The Sapling Cage

By: Margaret Killjoy

Narrated by: Jackie Meloche

In the gripping first novel in the Daughters of the Empty Throne trilogy, author Margaret Killjoy spins a tale of earth magic, power struggle, and self-invention in an own-voices story of trans witchcraft.

Lorel has always dreamed of becoming a witchlearning magic, fighting monsters, and exploring the world beyond the small town where she and her mother run the stables. Even though a strange plague is killing the trees in the Kingdom of Cekon and witches are being blamed for it, Lorel wants nothing more than to join them. Theres only one problem: all witches are women, and she was born a boy.

When the coven comes to claim her best friend, Lorel disguises herself in a dress and joins in her friends place, leaving home and her old self behind. She soon discovers the dark powers threatening the kingdom: a magical blight scars the land, and the power-mad Duchess Helte is crushing everything between her and the crown. In spite of these dangers, Lorel makes friends and begins learning magic from the powerful witches in her coven. However, she fears that her new friends and mentors will find out her secret and kick her out of the coven, or worse.

The magic system follows rules of actual magic and has amazing diversity

This book is one of my favorite fantasy novels. And I am excitedly awaiting the sequel. This is honestly one of the most enjoyable magical books.

rarely a dull moment

very enjoyable story, very apt narration, cool audio effects. will happily pre order the 2nd book.

cannot wait for more

Seriously, Magpie, when is the next one?!?

WE NEEDS IT. WE NEEDS IT PRECIOUS, YES WE DO.

Wonderful

I just loved it so much. Can't wait for the next book and to follow Laurel and her friends wherever they go

Fantasy manifesting a special coming of age

I looked up the book because I listen to the authors podcasts, and I was not sure what to expect, but I am glad I did. The girl born in a boys body struggles, and the witches and setting and dangers in the world around her grows out of and reflects those of her inner growth in a way that is somehow both dark and wierdly cute. The reflecting inner and puter world tells illusive truths that amount to more than the parts. That makes this book much more than a fantasy escape for those with a similar journey.
Not crazy about the narrator, but it worked.