The Golem's Eye

Reach for this book when your child is starting to navigate the messy reality of authority and the realization that leaders are not always heroes. It is perfect for the adolescent who feels the pressure to succeed but is beginning to question the cost of that success. Set in an alternate London where magicians rule as a cynical elite, the story follows Nathaniel, a rising star in the government, and Kitty, a rebel fighting against his system. As an ancient golem begins destroying the city, the two must face the consequences of their choices. This is a sophisticated look at moral ambiguity and the weight of responsibility. Through the dry, sarcastic wit of the djinni Bartimaeus, the book explores how power can corrupt even those with good intentions. It is an excellent choice for 10 to 15 year olds who enjoy complex world-building and stories that do not offer easy answers about right and wrong. Parents will appreciate how it encourages critical thinking about social structures and personal integrity.