About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is beginning to question the rules of their world or feels the weight of adult expectations pressing down on their own identity. It is a powerful tool for middle schoolers who are moving from a black and white view of authority into the gray areas of complex social structures and duty. Set in a neo-medieval future where technology is feared as magic, the story follows Luke, a boy destined for leadership in a society defined by strict rituals and a rigid caste system. As Luke navigates the competitive and often violent landscape of his city-state, parents will find rich opportunities to discuss the cost of integrity and the dangers of blind obedience. The book offers a sophisticated look at how 'the way things have always been' can sometimes be a mask for hidden agendas. It is a thoughtful, somewhat somber read that respects a young person's ability to handle high stakes and moral ambiguity while they are discovering their own voice within their community.
