Malice

Reach for this book when your teenager is navigating the transition from childhood innocence to the complex realities of the adult world. It is a powerful tool for those wrestling with the weight of expectations and the discovery that mentors and leaders are not always who they seem. Through the eyes of young Corban, who must find his courage while training for a war he never wanted, the story explores the heavy price of loyalty and the necessity of standing firm in one's values when the surrounding world begins to darken. While the setting is a traditional high fantasy world filled with giants and ancient prophecies, the emotional core is deeply grounded in the teenage experience of finding one's identity amidst external pressure. Parents will appreciate how it handles themes of friendship, honor, and the moral ambiguity of power. Due to its visceral descriptions of battle and betrayal, it is best suited for mature teens (14+) who are ready for a serious, long-form epic that doesn't shy away from the consequences of violence.