For teens exploring their identity and challenging powerful forces, this book weaves a tale of forbidden love and dangerous magic in an alternate Elizabethan England.
A parent might reach for this book when their teen is exploring a complex identity and feels like an outsider, especially for readers craving powerful Black representation in fantasy. Set in an alternate Elizabethan England, the story follows Joan, a 16-year-old Black fencer with the secret, Fae-touched ability to manipulate metal. She is pulled into a world of courtly intrigue and spies when she is conscripted by the playwright Christopher Marlowe. The book beautifully explores themes of self-confidence, identity, loyalty, and justice. Appropriate for ages 13 and up, this is a fantastic choice for its unique blend of history and magic, offering a story of resistance and empowerment that opens conversations about race, power, and finding strength in what makes you different.
Protagonist and her community face direct and systemic racism and prejudice.
Romantic ContentMild
The story includes kissing and a developing romantic relationship.
Character DeathMild
Some secondary characters are killed in fights or as part of the plot.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with racism, classism, and prejudice. These are not metaphorical, but are integral, historical realities for the Black characters in the story. Joan's bisexuality is also presented directly and accepted within her community. The violence is primarily fantasy-based (sword fighting, magical attacks) and not overly graphic. The resolution is hopeful for the main character's journey but realistically acknowledges that the larger societal struggles are ongoing.
Ideal Reader
A teen, 14-17, who loves historical fantasy and is looking for protagonists who challenge the status quo. Perfect for a reader who enjoyed the world-building of "Legendborn" or the historical adventure of "The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue," and who is hungry for a powerful, intersectional Black heroine in a European historical setting.
Parent Prep
Parents should be prepared to discuss historical racism and prejudice, which the book depicts frankly. There are scenes of sword violence and magical peril. The romance involves kissing and intense feelings but no explicit content. The book stands on its own, but a basic familiarity with the Elizabethan era or Shakespeare could enrich the reading experience. A parent might have just heard their teen express frustration with the lack of diversity in fantasy novels or historical fiction they're assigned in school. The trigger could also be a teen's personal exploration of their own cultural identity or feeling like they have to hide parts of themselves to be accepted.
Age Experience
A younger teen (13-14) will likely connect most with the adventure plot, the unique magic system, and the romance. An older teen (15-18) will more deeply appreciate the layered social commentary, the examination of intersectional identity, and the clever weaving of historical figures and events into a fantasy narrative.
What Makes It Special
Its unique strength lies in placing a powerful Black, queer, female protagonist at the center of a re-imagined Elizabethan London, blending real historical figures with a Yoruba-inspired magic system. This specific combination is refreshingly original and offers a vital perspective rarely seen in the genre.
Read plot summary
Joan, a sixteen-year-old Black, bisexual fencer in an alternate Elizabethan London, is secretly Fae-touched (an Orisha) with the power to manipulate metal. Her abilities draw the attention of Christopher "Kit" Marlowe, who forces her into his spy ring. Joan must navigate dangerous court intrigue, protect her twin brother and community, and survive the threat of a rival Fae court that hunts her kind, all while developing feelings for a mysterious fellow artist in Marlowe's circle.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Joan must hide many parts of her identity: her Orisha magic, her bisexuality, and her true fighting skill. How do these secrets protect her, and how do they hold her back?
2
The story features real historical figures like Christopher Marlowe. How does blending real history with fantasy change the way you think about that time period?
3
Joan's magic is tied to metal and craftsmanship. Why do you think the author chose this specific type of power for her, and what does it say about her character and community?
4
Discuss the differences between the Fae Court of the Light and Joan's community. What do their different approaches to magic and power reveal about their values?
5
At several points, Joan is forced to choose between her personal safety and the well-being of her community. What would you have done in her position during the confrontation at the forge?
