About This Book
Reach for this book when your middle schooler is beginning to navigate complex moral gray areas or feels the pressure of expectations that conflict with their personal values. Daine, a girl with a unique magical bond with animals, is thrust into a high stakes diplomatic mission where she must balance her duty to her country with her internal compass regarding social injustice and the misuse of power. It is an excellent choice for children who are developing a sense of social justice and learning that doing the right thing often requires immense personal courage. The story explores deep themes of responsibility, the ethics of leadership, and the weight of being gifted. While the setting is a rich high fantasy world filled with magic and ancient creatures, the emotional core is grounded in Daine's struggle to stay true to herself while facing a charming but manipulative antagonist. Parents should note that the book deals with mature themes including slavery and the concept of mortality, making it best suited for readers aged 10 to 14 who are ready for nuanced character development and intense magical conflict.
