This powerful and timely novel is an absolute must-read! Raw, heartfelt, and laced with supernatural thrills, it deftly tackles the real struggles of being trans in a world that doesn’t always understand. I really cannot imagine better trans representation that feels like how ACTUAL trans tweens in 2024 speak to each other, and what they experience when their families are against them. And of course, the magic element is perfect for making it more digestible. Truly inspiring, and I will be purchasing this for the trans tweens in my life.

This was such an adventurous book. The pacing was really good and it helped keep the story moving and the character development on a nice progression. I loved following these characters and seeing them fall and rise again to achieve their mission. It was a fun story and it was a great world that the reader is brought into. Lukoff balanced character and plot so well that the story is well rounded and a great read.

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really, really wanted to like this. I mean, it sounded like a fun read - a trans boy who struggles against a conversion camp? I was hoping it would be somewhat like Surrender Your Sons, if perhaps a bit lighter.

Unfortunately, this book failed to reach my expectations. I debated giving it two stars, but near the end I simply skimmed, and the ending was lackluster. I considered DNF'ing at 80%, but continued simply because I was too far into the book to stop.

The characters talk somewhat stiltedly, at times - certain sections of this book remind me more of an article than a story. It almost comes off as preachy at some points - not because of its morals and beliefs, but because of how they are presented.

A was an obnoxious main character to follow, and while that was intentional, his flaws were not well balanced with things that would endear me to him. He's bullheaded and has a hero complex, while also being ignorant and resistant to change. A goes through a lot, but at times I felt like it was a challenge to empathize with him because he simply wouldn't listen or examine his biases until the very end, and even then, his redemption arc was less that, and more of him simply not being selfish anymore. He apologized, sure, but it wasn't enough for me.

I recognize this can simply be how kids are, and that it's a good thing to have all sorts of trans people in media, including ones that are obnoxious, but that doesn't stop me from being annoyed by him, either. He is manipulative and selfish. And while that is a part of the story, a component of the plot, it was also simply not fun to read.

The story itself is rather slow paced, despite being relatively short. It felt like it was dragging several times.


I am not the core audience - this books is marketed to middle graders, and I do think that if I had had it as a kid, this would perhaps have appealed more. Or maybe not - I may have very well been as annoyed by the main character as I am today, and unenthused by the mid pacing. I can't really say.

This is a good book for a kid who is just being introduced to trans issues, especially if they're swept up into the inter-community fights. It would also be good for a kid whose empathy is poorly developed.

Other than that? I can't say I'd recommend this with my full heart, or perhaps at all unfortunately.

I cannot tell you how badly I wish I had this book when I was younger. Even now, at the age of 31, the stuff A went through impacted me so much I teared up multiple times. This representation is so important, and to do it in a way so that trans kids can see themselves on a grand adventure that so many cis characters get to go on is wonderful. This book was fun, complex, well written and so so important. Thank you.