About This Book
Reach for this book when your teenager is struggling with the weight of expectations or feels like they must hide a core part of their identity to remain safe within their social circle or family. It is a powerful metaphor for the 'double life' many teens lead as they navigate the pressure to perform while protecting their inner selves. The story follows Alissa, a girl born into a family of magic-hunters who secretly possesses the very magic they despise. As she enters a cutthroat royal court, she must decide who to trust: a charming but ruthless prince or a mysterious outsider. While it features romantic tension and courtly intrigue, the heart of the story is Alissa's journey toward self-acceptance and the courage to stop hiding. This is an ideal pick for older teens who enjoy high-stakes fantasy with a focus on emotional complexity and the nuances of moral gray areas.
