Prisoner of the Iron Tower (Tears of Artamon, #2)

A parent might reach for this book when their teenager is struggling with their identity after a major life change, or feeling like the person they once were has disappeared. It is a powerful metaphor for the 'loss of self' that often accompanies mental health struggles or the weight of heavy expectations. This epic fantasy follows Gavril, a young man who has lost his supernatural powers and is now imprisoned in an asylum, labeled as mad by a power-hungry emperor. While it is a story of magic and dragons, it deeply explores the emotional fallout of feeling broken and the resilience required to maintain one's humanity when others try to strip it away. It is best suited for older teens who enjoy complex world-building and are ready to discuss themes of power, sanity, and the blurry line between good and evil.