Wings of Ember

Reach for this book when your middle-schooler is navigating the friction between their personal goals and their family loyalty. It is an ideal choice for children who feel the weight of past mistakes or struggle with the pressure to succeed in a competitive environment. The story follows cousins Dayne and Nalada as they join an elite magical force, only to find their friendship tested by a kidnapping and a city-wide conspiracy. Through the lens of high fantasy, the book explores how two people can love the same person but want very different things for their future. It is age-appropriate for readers 10-14, offering a sophisticated look at justice, institutional power, and the complex path to redemption without being overly dark. You might choose this to help a child process why friends or family members sometimes drift apart as they grow up.