2022
WISE Score
Amazon
A Ghibli-esque quest where a girl turns into a demon and finds out that being 'ladylike' was the real curse all along.
4.4
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Think Spirited Away if it had a bit more teeth and a feminist backbone. It’s a gorgeous, imaginative ride through a world of gods and monsters, but it doesn't shy away from the ugliness of how the world treats girls who don't follow the rules.
It’s a fantastic read for a teen ready for heavier themes, but maybe skip it for the 10-year-old who just wants a cute story about magic. The physical and emotional stakes are high, and the payoff is earned, not given.
Best for 13 and up. The 'attempted rape' tag is the big decider here—it's a heavy moment that requires a bit more maturity than your average middle-school dragon book.
It's a solid hero's journey about reclaiming agency, but the emotional and physical toll on the protagonist is heavy. It's less 'feel-good' and more 'grit-and-growth.'
The world-building is top-tier. It's a lush, Japanese-inspired realm filled with thieving magpie spirits, feral gods, and clever demons that feels fresh and vivid.
While a book is generally 'safe,' this contains a scene of attempted sexual assault and visceral physical violence that would be a shock for a younger or sensitive reader.
Fantastic exploration of consent, societal expectations for women, and class oppression. It's a book that actually gives teens something to chew on regarding their own voice.
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