilience, the price of freedom, and the courage required to define one's own identity. It is a sophisticated read for ages 14 and up that balances lush fantasy with the harsh realities of power.
