Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Themes
Synopsis
At the edge of the known world, an ancient nomadic tribe faces a new enemy – an empire fueled by technology and war. A young spiritwalker of the Aniw and a captain in the Ciracusan army both find themselves unexpectedly thrown together, the Aniw girl a prisoner taken from her people, the soldier a reluctant student of a forbidden talent – one that may turn the tide of the war and will surely brand him an outcast. From the rippling curtains of light in an Arctic sky, to the gaslit cobbled streets of the city, war is coming to the frozen north. Two people have a choice that will decide the fates of nations – and may cast them into a darkness that threatens to bring destruction to both their peoples. (from the back cover)
Is The Gaslight Dogs appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 16 and up.
This fantasy novel explores colonialism and war through the perspectives of a captured indigenous spiritwalker and a soldier learning forbidden magic. Moderate violence related to military conflict and cultural oppression; no sexual content or strong language.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include captivity, war, and cultural erasure (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens will appreciate the clash between ancient traditions and imperial ambition, plus the unlikely partnership between two people from opposing sides of a war.