About This Book
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is grappling with the heavy weight of family expectations or the pressure to fix a loved one's financial or legal mistakes. It is a perfect choice for the young adult who feels they must grow up too fast to protect their household. The story follows Mikira Rusel, a young woman entering a lethal, magical horse race to save her father from debtor's prison and reclaim her family's legacy. While the setting is a high-stakes fantasy world, the core emotional pulse is about resilience, the ethics of survival, and the complicated nature of loyalty. Parents should note that while it features a pulse-pounding competition, the narrative deeply explores themes of Jewish-inspired cultural identity and the sacrifices made for family. It is a sophisticated read for ages 14 and up, blending dark atmosphere with a fierce, determined protagonist who refuses to give up when the odds are stacked against her.
