Suitabook

Fireborn: Twelve and the Frozen Forest

Aisling Fowler

Reading: 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.
Themes: Identity and belonging: Twelve gives up her birth name, trains under a pledge and later confronts what sort of person she wants to become. The story presents identity as something Twelve actively questions while her relationships and experiences develop.
Grief, anger and friendship: Twelve begins as isolated and mistrustful, carrying grief and anger, then travels with companions she initially dislikes. The relationships are portrayed as changing through shared danger, with mutual respect and friendship emerging from initial friction.
Courage and violence: Twelve is trained to fight monsters and undertakes a dangerous rescue when a child is taken from the Hunting Lodge. The book leaves its stance open to more than one reading.
Worth knowing: 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.