Shadow Scale

Reach for this book when your teen is struggling with the pressure of high expectations or the feeling of being caught between two different worlds. It is an ideal pick for the young person who feels they must mask parts of their identity to fit in, or who is beginning to realize that the adults in their life are complex and flawed. Through a rich, sophisticated lens, it explores the nuance of belonging and the bravery required to be a bridge-builder in a divided society. Following the events of Seraphina, this sequel finds our protagonist traveling across lands to find others like her: dragon-human hybrids who are being hunted or manipulated. While the setting is a high-fantasy world of dragons and courtly intrigue, the emotional core is deeply relatable for adolescents. It navigates themes of self-actualization, the ethics of power, and the weight of legacy. Due to some mature political themes and moments of peril, it is best suited for readers aged 12 and up who enjoy immersive storytelling and complex moral dilemmas.