The Black Prism

Reach for this book when your teenager is navigating a complex relationship with their father or feeling the pressure of an uncertain future. While it is an epic fantasy, it centers on Kip, a young man who discovers his father is the most powerful person in the world, a man he has never known. This story speaks to the emotional weight of living up to a legacy and the discovery of family secrets that change one's identity. Parents should choose this for readers who enjoy high-stakes adventure but are also ready to explore themes of moral ambiguity, the burden of power, and the complicated nature of heroism. It is a mature fantasy for older teens, dealing with war and social hierarchy, but ultimately focuses on a young man finding his own worth in the shadow of a legend.