This is Marie Lu stepping away from her dystopian action roots (Legend series) to deliver something quieter, more literary, and emotionally complex. It's a beautiful book—lyrical, historically grounded, and deeply empathetic to Nannerl's plight.

The magic is subtle, almost dreamlike, which works perfectly for a story about childhood imagination colliding with adult reality. Lu doesn't sugarcoat the injustice Nannerl faced, and that's what gives the book its power. It's heartbreaking in the best way.

That said, this isn't a fast read. If your kid needs constant plot twists and action, they might bounce off it. But for readers who love rich prose, historical settings, and characters who wrestle with big, unfair questions, this is a gem. It's also a great entry point for discussing women's history and the arts.

Solid 4.3 stars on Amazon tracks—it's well-loved by its audience, but it's not for everyone. If your teen devoured The Book Thief or Code Name Verity, hand them this.