Trickster's Choice

Reach for this book when your teenager is struggling to define themselves in the shadow of high-achieving or overprotective parents. It is an ideal choice for the child who feels like their specific talents go unnoticed because they do not fit a traditional mold. The story follows Alianne, the daughter of a legendary knight, who rejects her mother's path of physical combat for the quieter, more analytical world of spying. When Aly is captured and sold into slavery in a foreign land, she must use her wits and observational skills to protect a family of exiled royals. The book explores heavy themes of autonomy, political ethics, and the systemic injustice of colonialism and slavery, all within a high-stakes fantasy setting. It is best suited for readers aged 12 and up who enjoy complex world-building and characters who win through strategy rather than just strength. Parents will appreciate how Aly learns to advocate for her own career choices while developing a mature understanding of her parents' perspectives.