The Return

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is grappling with the weight of past mistakes or struggling to believe they deserve a second chance at being a good person. While the story is wrapped in a high stakes Greek mythology setting, the core of the narrative focuses on Seth, a young man burdened by guilt, and Josie, a girl who must suddenly find her own strength when her identity is upended. It addresses how young adults navigate intense, life altering responsibility and the complicated nature of first love when trust is difficult to earn. This novel is best suited for older teens due to its mature themes, including moderate violence and high heat romantic tension. It provides a valuable platform for discussing redemption, as Seth moves from a path of self destruction toward one of protection and service. Parents can use this book to validate the intensity of teenage emotions while opening a dialogue about how our choices, rather than our pasts, define who we become.