For teens grappling with finding their true self and purpose amidst a world full of secrets and ancient magic. This epic tale explores destiny, family legacy, and the power of choice.
A parent might reach for this book when their teen feels trapped by expectations and is questioning their own identity and future. It's for the young adult who feels the weight of family legacy or struggles to define their own path. In this epic fantasy, Annamaria is the latest in a long line of caretakers for a magically sleeping king, and by night, she commands his terrifying army of sea monsters. When a plot to wake the king surfaces, she must navigate deadly court politics and ancient curses to seize her own destiny. Tackling themes of self-confidence, bravery, and the conflict between fate and free will, this book is perfect for older teens (14+) who love immersive worlds. It uses a high-stakes, magical setting to explore the very real process of becoming your own person.
Multiple on-page character deaths, including important secondary characters.
Romantic ContentMild
A central romantic subplot includes kissing and emotional intimacy.
Scary ContentModerate
Descriptions of terrifying sea monsters and tense, life-threatening situations.
ViolenceModerate
Fantasy violence and monster battles, some moderately graphic descriptions of injury.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with death, grief, and violence, though framed within a fantasy context. Violence involves monsters and magical combat, some of which is graphic. The central conflict of identity versus destiny is explored metaphorically through Annamaria's bond with the monstrous army. The resolution is ultimately hopeful, championing the power of individual choice over predetermined fate.
Ideal Reader
A teen, 15-18, who loves immersive world-building and high-stakes fantasy like that of Leigh Bardugo or Sabaa Tahir. This reader is likely grappling with big questions about their future, feeling pressure from family expectations, and wondering how to forge their own path. They enjoy complex, powerful, and vulnerable heroines.
Parent Prep
Parents should be aware of some intense fantasy violence, monstrous imagery, and character death. The plot involves morally gray characters and complex motivations. The book can be read cold, but it opens the door for great conversations about destiny, choice, and family legacy after reading. A parent hears their teen express feelings of being trapped by expectations, saying things like, "I feel like my whole life is already planned out for me," or "I don't know who I am supposed to be."
Age Experience
A younger teen (14-15) will likely be captivated by the epic adventure, the terrifying monsters, and the romantic subplot. An older teen (16-18) will connect more deeply with Annamaria's internal struggle for identity, the theme of breaking from tradition, and the complex questions about power and responsibility.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many chosen-one narratives, this book's central theme is actively rejecting a predetermined destiny. Its magic system, tied to the sea and the monstrous Black Beasts, is unique and atmospheric. The setting, inspired by Iberian folklore, offers a fresh and compelling fantasy landscape that stands out from more common medieval European-style worlds.
Read plot summary
Annamaria is the latest in a long line of caretakers for the Sleeper, an immortal king cursed to sleep. By night, she commands his terrifying army, the Black Beasts of the Sea. When a royal delegate arrives with a dangerous proposition to wake the king, Annamaria's world is upended. She must ally with the charming delegate, Diogo, to navigate treacherous court politics and ancient magic, all while fighting for her own identity against the crushing weight of her family's legacy and a power that threatens to consume her.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Annamaria’s family has served the Sleeper for generations. Do you think legacy and family duty are more important than personal freedom? At what point is it okay to break from tradition?
2
The Black Beasts are both a source of Annamaria’s power and a terrifying force. How did you feel about her connection to them? Did you see them as simple monsters, or something more?
3
Diogo and Annamaria both hold secrets from each other at the beginning. How does their relationship change as they learn to be vulnerable and trust one another? Was there a specific moment you felt their trust was truly earned?
4
The story places a strong emphasis on choice over fate. How does Annamaria's final decision at the end of the book defy the expectations that were placed on her from the very first page?
