Wench

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is struggling with a sense of displacement or the feeling that their future is being dictated by circumstances beyond their control. It is an ideal pick for a young person navigating the transition from childhood security to adult responsibility, especially if they have recently experienced a loss of a guardian or a shift in socioeconomic status. The story follows Tanya, a tavern girl who loses her home and sets out on an arduous journey to claim what she believes she is owed, discovering her own untapped power along the way. While set in a vibrant fantasy world, the core of the book is about resilience, self-worth, and the grit required to stand up to systems that overlook the 'common' person. It is appropriate for mid-to-late teens due to some mature language and intense action, offering a powerful metaphor for finding one's voice in a world that often ignores it.