Families who loved An Assassin's Guide to Love and Treason by Virginia Boecker often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent might reach for this book when their teenager is exploring the complexities of identity, the weight of family legacy, or the moral gray areas of standing up for one's convictions. Set in the high stakes world of Elizabethan London, the story follows Lady Katherine, who disguises herself as a boy to infiltrate the Queen's inner circle and avenge her father's death. It is a sophisticated exploration of grief, religious persecution, and the discovery of one's true self amidst a web of lies. While the book features a thrilling assassination plot and a romance with a secret spy, its emotional core rests on the tension between who we are told to be and who we choose to become. It is developmentally appropriate for ages 13 and up, offering a safe space to discuss how loyalty to family can sometimes conflict with personal ethics. Parents will appreciate the rich historical detail and the way it handles heavy themes like loss and betrayal with nuance and hope.
