For young adults navigating complex social structures and searching for their place, this story explores the power of friendship, rebellion, and finding strength in unexpected places.
A parent might reach for this book when their teen is fascinated by complex social dynamics and is learning to navigate systems where they feel underestimated. It's perfect for a reader ready to move beyond simple good-versus-evil stories. The book follows Aly, a young spymaster, as she orchestrates a rebellion to restore a native queen to her throne. It masterfully explores themes of justice, leadership, loyalty, and the difficult, morally gray choices required to fight for freedom. While it contains violence and mature themes appropriate for older teens, it champions intelligence, strategy, and a strong, resourceful female protagonist who forges her own powerful identity separate from her famous parents.
Protagonists make ethically complex and sometimes ruthless choices to achieve their goals.
Romantic ContentMild
A romantic relationship develops and is implied to be sexual, but without explicit detail.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with death and violence as unavoidable consequences of war and rebellion, including assassinations and battle casualties. The resolution is hopeful but realistic about the costs of conflict. It also explores themes of colonialism and racial discrimination through the Raka/Luarin conflict in a direct, secular manner. The theme of identity is central, as Aly carves out her own path distinct from her legendary parents. Moral ambiguity is a key feature; the protagonists make ruthless decisions to achieve their goals, prompting readers to consider the ethics of their actions.
Ideal Reader
The ideal reader is a teen, 14-18, who enjoys intricate political fantasy and strategic thinking. They are ready for morally complex characters and appreciate a protagonist who relies on intelligence and cunning over brute force. This reader is likely grappling with their own place in the world, feels underestimated, and is drawn to stories about dismantling unjust power structures from the inside.
Parent Prep
This book is the second in a duology and should be read after "Trickster's Choice" for context. Parents should be prepared for depictions of violence, war, and assassination. There is a romantic subplot that becomes a non-explicit sexual relationship. The most important preparation is being ready to discuss the moral ambiguity of Aly's choices. For example, her use of blackmail and manipulation for the greater good is a central theme. A parent might notice their teen expressing frustration with systemic injustice, whether at school or in the wider world. The teen might be questioning authority, showing an interest in history or political strategy, and feeling that 'doing the right thing' is more complicated than it's made out to be.
Age Experience
A younger teen (13-14) will likely be captivated by the adventure, spycraft, the unique magic system (especially the talking crows), and the romance. An older teen (15-18) is more likely to engage with the sophisticated political maneuvering, the themes of colonialism, the ethics of war, and Aly’s complex journey of self-definition as a leader.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many YA fantasies focused on a prophesied hero or a powerful mage, this book's strength lies in its depiction of intelligence work. It's a masterclass in espionage, logistics, and leadership. The protagonist's power comes from her ability to gather information, manage people, and think ten steps ahead, making it a standout story about strategy and the nuanced realities of revolution.
Read plot summary
This is the second book in the Trickster's Choice duology. Aly, daughter of the famous knight Alanna, continues her role as spymaster for the Raka, the indigenous people of the Copper Isles. She builds and manages a complex network of spies from all levels of society to orchestrate a full-scale rebellion against the oppressive Luarin colonizers. Her goal is to place the young Raka heiress, Sarai, on the throne. The plot focuses on the intricate strategies, personal sacrifices, and moral compromises inherent in espionage and revolution.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Aly frequently uses people's secrets against them for the good of the rebellion. Do you think her actions are justified? Is there a line she shouldn't have crossed?
2
Nawat, the crow-turned-man, often provides an outsider's perspective on human behavior. How did his observations about loyalty, family, and fighting change the way you saw the events of the story?
3
Compare Aly's leadership style to that of other characters, like Sarai or the adults around them. What makes Aly such an effective, if unconventional, leader?
4
The story deals with a rebellion against colonizers. How does the book show the long-term effects of the Luarin occupation on Raka culture and people, even the ones who are not fighting?
