This is a powerhouse YA fantasy debut that deserves its hype—Adeyemi's worldbuilding is gorgeous, the cultural representation is important, and the story tackles big questions about power and justice. But let's be clear: this is not a gentle read.

The violence is real and sometimes graphic. The emotional weight is heavy. A mother is murdered, genocide is central to the plot, and the protagonist grapples with trauma throughout. Multiple parent reviewers compare it to an R-rated movie, and that tracks.

If your teen is 14+ and ready for intense content, this is a rich, engaging read that will stick with them. The audiobook narration is spectacular. But if they're sensitive to violence or prefer lighter fare, wait a year or two. This is fantasy with teeth.