A parent might reach for this book when their child feels like the odd one out in their family or friend group, struggling to find where they belong. In a world of people who can control the wind, Mae has no magic. She is an outsider in her own community, overshadowed by her powerful twin sister. But when a mysterious illness begins to drain her people of their powers, Mae's unique and forbidden affinity for technology might be the only thing that can save them. This fantasy adventure is perfect for readers who feel different, highlighting themes of self-acceptance, loneliness, and the bravery it takes to embrace your own unique talents. It shows that strength comes in many forms, not just the most obvious ones.
The protagonist grapples with strong feelings of loneliness and being an outcast.
Sensitive Topics
The core theme is feeling inadequate or being an outsider, which serves as a metaphor for any child who feels different from their peers or family. The approach is direct within the fantasy setting. The community's prejudice against technology and Mae's skills is a form of discrimination. The resolution is hopeful, as Mae's unique abilities are ultimately recognized as valuable and necessary for survival.
Ideal Reader
A 10 to 12-year-old who loves fantasy but feels overshadowed by a sibling or friend. It's particularly good for a child whose interests (like coding, science, or building things) differ from those of their family, and who needs to see those skills validated as a kind of superpower in their own right.
Parent Prep
The book can be read cold, but parents should know it is the second in the Dark Star series. While it functions as a standalone, some character relationships are more established in the first book. The central conflict of magic versus technology is a great conversation starter about tradition versus innovation. A parent hears their child say, "Everyone else is so good at sports/art/music, but I'm not," or expresses frustration that their unique hobbies are not seen as important or cool as others'. The child feels like their talents don't count.
Age Experience
A younger reader (9-10) will be drawn to the magical elements, the mystery of the illness, and the adventure plot. An older reader (11-13) will connect more deeply with Mae's internal struggle for identity, her complex sibling rivalry, and the story's message about challenging societal prejudice.
What Makes It Special
Many fantasy novels feature a protagonist who discovers a hidden, powerful magic. This book's strength is that the protagonist's power comes from her *lack* of traditional magic. It champions logic, science, and technology as equally formidable forces, offering a powerful and unique message of validation for kids with STEM interests within a fantasy framework.
Read plot summary
In an isolated community of Aerists, people with the power to manipulate air, Mae is an anomaly. She lacks the magic her twin sister Zasha has in spades, but she possesses a rare and illegal affinity for technology. When a mysterious illness sweeps through the community, draining the Aerists of their magic and leaving them vulnerable, Mae must defy her people's laws. She works in secret, using her technical skills to investigate the plague's origin, uncovering a conspiracy that threatens everyone she loves.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
The Aerists fear and have outlawed technology. Why do you think people are sometimes afraid of new ideas or things they don't understand?
2
Mae feels like she lives in the shadow of her powerful twin, Zasha. How does their relationship begin to change when Zasha gets sick and needs Mae's unique help?
3
Mae's friendship with Justin, an outsider with no magic, helps her see herself differently. How can friends help us see the best in ourselves?
4
If you had to choose, would you rather have magic like the Aerists or a special skill for technology like Mae? Explain your choice.
