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The Sapling Cage
Daughters of the Empty Throne #1
Margaret Killjoy

I had heard The Sapling Cage described as a "trans version" of [wizard stories written by a bigot], but that does this book a disservice. They have next to nothing in common.

Knowing a bit about the author, I can see so much of her fascinating life reflected in this story. A deep respect for the outdoors, scrappy travels through the wilderness, outright disdain of oppressive authorities.

I appreciate how this story is indeed about a trans witch girl, but it's not about her being trans. It absolutely talks about it, and it is indeed a major part of her life, thoughts, and story, but ultimately she is still just a person like everyone else.

For a story about witches, it certainly withholds a lot of magic from the protagonist's (and the reader's) view. We're left to speculate on many things, but every glimpse we are given of magic -- and its serious, often quite visible and physical costs -- is impactful.

This book is a pretty steady ride all the way through, never reaching super high highs, but also never hitting super low lows. There is plenty of tension and relief, but it never really shook me in one way or another. It's gonna be painful to wait for each book in this series, but I am very excited to see it continue.