This is solid middle-grade fantasy that actually has something to say. The premise—creative kids sent to die but actually rescued into a magical art school—is dark enough to feel real but hopeful enough to work for 10-year-olds.

The magic system is genuinely cool: kids learn to weaponize painting, sculpture, music, and other arts. It's Harry Potter meets The Hunger Games, but with more heart about what makes people valuable. The twin brothers on opposite sides create real tension, and the found-family vibe in Artimé is warm without being saccharine.

Parents should know the opening is legitimately heavy—the 'Purge' and threat of death in boiling oil will stick with kids, even though it's quickly subverted. There are battle sequences and peril throughout. But for kids ready for that level of intensity, this delivers both entertainment and substance about embracing who you are.

Reviewers note later books get repetitive, so maybe start with book one and see if your kid wants to continue. At 10-14, this hits the sweet spot of being exciting enough to keep pages turning while prompting real conversations about conformity, creativity, and what kind of society we want to build.