For teenagers navigating complicated friendships and discovering their unique strengths, this spellbinding urban fantasy explores the power of magic, loyalty, and standing up for what's right.
A parent might reach for this book when their teen is struggling with intense friendships or feeling the weight of new responsibilities. This sequel to All Our Hidden Gifts follows Maeve and her coven as they face a new threat: a charismatic, cult-like group of teens misusing their magic. The story deeply explores loyalty, the ethics of power, and what it means to lead when your friends disagree. For teens 14 and up, it’s a compelling urban fantasy that models resilience and tackles the complexities of standing up for what's right, even when it's hard.
Characters debate the ethics of using magic for control or punishment.
Rating EscalationMild
Themes and intensity are slightly elevated from the first book in the series.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with the concept of cults, coercion, and groupthink in a secular context. The resolution is hopeful, with the protagonists successfully exposing the danger. It also continues a direct and affirming exploration of queer identity (a main character is a lesbian, another is non-binary). The aftermath of past trauma and bullying is also addressed directly, with a focus on healing and community support.
Ideal Reader
A teen, 15-17, who enjoys character-driven urban fantasy and stories about found families. They are likely invested in the characters from the first book and appreciate realistic portrayals of complicated friendships. This reader is interested in moral questions about power, authority, and social justice, and will connect with the themes of leadership and loyalty.
Parent Prep
Reading the first book, *All Our Hidden Gifts*, is strongly recommended as this is a direct sequel and relies heavily on established character relationships and past events. Parents may want to preview scenes depicting magical violence, kidnapping, and the cult-like group's methods of psychological manipulation. A parent has a teen who is feeling social pressure from a new, intense group of friends, or a teen who feels responsible for solving everyone's problems. The parent might observe their child struggling with friendship dynamics or questioning who to trust.
Age Experience
A younger teen (14-15) will likely focus on the plot, the magic system, and the friendship drama. An older teen (16-18) will be more attuned to the nuanced social commentary on cults, the exploration of queer identities, and the complex ethical dilemmas the characters face regarding the use of their powers.
What Makes It Special
This book's primary differentiator is its focus on collective power versus a single 'chosen one'. It excels at portraying a realistic, messy, and supportive friend group where every member, magical or not, is essential. The authentic grounding in modern Irish culture and its seamless integration of queer characters are also significant strengths.
Read plot summary
This is the sequel to *All Our Hidden Gifts*. Protagonist Maeve and her coven of friends are learning to control their magical abilities when a new group, the Children of the Moon, emerges. Led by a charismatic figure, this group promises a magical utopia but uses coercive and dangerous methods. Maeve's own coven fractures under the pressure, with disagreements on how to handle the threat. The core conflict involves Maeve trying to expose the cult, protect her non-magical friends, and reunite her own group to fight back.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Lily struggles with the ethics of using her mind-reading powers. Do you think it's ever okay to invade someone's privacy, even to protect people? Where would you draw the line?
2
The Children of the Moon offer a sense of belonging to kids who feel like outsiders. Why do you think their message was so appealing to Aaron and others? What are the warning signs that a group might be more controlling than caring?
3
Maeve feels immense pressure to be the 'leader' and hold her friends together. How does this responsibility affect her choices and her friendships, especially with Roe and Lily? Have you ever felt that kind of pressure?
4
Roe, who has no magic, plays a crucial role in the story. What kind of power does Roe have? How does the book show that you don't need supernatural gifts to be strong and make a difference?
