For readers grappling with harsh societal rules and the courage to fight for justice, this book explores challenging choices and the power of resilience.
Reach for this book when your teen is exploring themes of social justice, cultural identity, and what it means to fight for a better world, even when the personal cost is high. Buried Heart is the second installment in a high-fantasy series about Jes, a young woman of mixed heritage caught between two warring cultures. After a stunning victory in a dangerous athletic competition, she is forced into the ruling class, separating her from her family and thrusting her into a secret rebellion against an oppressive regime. The story masterfully explores resilience, the fight for justice, and finding one's identity amidst societal pressure. It's a compelling choice for older teens (14+) ready for morally complex characters and a story that examines the harsh realities of challenging systemic discrimination.
A central theme is systemic classism and racism against the protagonist and her people.
Character DeathModerate
Several characters, including some significant ones, are killed as a result of the conflict.
Sad ThemesModerate
Deals with family separation, grief, oppression, and the high personal cost of rebellion.
Sensitive Topics
Systemic racism and classism are direct, central themes, not metaphors. The narrative unflinchingly explores the protagonist's experience with prejudice and the societal structures that perpetuate it. Violence, injury, and character death are significant and treated as realistic consequences of revolution and war. The book's resolution is hopeful but not final, as it serves to escalate the central conflict for the final book in the trilogy.
Ideal Reader
A teen, 15-18, who is passionate about social justice and enjoys intricate world-building and political fantasy. This reader is ready for morally gray characters who make difficult choices for a greater cause and appreciates a strong, athletic female protagonist whose power comes from skill and intellect, not magic.
Parent Prep
Reading the first book, *Court of Fives*, is essential for understanding the plot and characters. Parents should be prepared for discussions about the ethics of rebellion, the nature of prejudice, and the concept that sometimes doing the right thing involves breaking the rules. The political landscape is complex, so it's a book that rewards attentive reading. A parent notices their teen expressing frustration with unfairness, either in the world or in their own lives. The teen might be questioning authority, showing interest in activism, or feeling like they don't quite fit into any single social group.
Age Experience
A younger teen (14-15) will likely be captivated by the adventure, the high-stakes political spying, and the forbidden romance. An older teen (16-18) will more deeply appreciate the nuances of the sociopolitical commentary on class, race, and colonialism, and the moral complexity of the characters' decisions.
What Makes It Special
This book stands out for its unique, Greco-Roman and Egyptian-inspired world, which provides a fresh setting for its exploration of classic themes. Unlike many YA fantasies, the protagonist is not a chosen one with magical powers but a brilliant strategist and athlete whose success is earned through discipline and courage, making her journey feel grounded and empowering.
Read plot summary
This is the second book in the Court of Fives trilogy. Following her victory in the Fives, protagonist Jes, who is of mixed Commoner and Patron heritage, is forcibly elevated into the ruling class. This separates her from her beloved sisters and mother and plunges her into the heart of political intrigue. While navigating the treacherous Patron court, Jes becomes a key player in a burgeoning rebellion, leveraging her unique position and strategic mind to fight the oppressive regime from within, all while managing a complicated romance with a high-ranking Patron noble.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Jes is forced to adopt a Patron identity, which isolates her from her Commoner family. How does this forced assimilation affect her sense of self and her relationships? When have you ever felt caught between two different groups or expectations?
2
The book shows that fighting an unjust system might require breaking rules, lying, or even violence. Do you think the rebels' actions are justified? Discuss a moment where Jes's choice made you uncomfortable.
3
Lord Kalliarkos's family is on the opposite side of the conflict from Jes's. Do you think love can overcome such deep political and cultural divides? What challenges do they face that a normal couple would not?
4
Jes's greatest strength is her ability to think strategically. How does she use the rules of the Fives competition to plan her real-world political moves? Can you think of a specific example?
