A Gathering of Shadows

Reach for this book when your teen is grappling with the heavy weight of expectations or the lingering guilt of past mistakes. It is a sophisticated pick for the adolescent who feels trapped by their current circumstances and is looking for a way to reinvent themselves without losing their sense of loyalty to the people they love. The story follows Kell and Lila through a high stakes magical tournament in a lushly imagined London, but the real heart of the book lies in their internal struggles with identity and independence. While the plot moves with the speed of an adventure novel, it offers profound opportunities to discuss how we carry our burdens and how we choose who we want to become. It is best suited for older teens due to its complex themes of sacrifice and some intense action sequences. Parents will appreciate the way it validates the messy, non linear process of growing up and making amends.