The Sapling Cage

Daughters of the Empty Throne, Book 1

De: Margaret Killjoy

Narrado por: 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 witch—learning 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. There’s 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 friend’s 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.

©2024 Margaret Killjoy (P)2024 Dreamscape Lore

I love the characters and the easy flow of the story. And, I loved Laurel's internal journey as much as her outer journey.

I was emotionally invested in this magical story and I didn't want it to end.

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.

A Fantastic Story Told by a Fantastic Storyteller

I recommend everyone read anything and everything Margaret Killjoy has put out. This work especially illuminates so many of the emotions of being a young trans person in a beautiful way alongside world building that would make Terry Pratchett proud. I have been listening with my kids and they love it too--even if I have to explain some things afterward. Easily one of the top five books I've read this year.

Unique story in the fantasy genre

Uniquely well written, I enjoyed this all the way through and can’t wait for the next book in the series. If you like fantasy, and you’re tired of the protagonist being effectively all power, this is for you!

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.

Hits all the genre tropes with flair and originality

Magpie doesn’t as much subvert as mutate the tropes of high fantasy. It is a thoughtful love letter to the classics, and a much needed update to their values and worldview. Her prose is precise,but isn’t afraid to be poetic at times. The politics are overt without feeling overbearing. The ruminations on coming out and considerations on transitioning were compelling,even to this het-cis dude. Can’t wait for the next book.

Good range and dynamics on the narrator. Hope she does the next one too!

Wonderfully fantastic, yet very human.

Margeret builds a wonderfully unic world, and a story with themes that is very relevant, yet presentet in a way, where it never seemes forced. I can warmly recormend this book

Heartwarming and whimsical

The pacing is steady and the world is lush. This story weaves gender diversity and transgender experiences beautifully into the story.