About This Book
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is grappling with the heavy weight of family responsibility, the aftermath of loss, or the stress of financial instability. It is an ideal choice for readers who feel forced to grow up too quickly and need to see their internal struggles reflected in a high stakes, magical setting. Ruby Santos is an eighteen year old artist whose life is derailed by her mother's death and her father's secret life as a magical courier. This urban fantasy explores the intersections of grief, addiction, and the sacrifices we make for those we love. While the magical 'train jumping' provides an exciting hook, the emotional core focuses on Ruby's resilience as she navigates her father's alcoholism and the predatory nature of the magical underworld. Parents should be aware of the mature themes including substance abuse and the pressures of poverty, making it most suitable for ages 14 and up. It is a powerful tool for opening conversations about setting boundaries with parents and finding one's identity amidst family trauma.
