These links show the original reading lists. Inclusion is not a guarantee of suitability for your child.
Aisling Fowler - Author
This is a fast-moving fantasy adventure centred on a fierce, guarded heroine. Expect a dangerous rescue journey, strange creatures, corrupted magic and evolving friendships, alongside a serious exploration of loss, guilt and anger.
Twelve gives up her birth name, trains under a pledge and later confronts what sort of person she wants to become.Exploratory / explanatoryExploratory / explanatory: the book explains or explores the subject without an established evaluative position.Exploratory / explanatory: the book explains or explores the subject without an established evaluative position.
How the book presents it: The story presents identity as something Twelve actively questions while her relationships and experiences develop.
Talk about: What does Twelve gain or lose by accepting the Lodge’s rules, and how does she decide who she is?
Grief, anger and friendship
Twelve begins as isolated and mistrustful, carrying grief and anger, then travels with companions she initially dislikes.Exploratory / explanatoryExploratory / explanatory: the book explains or explores the subject without an established evaluative position.Exploratory / explanatory: the book explains or explores the subject without an established evaluative position.
How the book presents it: The relationships are portrayed as changing through shared danger, with mutual respect and friendship emerging from initial friction.
Talk about: If grief and anger shape Twelve’s choices, what helps her respond differently as the group works together?
Courage and violence
Twelve is trained to fight monsters and undertakes a dangerous rescue when a child is taken from the Hunting Lodge.AmbiguousAmbiguous: the book leaves its position open to more than one reasonable reading.Ambiguous: the book leaves its position open to more than one reasonable reading.
How the book presents it: The book leaves its stance open to more than one reading.
Talk about: How does the story distinguish bravery from recklessness when Twelve decides whether to fight or rescue?
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Why It May Be Worth Reading
It may appeal to readers who enjoy perilous quests and imaginative worlds but also want characters to change through cooperation. Twelve’s movement from isolation towards connection gives the adventure an emotional centre.
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What Deserves Attention
Before choosing it, consider how the reader responds to frightening monsters, battles, dangerous escapes and emotionally painful memories. The story’s darkness is balanced by humour, loyalty and developing friendship.
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A Conversation Worth Having
How does Twelve’s understanding of strength change as she works with people she initially distrusts, and what does the story suggest about anger, grief and choosing one’s identity?
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Reading Approach
If frightening fantasy suits the reader, try reading this alongside them and pause after major encounters to discuss fear, loyalty and choices. The creatures and magical world also offer natural prompts for prediction.
Confidence & Basis
Theme indicators describe how the book presents a topic; they are not a verdict on the whole book or your family's values. Confidence reflects how much book-specific material was checked. Only part of the book information was available, so some details remain unconfirmed.
What remains unconfirmed
Identity and belonging: The ending and the full treatment of the Lodge’s authority are not established here.
Grief, anger and friendship: The precise circumstances and emotional aftermath of every loss are not established here.
Courage and violence: The consequences of the fights and the book’s overall moral view of violence remain unclear.
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